Are you feeling sticker shock at the grocery store? I totally get it! On my last grocery run, I paid a whopping $99.57 for just three bags of groceries, even though I bought very little meat and I was only buying for 2.
The grocery bill for an average family of four has increased by $89.00 to $131.00 per month compared to the previous year. This increase in grocery expenses has been highlighted in a recent report by the USDA. As per the report, in January 2022, an average family of four spent between $958 to $1,445 per month on groceries. However, in January 2023, the same family is spending between $1,047 to $1,576 on groceries, according to the USDA.
Wow! That is a lot of money. With an 9% to 14% increase in your monthly grocery bill you may need to reassess your budget and spending habits to accommodate the rise in expenses. A few ways of doing this is by buying in bulk, buying store brands instead of name brands and using coupons.
But there is also a way to not only save money but also something good for the planet. That something is reducing your household food waste. Reducing household food waste can help you save hundreds of dollars at the grocery store each year, while also combating climate change by protecting the environment.
Reducing food waste can save a family money in several ways. First, it can help avoid overbuying and thus reduce grocery bills. Second, it can lead to more efficient meal planning and less eating out, which can also save money. Finally, reducing food waste can help make the most of leftovers, which can be repurposed into delicious new meals instead of being thrown away.
When food is wasted, it not only wastes the money spent on purchasing it but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from the decomposition process in landfills. By planning meals, storing food correctly, and using leftovers, you can reduce waste and save money while doing your part to protect the environment. Now that is what I call making "Lemons into Lemonade."
Get started by incorporating the following into your daily routine. It is little steps that can make a big difference.
Plan your meals and only buy what you need.
Store your food properly to extend its shelf life.
Freeze leftovers for future meals.
Use up ingredients that are about to expire in creative ways.
Get your whole family involved
Coming this Summer: The Food Waste Project: We're turning reducing your household food waste into a fun activity that the family can enjoy doing together. The Food Waste Project is a unique opportunity to save money, help the planet, and unite your family in an essential cause that will have a lasting impact and connect you to a community who cares about the future of our kids and the planet.
To keep updated on the Food Waste Project click here:
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