Saving Money - Food Shopping (Part 1)

Shoppers Scrimp as Food Prices Rise

Does this recent news item seem all too familiar to you? If you're like most of America, it does. So how do you survive the crazed gas and grocery prices and still eat well? I've got some tips for you below.

Read your local sales papers.

Chances are, you receive a weekly deposit of grocery and drugstore sales papers, either in your mailbox or in your Sunday paper. If you don't, a Sunday paper is a good investment in order to get them. The Sunday paper is also a good place to look for jobs, cars and furniture bargains, as well as being one of the best places to find coupons.

If neither of these options work for you, try looking for the sales circulars online. Most large chains now post their weekly circulars on their websites.

Find your local fresh-food markets.

Farmer's markets and other fresh veggie options are a terrific way to save money. Buying the food fresh, local and in season helps you create healthier meals, and is often cheaper than even the best megamart sales. Both the USDA and Local Harvest offer lists of farmer's markets by state, and Sustainable Table tells you what's in season in your area.

Stay Tuned for Part 2!