Make a Plan

Making a plan before heading to the store can help you get organized, save money, and choose healthy options.

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How to Plan Weekly Meals

See What You Have

Plan around what you’ve got on hand to save money.

Write Down Your Meals
Writing out meal ideas saves you time later in the week. Consider coming up with two weeks of menus you can rotate through.
Write Down Recipes

Find new budget friendly recipes.

Think About Your Time
Plan simple menu ideas for busy days.
Plan To Use Leftovers

Make larger meals so you can enjoy leftovers later.

Make a Grocery List

Grocery lists save you time and money when shopping.

Keeping a Running List

Keep a running grocery list so you can easily add foods when you run out.

Fresh, Frozen & Canned

Plan for different forms of foods to save money and avoid food.

Nutritious Choices at Dollar-Type Stores

What if I shop at dollar-type stores? Which foods offer the most nutrition for my dollar?

Shopping at dollar-type stores doesn’t mean you have to give up nutrition.
In fact, there are plenty of options that offer a high nutritional value for your dollar.
Click on each section of the MyPlate to learn what foods you can often find at a dollar type store that fit in that section.

Coupons

As you plan your menu, consider coupons! Coupons can help save you money, but only if the coupon is for something you usually buy. 

  • Check the store-brand. Coupons for name brand items might be more expensive than the store brand.
  • Use store circulars and go online to look for coupons, sales, and store specials. 
  • For added savings, sign up for the store discount card or bonus card at your local supermarket.
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