30 ways in 30 days [part 3]

ways 21 - 30 on stretching your fruit and vegetable budget:

21. (not super applicable to all - sorry) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can be used to purchase vegetables

22. When trying new fruits and vegetables, buy in small amounts. Taste test before you change your list. (oh man, I struggle with that one).

23. Keep it simple. Buy dried beans, peas and lentils in their raw or uncooked form instead of the processed and packaged versions which cost more. (and here's how to cook them)

24. Avoid buying single servings. Small packages are often more expensive than buying in larger amounts. Freeze!

25. Shop at discount grocery stores. (BUY LOW!)

26. Shop at large grocery stores instead of small convenience stores when possible as their prices and variety differ greatly: cheaper and more.

27. To make many fresh fruits and vegetables last longer, store them in refrigerator or freezer soon after getting home.

28. Clearly label foods in the freezer and refrigerator with contents and date to stay with in a safe time frame.

29. Get creative! Make salsa from tomatoes and smoothies from your fruits. Find recipes at more matters.

30. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables in large bags to stretch your budget (ie green beans and blueberries). Avoid those with added sugar, salt or sauce.

source of 30 ways

30 ways in 30 days [part 2]

ways 11 - 20 on stretching your fruit and vegetable budget:

11. Homemade soup is a healthy and tasty way to use vegetables. Make a big batch and freeze leftovers.

12. Looks for sales and deals on fruits and vegetables at the grocery store or through coupons.

13. Cut your fruits and vegetables at home. Pre-cut produce can cost much more than whole fruits and vegetables (and can go bad faster as well).

14. Don't shop hungry. Eat a health snack before shopping so you stick to your budget and avoid spending f/v money on less healthy temptations.

15. Maximize your time and money. Cut coupons for foods (such as f/v) only on your list.

16. Canned fruits and vegetables will last a long time and can be a healthy side to meals. Choose canned vegetables that have no added salt and fruit canned in 100% fruit juice.

17. Fruit and vegetables freeze well and you can store them until you're ready to add them to a meal.

18. Pick your own at local farms. Late summer and early fall is a great time to pick your own fruits and vegetables.

19. Dried fruit lasts for a long time. It can be more expensive, however, so buy with friends and split the cost, or find access to a drier and dry fruits your self.

20. Store brands can be a cheaper choice for fruits and vegetables.

30 ways in 30 days

ways 1 - 10 on stretching your fruit and vegetable budget:

1. Calculate an appropriate Healthy Food Budget for your family. Use this easy calculator!

2. Cook enough for several meals and freeze leftovers.

3. Create a meal plan that uses similar fruits and vegetables in different ways. Make the most out of the produce you buy.

4. Buy fruits and vegetables in season at farmers' markets or at your grocery store

5. Grow your own vegetables. Invest a little, get a lot! Visit here for more information.

6. Mix it yourself. 100% juice from concentrate is often less expensive per serving than pre-bottled juice.

7. Minimize waste: only buy what you will eat!

8. Learn basic food math. With a food budget, decisions can be easier. Food math can help you decide if the watermelon or the bunch of grapes is a better buy.

9. Enjoy the comforts of home more often. Eating at restaurants increases the amount you spend on food. Include fruits and vegetables in quick, simple meals you prepare at home.

10. Be creative! To get the most out of your purchase, use fruits and vegetables in different ways. Here are some ways to liven up your fruits and veggies!