5 Tips to Shop and Cook on a Budget

Fresenius Medical Care North America and Food Network Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr. encourage everyone to follow these five tips to make their shopping and cooking experiences more fun and affordable:

Buy fresh produce in season, when it is least expensive. You can freeze many items for use later in the year. Your local farmer’s market can be a great place to find excellent deals on seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Buy meats in bulk to save money. Divide meat into portions and freeze it — using freezer paper, vacuum-sealed bags, plastic freezer bags or tinfoil to avoid freezer burn — until you are ready to use it in a recipe.

Consider generic or “store brands,” which are often as good as name brands, but priced lower.

Utilize leftover vegetables, rice and pasta in soups, stews, casseroles and stir-fries.

Have a cooking party with friends and make meals to freeze for a week or two. Also, when cooking for yourself, make extra servings and freeze for later use.