Issued Quarterly

December 2003

STILLWATER, Okla. - Holiday grocery shopping can often get pricey, but a person can put out a great holiday feast without spending too much money.

Stephany Parker, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service community nutrition education programs assistant specialist, said there are ways to make holiday meals special without going over the food budget.

“It is important to keep an eye on the holiday food budget because if you don’t, you could end up spending an ‘arm and a leg,’” Parker said.  “A few holiday tips can help families stay within their food spending budget.”

Many families have much more food than is needed during holiday meals.  The key is to use less, Parker said.  When planning meals, consider less total food, smaller meat portions and serve a smaller number of foods.

If there are leftovers, they need to be handled safely so they can be used for meals in the days ahead.  Ham bone or turkey carcasses can be frozen and used later to cook for broth or soup.

Serving healthier foods gives more nutritional value for the food dollar, Parker said.

“The cost of serving pumpkin or squash pie is similar to pecan, but is more nutritious,” she said.  “Another thought includes choosing a healthy green salad or mixed fruit salad as a substitute for a salad made mostly of gelatin, marshmallows and whipped cream.”

There are many low budget food items that can make delicious holiday meals.  Some include preparing cheaper cuts of meat, mixing grains and vegetables together, seasoning food dishes with spices and herbs, adding canned creamed soup to vegetables or meats and serving fresh or canned fruit with your meal.

Another idea is to offer water as well as other beverages.  People will drink less of the other beverages served if they drink water to quench their thirst.

Shopping from a list is important, Parker said.  Planning a menu and sticking to purchasing the ingredients for the menu is a great way to save money.  When people shop without planning a menu and making a list they tend to spend more money and make more trips to the store.

Parker said the cost of paper products can add to the grocery bill.

Don’t buy fancy paper plates, napkins, cups or decoration items,” Parker said.  “Family members can help wash dishes rather than using disposables.  Cloth table coverings and napkins can be used to help stay within your budget.”

Potluck meals are great for saving money, Parker said.  Whether the guests are family or friends, ask them to contribute a favorite dish to a holiday get-together.

Prepared by:

Katie L. Reim, Communication Specialist

OSU AG Communication Services

318 PIO

Stillwater, OK 74078

(405) 744-6792