Budgeting and Meal Planning

1. Don’t shop too often
2. Make a shopping list the day before
3. Make a meal plan to figure out what ingredients you will need to make dinner
4. Buy items in bulk
5. Try to by less expensive cuts of meat
   1. Chicken
6. Eat before you shop
7. Check what is in your fridge and pantry before you shop
8. Use home brands –  these are found below eye level
9. Have a budget before going into the store e.g. I will spend $100 on food for the week
10. Keep a rough running total of how much you are spending at the shop
    1. Use a note pad and pen
    1. Calculator
11. Keep a list of your fridge and write down things immediately 
12. Make a pantry checklist
13. Keep your grocery recipes to keep track of spending
14. Cook a lot and freeze items for another nights dinner (spaghetti bolognas)
15. Look for specials at the supermarket
16. Prepare your grocery list by aisle
    1. Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese
    1. Breads and baked goods
    1. Vegetables
    1. Fruits
    1. Frozen
    1. Meat and Deli
    1. Sea food
    1. Paper and Plastic
    1. Canned goods
    1. Condiments and sauces
    1. Spices
    1. Cereal
    1. Snacks
    1. Health and Beauty

Storage Times for the Refrigerator and Freezer

These short but safe time limits for home-refrigerated foods will keep them from spoiling or becoming dangerous to eat. The guidelines for freezer storage are for quality only. Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely.

For storage times for eggs and foods made with eggs, see Egg Storage Chart.