Alicia Nelson-Bell, Empowering Financial Wellness Program Coordinator

I’m sure that over the course of the last year we have all seen that our grocery money doesn’t buy us as much as it used to. Because of this, it is even more important to be strategic in how we use our funds at the grocery store so we can meet our family’s needs without breaking the budget. Grocery budgets are a variable expense and with prices going up and up on many items at the store, let me share a simple tip that thousands of other people have found successful to save money on the food you buy.   

Carrie M. Durward, PhD, RD

Nobody would just throw money in the garbage, but that is essentially what we do every time we waste food. It is something we all do! Recent research showed that the average American consumer wastes about one pound of food every day! That adds up to over $1,300 per year on food that goes in the garbage. That’s a lot of money! Food waste may seem inevitable, but you can significantly reduce this amount by simply changing a few of your habits. To learn how you can stop wasting food and start saving money, visit USU Extension Food Waste Series.  You can also join us on Facebook at USU Extension Nutrition where we will be highlighting ways to reduce food waste all month. 

April is National Food Waste Awareness month, and USU Extension Nutrition has developed a series outlining best practices and research-based solutions to help you prevent food waste. This series will help you learn how to meal plan, grocery shop, preserve fruits and vegetables, and use up leftovers in your home. They’ve provided various resources to make saving money and decreasing food waste in your home a breeze!  


Carrie M. Durward, PhD, RD, is a USU Extension Nutrition Specialist and Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences.

References: Conrad, Z. (2020). Daily cost of consumer food wasted, inedible, and consumed in the United States, 2001–2016. Nutrition Journal,19(1).

Guest Contributor: Christina Pay, USU Extension Assistant Professor

​There are three shopping events each year in Utah that savvy shoppers look forward to with anticipation. These are known as case lot sales. Generally occurring in January, March and September, buying pantry items at case lot prices can save you money while helping you stock up on items you use on a regular basis.  However, don’t be fooled. Without a plan you may end up spending more money than saving it, so follow the tips below to help you make your own plan to find the best case lot bargains.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: ELIZABETH DAVIS, USU EXTENSION ASSITANT PROFESSOR

​One of the greatest assets that we have is our own health. When we are healthy it is easy to take it for granted and assume that we will always have the energy, strength, and ability to do the things that are important to us. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep are all an important part of taking care of our bodies. Unfortunately, sometimes we let the “cost” of being healthy get in the way. For example, I have heard from many people that they can’t afford to eat healthy. In order to preserve our health, it is important to recognize that we can successfully eat healthy even on a tight grocery budget.  Here are a few simple tips from nutrition Blogger Brittney Johnson to help you decrease your spending and increase your family’s health and longevity.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: ANDREA SCHMUTZ, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

​I recently saw a quote on a sign that said, “Gardening: it’s cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes.” I chuckled to myself and pondered the implied message. With spring in full force, it’s a perfect time to consider growing a garden and reaping the following SIX benefits: