What to Do When Grocery Prices Are Too High

If it feels like your grocery bill keeps getting higher, you're not imagining things. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, food-at-home prices are projected to increase by 3.2% in 2026, outpacing the 20-year historical average growth rate of 2.6%. Overall food prices are expected to rise as well, with some categories seeing particularly steep increases. Beef and veal, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and nonalcoholic beverages are among the grocery items expected to experience above-average price growth.

For many families, rising food costs mean difficult choices between groceries, housing, transportation and other necessities. The good news is that there are practical ways to lower your grocery expenses without sacrificing nutrition. Whether you're looking for cheap meal ideas, grocery budget tips or food assistance resources, these strategies can help. 

Create a Weekly Meal Plan

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to plan meals before you shop.

Start by reviewing what you already have in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer before making a shopping list. Planning meals around existing ingredients can reduce waste and prevent unnecessary purchases.

A simple meal plan can help you:

• Avoid impulse purchases

• Reduce takeout spending

• Use leftovers more effectively

• Stay within your grocery budget

Even spending 15 minutes planning meals for the week can make a noticeable difference.

Prepare Before Shopping

Frequent trips to the grocery store often lead to extra spending. Get your grocery shopping done in one trip (or as few as possible) by doing a little preparation ahead of time.

Before heading to the store:

• Make a detailed shopping list

• Check weekly sales and digital coupons

• Sign up for store loyalty programs

• Eat a snack or a meal before you go so you don’t shop hungry

Choose Budget-Friendly Foods

Healthy eating doesn't have to be expensive.

Some of the most affordable foods are also among the most nutritious. Consider building meals around:

• Dried or canned beans

• Lentils

• Brown rice

• Oatmeal

• Eggs

• Peanut butter

• Frozen fruits and vegetables

• Whole-grain pasta

Frozen produce can be especially cost-effective because it’s harvested at peak ripeness and lasts longer than fresh produce, reducing food waste.

Adding beans, vegetables and whole grains to soups, casseroles and pasta dishes can also help stretch more expensive ingredients such as meat.

While at the store, you can compare brands and package sizes to identify the best value. Store brands are often comparable in quality to national brands, while costing significantly less.

Reduce Food Waste

The food you throw away is money you can't get back.

Simple habits can help your groceries last longer:

• Freeze leftovers before they spoil

• Store produce properly

• Repurpose leftovers into new meals

• Use older ingredients first

• Cook larger batches and freeze portions

Preparing extra food and incorporating leftovers into future meals can save both time and money.

Explore Food Assistance Programs

If high grocery prices are making it difficult to keep food on the table, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help eligible households purchase groceries. Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for millions of Americans, particularly families with children and those with lower incomes.

Find Support at Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank

Local food banks play a vital role in helping families navigate periods of financial hardship.

Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank serves individuals and families throughout west central Indiana by providing access to nutritious food and essential support services. Whether you're facing a temporary setback or ongoing financial challenges, the Foodbank can help connect you with resources that make it easier to meet your household's needs.

When grocery prices are too high, small changes can add up to meaningful savings. Planning meals, shopping strategically, choosing affordable ingredients and reducing food waste can help stretch your food budget further.

And if you need additional support, you don't have to face rising food costs alone. Organizations like Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank are committed to helping neighbors access healthy food and maintain their dignity during challenging times.

Catholic Charities Terre Haute has been serving the community since 1973 and provides support across the spectrum of basic needs, including safe shelter, food assistance and youth programming. We provide help and create hope by nourishing the minds, bodies and spirits of children, families, adults and seniors.

Donate today to support meaningful community change!