As many families tighten their budgets and concerns rise over SNAP benefits possibly stopping, shoppers are paying closer attention to how they spend their money at the grocery store.
Local registered dietitian Pamela Kelle says nutritious eating doesn’t have to be expensive, and it can start with a few affordable, long-lasting staples.
“Nutrition and what you eat is probably one of the most important things that we can do, and it’s worth your dollar,” Kelle said.
Kelle recommends starting with versatile base ingredients like oatmeal, potatoes, pasta, and soups. She adds that there are plenty of affordable protein options, such as beans, which average about 11 cents per serving.
For those looking to add more variety, she encourages trying canned meats like tuna, chicken, salmon or sardines.
“If you’re brave enough to try it, sardines are inexpensive, and they truly are like a vitamin in a can,” Kelle said. “They also check all the boxes.”
Kelle notes that fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables all have similar nutritional value. She suggests using simple ingredients in creative ways to make different meals.
“Say you got canned chicken, and it’s usually chicken breast white meat,” Kelle said. “You could put it in with your beans and tomatoes and make a chicken bean soup. You could put it with noodles and make your own homemade chicken noodle soup. You can put it over a salad and mix a little mayonnaise with it and make chicken salad.”
Most canned meats Kelle recommends range from $1.00 to $2.00 per can.
She also advises avoiding unhealthy snacks and sodas to make food dollars go further.
“If you think of your food dollar as your nutrition dollar, you want to spend your money on something that’s going to give you something back,” she said. “Unfortunately, Cheetos and chips and all the rest of it don’t have a payback other than a moment of satisfaction while you’re chewing it.”
As the government shutdown continues, many families are also turning to local food banks for support.
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is asking for the community’s help through several different ways:
Volunteer– Get involved by volunteering at one of our locations or a Hunger-Relief Partner in your neighborhood.
Donate– Donate what you can, when you can. You can also host a food or fund drive to spread awareness of the food bank’s mission and get people involved—great for schools, work, church, apartment complexes, HOAs, or a group of friends.
Tour– Visit one of our warehouses and bring along some friends. We’re always willing to show off the excellent work of our staff.
Inform– If someone you know is experiencing hunger, tell them about Foxwood Food Center and the partner map on our website. They can search by zip code or county to find their closest pantry, along with the operating hours and contact information.
Share– Follow Chattanooga Area Food Bank on social media. Share our content, comment on posts, recommend our accounts to those wanting to learn more about us.
Advocate– Contact your elected officials and share your concerns about the state of hunger in our communities. Tell the story of the food bank and share the voices of our neighbors and partners.
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