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Feed Your Family For Less

DENVER (CBS4)- Those trips to the grocery store aren't getting any cheaper and those higher prices mean it's tougher for families to buy healthier foods.

Feeding a family of four can cost anywhere from $150 a week to nearly $300 a week.

The United States Department of Agriculture breaks it down like this:

  • A thrifty food plan: $146
  • Low-cost food plan: $191
  • Moderate-cost food plan: $239
  • Liberal food plan: $289

Those amounts do have some food waste built into the costs. They are also based on preparing all the meals and snacks at home.

Those totals do not include any eating out from fast-food bargains to high-end dinners.

There are some common sense methods to lowering food costs including:

  • Avoid buying pre-cut meats, buy an entire chicken; you usually get more and it costs less.
  • Buy canned or frozen vegetables they are cheaper than fresh vegetables.
  • Cook meals that stretch like stew, soups and casseroles.
  • Plan your meals in advance.
  • Make a list for the grocery store based on the meal plan.

Another way to make your food dollar stretch is to use leftovers from dinner for lunch the next day.

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