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Stretching your grocery budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing staples. A budget-savvy home cook featured in a recent article shares a straightforward playbook: plan meals around pantry essentials, shop by unit price, and stay flexible with brands. By prioritizing shelf-stable basics—like beans, rice, canned tomatoes, pasta, and cooking oils—and leaning on private-label options when quality matches, they trim the total without trimming nutrition. Pair that with a simple weekly plan (two easy weeknights, one leftovers night, one freezer-friendly batch cook), and the result is fewer impulse buys, fewer rushed trips, and a cart built on real needs instead of last-minute guesses. The savings come from timing and substitution. Scan weekly ads for dips on pantry items and stock up within reason, then fill gaps with fresh produce and proteins on promotion. Swap premium for house brands on spices and baking goods, and choose versatile items that work across multiple recipes—think chickpeas ...

Access to affordable groceries just got a lift. Sprouts Farmers Market and Dollar General are among the retailers joining a DoorDash initiative designed to make it easier for households using SNAP benefits to get everyday essentials. The effort also extends DoorDash’s Project DASH work with community organizations, helping move donated groceries from food banks and pantries to households in need with no-cost delivery to recipients. For shoppers, that can mean fewer transportation hurdles and quicker access to fresh produce, dairy, and pantry basics when it matters most. What this means for your weekly shop: more options to compare prices, find healthier choices, and save time. Whether you’re stocking up on shelf-stable staples or looking for organic and natural items, expanded delivery coverage can reduce last-minute store runs—especially in rural or suburban areas where choices are limited. Keep an eye on participating locations and eligibility details as retailers roll out local pr...

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a notice Sunday that federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be distributed starting November 1, citing the ongoing government shutdown. According to the USDA notice posted online, “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.” The update confirms that the Trump administration will not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep the program operating through November. SNAP helps about one in eight Americans afford groceries, making the announcement a serious concern for families nationwide.  The shutdown, which began October 1, is now the second-longest in U.S. history. While steps were taken to ensure benefits were paid for October, the USDA has clarified that emergency funds are legally restricted and must be preserved for disaster response, including emergencies such as Hurricane Melissa, wh...

Cut Food Waste to Save Money and Reduce Pollution Wasted groceries drain your budget and add needless emissions. From compost piles of shredded organic material at large facilities to the trash bag at home, the story is the same: food that could have been eaten too often ends up discarded. The good news is that a few small shifts—planning, sizing, and smarter storage—can keep more of your food (and dollars) on the table. For context on the costs and climate impact behind everyday waste, see "Cut Food Waste: Save Money and Reduce Pollution" . Try these practical habits:  “Shop” your fridge and pantry before you go, and build a simple meal plan around what you already have. Buy the right size—single avocados, half-loaves, or smaller dairy cartons—so you finish items at peak quality. Store smarter: keep meats on the coldest shelf, herbs in breathable bags, and leftovers dated and visible. Freeze extras in flat, labeled portions to thaw exactly what you need. Cook once, use t...