Buy local produce & shop in season to save money
Local produce & shopping in season.
Do you remember to buy local produce and shop in a season when purchasing your groceries? This is one of the easiest ways that you can lower your grocery bill with very little effort on your part.
Wouldn’t it be nice to come home with a bounty of fresh produce that tastes delicious and was inexpensive? You can do this when you shop in season and buy local produce.
How to shop in season
Check the weekly flyers that are delivered to your doorstep and pay special attention to the fresh fruit and vegetables that are on the front page (the ones that are priced really low). Those are often the items that are in season.
You can double-check with our in-season produce guide.
Stock up on these items when they are at their lowest price and either uses them right away or freeze them to use later (for example, purchase enough berries in the summer – when they are priced low, to last you through the winter months when they tend to be expensive).
How to shop locally
Shopping for local produce is another way to save money. Avoid purchasing these items from the grocery store if you can, and instead, purchase from local sources.
Where to find locally grown produce
- Farmers’ Markets
- Farm Stands (Often found roadside)
- Local Farms
Other than helping to lower your grocery bill, buying locally has many benefits, including:
- Environmentally friendly
- Better tasting food
- Food is more nutritious
- Supports local farmers
Of course, there may be times that you need to purchase an item that is not in season. Or, you may only be able to shop at grocery stores for your produce. That’s okay.
Not everyone can only purchase in season and locally. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Do what you can and be happy that you are at least saving something.
Do you shop locally and in season?
Comments
If I went to any of our several local family farms or the big market I’d be paying quadruple for most produce. I’m in southwest Ontario so in the summer nothing is from more than 3 hours away and very often they have local farms’ produce in the grocery stores. I just shop the sales!