Low-income house budgets and food recipes aren’t just about what you can get out of your food stamp application. Here are a few USDA food budget pointers to help you prepare a weekly food budget get the best nutritional bang for your buck.
The first step in getting good food is knowing how to shop for it. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has some weekly food budget suggestions that can maximize your food stamp benefits. These pointers are some of the best advice you can get to achieve nutritious, budget cooking for your family.
Before shopping, make a list!
Budget is the key – once you know how much you can spend, you can base how much food you can actually buy. Consider how much fresh food you can consume before it spoilage sets in, and on the other end, it may be better to think more of frozen or stable shelf items if you don’t shop as often.
What’s in the cupboard
Check what you have and don’t have before going to the store – that way, you won’t overstock on any particular item, especially those that can spoil easily. Do check, too, if these food items can mix well with each other for nutritious and tasty meals. Remember, the goal is to keep your family healthy.
Recipes on a budget
Look for budget food recipes. Planning your meals can help you come up with a more balanced diet for your family – and a more economical one as well, since you’ll be able to plan your grocery list better. Choose budget cooking recipes that don’t require too many or too expensive ingredients.
Stick to your food stamp budget
Once you’re shopping, make sure that you’re not hungry – it’s easier to stick to your list if you don’t have impulse purchases. Compare various products and different brands; look at their nutrition value, too.
Fresh produce on your food stamps
When buying fresh fruits and vegetables go for the freshest and the one that’s in season – fresher food lasts longer, and they’re cheaper if they’re in season. The “freshness” rule applies to other food as well. On the other hand, bread products that are a day old can be considered – it’s the same nutrition at a lesser price. Just remember to buy only what you can eat before the sell-by date. Frozen and canned fruits are an option, too. Finally, Farmer’s Markets are the best place for fresh food and produce; more markets are accepting food stamps now.
Home storage
Once you get home, prepare your freezer and your refrigerator. Store what needs to be refrigerated or frozen immediately to keep food fresh and unspoiled. Use food with the earliest expiration dates or that spoils easily first.
Don’t forget the leftovers
There are many ways to maximize leftovers, from using them for new meals to possibly even whole “lazy day” dinners with the leftovers properly prepared.
About SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name of the Food Stamp Program. The change in name supports the new focus on healthy food and nutrition education, aside from providing food assistance to low-income families. Recent changes, such as the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, have made the program more accessible. About 28 million people benefit each month from the SNAP Program.
