Budgeting Tips!
Plan
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Plan before you purchase! Know your grocery budget, take inventory of what you already have, and make a list before you head to the store or farmers market!
Purchase
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Shop the perimeter of the store first
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Find and compare unit prices
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Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that are in-season
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Prioritize buying organic for the dirty dozen
Prepare
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Prepare fresh ingredients yourself (pre-made meals are more expensive)
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Double or triple recipes, then freeze individual portions for quick meals later in the week
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Minimize food waste by freezing & repurposing leftovers
For more info, try out UCSB Financial Wellness' Healthy Eating on a Budget Module!
The Dirty Dozen
These are the types of produce that are most contaminated with pesticides & pesticide residue! When making budgeting and grocery shopping choices, prioritize buying these organic:
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Strawberries
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Spinach
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Kale, Collard & mustard greens
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Peaches
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Pears
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Nectarines
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Apples
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Grapes
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Hot & bell peppers
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Cherries
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Blueberries
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Green beans
