GREEN BAY (NBC 26) -- Many families in Northeast Wisconsin have lost income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, according to statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture, the cost of food is going up. The monthly cost for the department's food plansnow range from $380-$793 for a family of two and $585-$1332 for a family of four.
Associates at Festival Foods recently talked us through several steps that families can take to save money at the grocery store.
One way to reduce costs is to go meatless for some meals. The protein can be replaced by ingredients like beans, nuts, or eggs.
“Probably the best one is cans of tuna," Festival Foods customer service lead Sue Rouse said. "They go a long way, they’re packed with protein, and you can make mac and cheese, tuna melt, tuna helper. It goes a long way.”
Experts also recommend shopping for fruits and vegetables that are in season. That will help reduce costs and the food will be fresh.
Another strategy is to remember ads and coupons. Festival Foods and other stores will do weekly ads and daily specials, and many manufacturers also offer coupons that can save money on a wide array of foods.
Finally, remember what's already at home. Stretching out the ingredients in your pantry can help reduce trips to the store and get you thinking about creative ways to utilize ingredients into different meals.
