Buying Tips

• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season.
• Buy extras of sale items to chop up and freeze.
• Purchase veggies whole instead of prepackaged.
• Go to farmers’ markets for local, seasonal produce. For a list of Michigan u-pick farms and farmer’s markets, visit michiganfarmfun.com

Frozen, Canned or Dried

• Frozen, canned and dried foods often cost less than fresh, yet are just as nutritious.
• Try the store/generic brand which often tastes the same as the brand name.
• Buy canned vegetables labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added.”
• Buy fruit labeled “no sugar added” or with no high fructose corn syrup.
• Buy frozen concentrated 100% fruit juice instead of bottled or canned.
• Stock up on frozen vegetables for quick and easy cooking in the microwave or for adding to soups, casseroles and pasta. 

Tips to Reduce Waste

• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that have a longer shelf life, such as sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, oranges, and grapes.
• Separate fruits and vegetables that need to be refrigerated into different drawers to reduce spoilage.
• Know how much your family eats in a typical week so that you do not buy too much.
• Put fresh fruit in a bowl on the counter or table as a reminder to enjoy often.
• Wash berries or cherries when ready to eat, so they last longer.