Winter holidays are just around the corner! The season is supposed to be a time of joy but it  can also be a time of stress. Planning, cooking, and serving the best feast possible while worrying about how to afford the meal with ever-rising food costs is a concern many face. With some careful planning, a filling and fantastic meal is achievable!

1. Utilize rewards programs wherever you shop. Many stores have free programs you can sign up for(ex: MPerks at Meijer, Best Customer/Fuel Points at Kroger, etc). These programs offer rewards like discounted prices and coupons

2. Clip paper or digital coupons from local papers or manufacturer websites.

3. Compare prices. Sometimes the best deal isn’t at your normal spot.

4. Utilize local food banks/pantries if needed. While this can be stigmatizing, you are not alone in your struggle, nor should you be ashamed. Many families are struggling to afford daily groceries let alone food for the holidays. Many non-profits offer holiday meals/groceries for those in need. Start looking now and sign up if possible as quantities are often limited.

5. Gather shelf-stable ingredients now, little by little. Sometimes holiday pricing is higher than normal. Starting sooner might help lower your costs.

6. Check out discount stores like Dollar Tree for cost-effective ingredients. Remember, canned and frozen fruits and veggies offer excellent nutrition and may be more affordable than fresh.