Buying nutritional food on a limited budget

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Abstract

The Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program created a series of fact sheets on food and nutrition in response to increasing economic challenges among a variety of populations. "Shopping Tips to Stretch Your Food Dollar," offers applicable guidance to seniors living on a limited income and volunteers and national service members who are usually on a tight budget.

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Issue

Growing numbers of individuals and families are facing economic challenges and the problem of food insecurity. Consequently, they are often confronted with difficult choices in the areas of food and other basic necessities.

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Action

Follow these simple steps when shopping for food items:

Plan

  • Meals and snacks for several days in advance
  • Many different types of food for nutritional variety:
    • Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta
    • Vegetables and fruit
    • Milk, yogurt, and cheese
    • Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts

 

Check

  • Food you have on hand and what you will need
  • Newspaper ads for weekly specials
  • Coupons for items you use

 

Write

  • Grocery list
  • Sale price next to item on the list

 

Prepare

  • Take list and coupons
  • Avoid shopping when tired, hungry, or rushed
  • Decide whether to buy a convenience food or make it yourself

At the store

  • Stick to your list
  • Compare prices (store brands and sale items may not always be the best buy)
  • Check higher and lower shelves for less costly items

 

At home

  • Handle and store food properly to reduce waste

Convenience Foods

Some convenience foods can save time and money. These include:

  • Frozen juice concentrate
  • Pancake mix
  • Cake mix
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
Other convenience foods are expensive and save little time. These include:
  • Meat helpers
  • Seasoned rice mix
  • Some frozen dinners
  • Coating mix for meat and poultry
  • Salad dressing

 

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Context

The Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program (WNEP) is part of Family Living Programs, University of Wisconsin-Extension, and is the result of a partnership among federal, state, and county agencies. While each partner has a significant voice in the direction of the work, a major strength lies in the program's responsiveness to local issues. To meet diverse needs and to consider the widest range of available resources WNEP develops and implements community-based nutrition education programs, within the context of university research.

The University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension has created a series of fact sheets for low literacy audiences with limited backgrounds in nutrition education. Each easy-to-read illustrated fact sheet gives reliable, practical information on a single food or nutrition concept. Healthful, low cost recipes are included in most fact sheets to reinforce the concepts emphasized. Fact sheets provide information about making healthy food choices, stretching food dollars, safe food handling and helping parents to get their children to eat well. Some of the fact sheets are available in both English and Spanish versions.

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Outcome

The Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program
  • Encourages low income elderly, families, and youth to learn about nutrition through research-based education programs
  • Collaborates with community, state, and federal organizations in the design and implementation of nutrition education programs
  • Trains local leaders, volunteers, and agency staff in developing community nutrition education programs targeted at the economically poor
Empowers participants to:
  • Make food choices that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid
  • Manage their food resources and use thrifty shopping practices for nutritious foods
  • Use safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices

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Posted On

September 19, 2003

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For More Information

Laurie Boyce
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Family Living State Program Leader
637 Extension Building, 432 Lake Street
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: (608) 263-1095

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Resources

Other family living programs through University of Wisconsin-Extension include:

Families and Communities: creating strong families that serve as the foundation for community life by enhancing family relationships, parenting, child development and the community institutions that promote family well-being

Family Economics: helping families meet future needs while keeping pace with day-to-day expenses and addressing the basics of earning, spending, saving, investing, health care, and housing issues

Source Documents

Related Practices

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Related sites

Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program

Topic Areas

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