woman looking in fridge and person writing meal plan in notebook

Make a Plan

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

Plan Your Weekly Meals

Here are some simple tips to get you started:

See what you already have.

Look in your freezer, cabinets, and refrigerator. You can save money by using these items in planned meals.

Write down your meals.

It’s helpful to write out your meals for the week. Plan out what you want to have for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Use the Create a Grocery Game Plan - Weekly Calendar as a guide.

Write down recipes to try.

Find new ideas for healthy and budget-friendly meals based on what you have, foods your family enjoys, and foods that are good buys. Visit MyPlate Kitchen for recipe ideas.

Think about your time.

Choose meals you can prepare when you’re short on time. Save the ones that take longer for days off or when family members are free to help.

Plan to use leftovers.

Make larger meals with enough servings for leftovers. On busy days, just heat and serve.

Make a grocery list.

Organize your grocery list by store section to make shopping quick and easy. For a free template, try the Create a Grocery Game Plan - Grocery List.

Build your shopping list as you go.

Keep a list of foods you need on your refrigerator or on a free app on your phone. Add items as you run out. Some apps let you sync grocery lists with others in your household.

Buy a mix of fresh, frozen, and self-stable items.

Plan for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable (or non-perishable) foods for your meals. Eat your fresh foods first so they don’t go bad. Stock your freezer and pantry with items you can eat later.

net grocery bag filled with healthy groceries

Think outside the store. Farmers markets and farm stands can be great options for picking up fresh produce at a discount. Check the National Farmers Market Directory for locations near you.

Save More at the Store

Ask around. Ask friends, family, or post a question on social media to see where others shop and find great bargains! Grocery stores, specialty food markets, dollar stores, retail supercenters, and wholesale clubs may offer good deals.
Read the sales flyer. Sales flyers usually come out mid-week and can be found at the store’s entrance, in the newspaper, on their website, or social media pages.
Eat before you shop. Grocery shopping while hungry can lead to impulse buying and unhealthy food choices. This is a simple, yet effective way to keep you on task.
Join your store’s loyalty program. Most stores offer a free loyalty program. Get special offers, coupons, and discounts for being a member.
Get fresh produce delivered to your door. Search online for low-cost produce delivery services in your area. Or support local farms by joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Find one in your area by visiting the USDA’s CSA Directory.