HOUSTON – Grocery bills can add up quickly, but the Houston Food Bank says families can take several practical steps to make their food budgets go further.
Jennifer Da Silva, a Houston Food Bank representative, recommends planning ahead before heading to the store. Start by checking what you already have at home, then make a grocery list based on your budget and the meals you plan to prepare.
“Sometimes when you don’t know what you already have, you end up buying double,” Da Silva said. Checking your pantry and refrigerator can help prevent duplicate purchases and reduce food waste.
Choose store brands and compare prices
Store-brand products are often less expensive than national brands, Da Silva said. She recommends comparing prices on staples such as rice, beans, oats, fruits and vegetables.
Families can also sign up for store newsletters or loyalty programs to find weekly sales and plan purchases around discounted items.
Beans, frozen produce can stretch meals
Beans are an affordable source of fiber and protein, Da Silva said. Fruits and vegetables can also provide strong nutritional value at different price points.
Fresh, frozen and canned produce can all be part of a healthy diet. Frozen fruits and vegetables last longer and maintain much of their nutritional value, making them a practical option for families trying to avoid waste.
For canned vegetables, look for products labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added,” and rinse them before eating. For canned fruit, De Silva recommends choosing options with no added sugar.
Shop seasonal items
Seasonal produce is often more affordable because stores have larger supplies. Shoppers can look for displays near the front of the store and consider freezing extra produce to use later, Da Silva said.
Planning meals around what is on sale and in season can help families save without giving up nutritious foods.
Help is available through the Houston Food Bank
Families who need help can visit houstonfoodbank.org and use the agency or food pantry locator. By entering a ZIP code, users can find nearby pantries stocked through the Houston Food Bank.
The organization also offers nutrition education, healthy recipes and other support services. Da Silva said programs are available for people at different stages of life, from babies to seniors, and referrals may also be available for services such as utility assistance and health care.
The Houston Food Bank offers assistance in English and Spanish.
Simple steps to remember
Da Silva said families do not necessarily have to stop buying the foods they enjoy. Small substitutions can help lower costs and support healthier meals.
Her advice: plan ahead, check what you already have, compare store and national brands, shop sales and seasonal produce, and use available community resources when needed.
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