How to Save Money on Produce

Smart Tips to Save Money on Produce

1. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

If organic produce is important to you, joining a CSA will be a very cost-effective option. A CSA is a commitment between local farmer/s and community members who pay the farmer for a seasonal membership. Each week the member receives a pre-purchased and pre-determined amount of produce and the farmer receives upfront money to run their operation. Some CSAs might require the members to volunteer hours on the farm in return for the produce.

This is a fantastic way to buy locally grown organic produce directly from the farmer and usually at prices below what you’ll find at a grocery store.

2. Start a Garden

A garden might sound intimidating, but herbs and produce like, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and squash are so easy and yield so much. I’ve been square foot gardening for years and end the summer with a freezer full of produce for the fall and winter.

• My Square Foot Garden
• Vertical Gardening
• How to Freeze Green Beans
• Freezeiing Herbs

3. Buy In Season

Buying your produce during its harvest season not only costs less, but the taste is at its best.

• Spring/Early Summer Produce: greens, spring onions, carrots, strawberries
• Summer Produce: tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, green beans, corn, eggplant, herbs, cantaloupe, watermelon
• Fall Produce: apples, pumpkin, fall squash, cabbage, potatoes

4. Buy Marked Down Produce

Chances are your grocery store has a spot in the produce section for its marked downs. It will be produce that is close to its sell by date and there is usually nothing wrong with it. I regularly find marked-down produce and have never had a problem with the food.

Yes, it is possible to eat your fruits and veggies on a strict grocery budget. Honestly, these foods should be the first things on our grocery list.

For more grocery budget tips, check out the 31 Days to Slash Your Grocery Spending series.

Day 25 of 31 Days to Slash your Grocery Budget: Save Money on Produce