FOOD FACTS: Anybody who’s been to the grocery store lately knows
how much the prices are going up for everything from milk to
cereal, to soup and nuts – thanks, at least in part, to the rising
cost of gas, diesel fuel and other forms of energy.

How in the world are we supposed to keep up? Relax. Help is on
the way from Kathy DiGuiseppe, supervisor of Penn State Cooperative
Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in
Montgomery County.

Here’s some tips on getting the most for your money in the
grocery store:

– Create a food budget. “Take the time to figure out how much
money your budget allows for food each month, then divide your
monthly food budget by how many times you shop each month. Get cash
for the budgeted amount and take only that amount to the grocery
store,” Kathy suggests.

– Plan meals before you go to the grocery store. Write up a menu
of the meals and snacks you plan to prepare for the week, while
making sure they are affordable and fit your food budget. Once you
get there, stick to your list!

– Make a list of the food you will need to prepare your meals.
After checking the cupboards, review your menus and make a list to
take to the grocery store.

– Beware the end caps. Food on aisle “end caps” is attractively
displayed to entice shoppers to make additional purchases, but
these displays do not always feature sale items or bargains.

– Compare prices by using cost per unit of various foods. The
“unit price” usually is listed on the grocery shelf. The unit price
is the cost of the item per ounce, quart, gallon, pound or any
other unit of measure. Also compare forms of food. Buy a lower-cost
form of the food if it will do as well. Example: frozen green beans
if fresh are too expensive.

– Shop the grocery store ads and look for coupons. Remember to
use the coupons only on items you actually use, and avoid buying
items just because you have a coupon.

– Buy less expensive store brands instead of highly advertised
brands.

– Don’t shop on an empty stomach!