Meal Prep & Cooking Tips

Make Every Meal Count

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little planning and smart shopping, you can save money, reduce food waste and enjoy nutritious meals all week long. Here’s how to get started!

Make a Plan

Having a meal plan keeps you organized, cuts down on food waste and helps you stick to a budget.

  • Check your kitchen: See what’s already in your pantry, fridge and freezer.

  • Write down your meals: Plan out your breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the week.

  • Think ahead: Choose recipes you want to try, consider how much time you have to cook and don’t forget about leftovers! Batch cooking can save time later in the week.

  • Sign up for store loyalty programs. Earn points, receive exclusive discounts and get personalized coupons to save even more.
RESOURCE: Grocery Gameplan Worksheet

Make a Grocery List

A list keeps you on track and on budget. Fill in the gaps between what you have and what you need.

  • Organize your list by food category. Grouping items like produce, dairy and grains makes your trip quicker and more efficient.

  • Shop Hunger Task Force’s Mobile Market. Enjoy fresh groceries at affordable prices. Learn more here.

  • Check weekly sales and store coupons. Plan your meals around discounts and deals to stretch your dollars further.

  • Use your FoodShare benefits wisely. Maximize FoodShare benefits by buying nutritious staples and planning balanced meals.

  • Include frozen and canned vegetables. These options are affordable, long-lasting and packed with nutrients—great additions to any meal plan.

Cooking 101: Simple Skills for Healthy Meals

Cooking at home is a great way to save money and eat healthier. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refresh your skills, these tips will help you feel more confident in the kitchen.

Mastering the basics is the key to feeling confident in the kitchen. Even simple skills, like how to chop an onion safely, can make a big difference in your cooking experience.

There are many simple ways to cook healthy meals—whether you sauté, bake, roast, air fry, steam, boil or grill, each method brings out great flavors and keeps meals nutritious.