Groceries are often one of the biggest line items in a college student's budget. And let's face it, college budgets can be pretty tight. But, believe it or not, you can stock your fridge (and pantry) with great-tasting, healthy foods even with limited funds. Experienced shoppers use a variety of strategies to save money at the grocery store—and now you can, too.  Here are 17 of our favorite ways to stretch your food dollars while still fueling your body for optimum athletic and academic performance.
 

Seasonal Produce Guide   Spring: Asparagus Peas Snap peas Parsnips Mushrooms Leafy greens Cauliflower Broccoli Green onions Radishes Carrots Strawberries   Summer: Tomatoes Eggplant Green Beans Bell peppers Okra Corn Blueberries Raspberries Melons Basil Blackberries Cucumbers Yellow Squash Zucchini Potatoes   Fall: Apples Bok Choy Cabbage Brussel Sprouts Broccoli Chard Pumpkins Winter squash Beets Cranberries Fennel Leeks Sweet Potatoes   Winter: Oranges Grapefruits Pears Apples Potatoes Winter Squash

 

1. This is going to sound pretty basic but, as with much of life, proper planning is everything. The best time to meal plan is before you head to the grocery store. Decide what you want to make in the week ahead, inventory the ingredients you already have on hand, and make a list of the items you need to buy.
2. Once you're in the store, stick to your list. Impulse purchases add up quickly!
3. While we're on the subject of impulse purchases, it's best to shop on a full stomach. That way you'll be less tempted to throw whatever sounds good in the moment into your cart.
4. Shop the perimeter of the store. The center aisles of the supermarket usually contain the packaged, processed foods, while the produce, dairy, and meats are typically along the perimeter. Not only will you save money by avoiding the convenience foods, but you'll also be stocking up on the most nutritious items in the store. That's a win-win!
5. Learn how to use unit prices. The unit price tells you how much the item costs per unit (ie, per ounce, pound, quart, liter, etc.). It is listed on the shelving label in front of the food and gives you a way to compare the cost of items that may be packaged differently. For example, say the store brand of an item is $3.00 for an 18 oz package and the unit price is $0.16 per ounce. The comparable name brand item is $2.75 for a 14-ounce box with a unit price of $0.20 an ounce. At first glance, you might think the name brand is cheaper. But in fact, the store brand is cheaper per unit and, thus, a better buy. The difference may not sound like much, but trust us, the extra money adds up when you're talking about cart after cart, week after week.
6. Buy in bulk. You'll save a lot of money by purchasing many of your dried goods (such as oatmeal, pasta, nuts, seeds, cereal, beans, etc.) in bulk quantities. The same is true for meats. The "family size" meat package usually costs less per pound than smaller packages. Once you get it home, separate it into smaller portions and freeze what you're not going to use right away. Most meats will store well in the freezer for 3-6 months. (Not only will you save money, but you also might save yourself a trip to the store down the road. Less gas means more money in your pocket!)
7. Don't overlook the generic brands. Most often the only difference between the name brand and store brand products is the price and the packaging. You can save cash by choosing the lesser-known item, which is often just as good.
8. Join the loyalty program. Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that allow you to save on select items every day as well as to earn rewards for additional discounts on groceries (and sometimes, gas). Weis Markets, for example, has both. If you shop at a particular store frequently, don't leave potential savings on the table!<>Find out the store policies.  Many grocery stores will match competitor prices or allow you to return an opened item if you do not like it. It pays to find out what shopper-benefits are offered at the stores you shop in frequently.Know what you're paying for.  Convenience items, such as pre-chopped fruits or veggies, marinated meats, and ready-to-cook side dishes, cost more. Look low. Often, the cheaper items are found on the lowest shelves of the store (or way up high), while the more expensive items are placed at eye level.Use coupons, but only for items you normally buy. Most stores have e-coupons, which are super handy. As a general rule, just remember that you're only saving money if you buy an item you're going to eat. That said, if there's a new product you've been wanting to try, a good time to test it is when it goes on sale.Go "meatless" once a week. Meats are often one of the most expensive items in the grocery cart, so planning one or more meatless meals per week can really trim your bill. Need some ideas? Consider rice and beans, omelets, loaded baked potatoes, pasta, vegetable stir fries, sandwiches, make-your-own pizzas, or veggie burritos. Add protein with eggs, nuts, nut butters, seeds, yogurt, cheese, edamame, or other beans.Plan meals that stretch. If you're going to go to the effort of making a meal, why not pick meals that can double as lunch in the following days? Or choose meals that freeze well so you can eat half and freeze half. Casseroles, soups, stews, lasagnas, and the like all freeze very well.Ibotta. Shopkick. Checkout 51. These are all apps that, in one form or another, will give you money…for shopping. Check them out!Eat in season. Fruits and vegetables cost less when they're in season.  See the sidebar for a list of what's in season when!Don't throw money in the trash. Remember, wasted food equals wasted money. Buy only what you need and plan for meals you may eat out when you make your shopping list. Also, get creative about finishing up the foods you have on hand. Freeze fruits that you can't eat and reuse them in smoothies, muffins, or pancakes.  Is your spinach about to wilt? Use it in omelets, sandwiches, soups, and more. Make quesadillas, stews or meat sauce with leftover beef, pork, chicken or turkey.  

Keep in mind to shop Weis Market and you'll be amazed at the great foods you can buy (and eat!) on a very reasonable budget with just a little bit of advance planning. Remember, you need to feed your brain and your muscles for optimal athletic and academic performance. So, fuel up—and happy shopping!