Shopping Tips for Your Shopping Trips
Go slow. If you take your time, you'll feel more relaxed. You'll also have more time to read food labels.
Stores are often least crowded midday on weekdays and late in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday and Sunday afternoons—and before major holidays and snowstorms--are the busiest times.
Take your list. Look it over before you leave for the store. Does it include food from all of the food groups? Click on Here's Your Shopping List for suggestions.
Save money. How much can you save this week? Here are some tips:
• Buy store brands. These products are usually cheaper than brand-name products.
• Clip coupons. Many stores will double and even triple manufacturers' coupons. Don't forget to look on-line for coupons, too.
• Use a store card. Store cards give you automatic savings at the checkout.
• Ask about senior discounts. Some stores offer discounts to seniors. Others offer certain hours when you can shop for less.
• Meet your new best friend - the produce manager. He or she may be able to sell you fruits and vegetables that are discounted because of slight cosmetic flaws. The produce manager can also make up smaller packages for you. If you only need two tomatoes, why buy five?
