With today’s food prices, parents across the boroughs are feeling the strain of feeding their families. Eggs, cereal, and other staples continue to rise due to things like the avian flu and the rising cost of sugar. The U.S. Department of Labor says that the price of groceries increased 1.8% last month from a year earlier, the fastest pace in more than a year. While some extra spending is unavoidable, there are still some ways families can try to save on their weekly groceries.
Practice seasonal eating
It’s best to choose fruits and vegetables that are naturally harvested during the current season. These foods often taste better and are cheaper because they require less transportation or storage.
For the winter season, some vegetables include:
- Allium bulbs (onions, shallots, garlic)
- Avocados
- Beets
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Broccolini
- Broccoli rabe
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
As for fruit:
- Apples
- Clementines
- Grapefruit
- Kiwis
- Kumquats
- Lemons
- Oranges
See more winter fruit and vegetable ideas.
Cook with affordable staples
Focusing on versatile, low-cost staples can help stretch your budget:
- Grains: rice, quinoa, oats.
- Legumes: lentils, black beans, chickpeas.
- Root vegetables: potatoes, carrots, onions.
- Canned goods: tomatoes, coconut milk, tuna.
Download these apps
Apps like Too Good To Go and Flashfood help you find discounted surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants.
Check out Farmers’ Markets
NYC is home to many farmers’ markets, such as the Union Square Greenmarket and local neighborhood options. Some are open year-round. Farmers’ markets provide fresh, seasonal produce directly from regional growers, often at competitive prices.
Tips for shopping at farmers’ markets:
- Shop near closing time: vendors might offer discounts to avoid taking unsold goods home.
- Bring cash and reusable bags: some vendors may offer better deals for cash payments.
- Ask about seconds: these are blemished or slightly imperfect items sold at a lower price.
Explore supermarkets in diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Jackson Heights
Shopping from stores in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Jackson Heights, or Harlem is a fun way to explore different kinds of fresh produce, spices, and specialty ingredients- and it’s often a decent price.
Where to buy what:
- Asian markets: affordable fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits.
- Indian and Middle Eastern stores: bulk lentils, rice, and spices.
- Latino markets: plantains, avocados, beans, and fresh herbs like cilantro.
Take advantage of discount supermarkets:
Certain grocery stores are known for offering low prices:
- Aldi: private-label goods and budget-friendly staples.
- Trader Joe’s: affordable organic and non-organic items.
- CTown: take advantage of their sale items.
Tips for budget shopping:
We know not everyone has the time or means to shop for sales, especially in some of the city’s food deserts. However, families should still try to check weekly flyers for discounts, use store loyalty apps or cards for savings, and stock up on non-perishables during sales.
Meal plan
Before shopping, plan meals around what’s in season and what’s on sale. Use leftovers creatively to minimize waste. For example, leftover vegetables can become soups or stir-fries, and stale bread can be turned into croutons or bread pudding.
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