Holiday Food Budget

Special occasions and holiday meals may mean a big jump in the food bill at the grocery store. Here are some ideas to help you make holiday meals special without breaking the bank:

• Use less. When it comes to holiday meals, many families have a tradition of having much more food than is needed. When planning meals, consider less total food, smaller meat portions, less of other expensive items or serve a smaller number of foods.
  
• Serve healthy foods. Healthier foods give more nutritional value for the food dollar. If you choose pumpkin or squash pie, the cost may be similar to pecan, but is more nutritious. Choose a healthy green salad or a mixed fruit salad, rather than a salad made mostly of gelatin, marshmallows and whipped cream.
  
• Serve water as well as other beverages. People will drink less of the other beverages served if they drink water to quench their thirst.
  
• Get your money's worth out of the leftovers. Handle leftovers safely (refrigerate or freeze promptly) so they will be useful for meals in the days ahead. Freeze the ham bone or turkey carcass and use later to cook for broth or soup.
  
• The cost of paper products can add to your "grocery" bill. Don't buy fancy paper plates, napkins, cups, and decoration items. Get family members to help wash dishes rather than using disposables. Use cloth table coverings and napkins.
  
• Make more meals into potlucks. Your guests, whether family or friends, are usually glad to contribute a favorite dish to a holiday get-together. Remember, being together with family and friends is more important than spending a fortune on holiday food.