8.4.1: How to Save on Food Costs

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Page ID: 67640

Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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Food can be expensive. Families on a tight budget may have trouble purchasing food. If Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides ever observe that a patient does not appear to have enough food in the house, they should discuss this concern with their supervisor.

Here are some tips for Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides to keep in mind to help cut food costs:

Use coupons
Look through weekly store circulars for items on sale
Avoid convenience foods such as those that are pre-made, pre-packaged, or that come from sections of the grocery store such as the deli, bakery, or salad bar. These items tend to be much more expensive than if you purchased the ingredients and prepared it yourself.
Check food labels for nutritional value.
Purchase items such as produce when it is in season. It will be less expensive and fresher.
Purchase items in bulk, but be aware of storage space. If it can’t be stored or used up before it expires, you will not be saving money.
Plan meals for a week at a time. Make a grocery list and stick to it.
Use meat and protein substitutes that tend to be less expensive. Canned tuna, dried beans, yogurt, and eggs are excellent sources of protein.
When buying meat, check the expiration date to ensure you are buying the freshest meat possible. Spoiled meat is wasted money.
When possible, buy meat in bulk as costs tend to be lower. Cutting up a whole chicken or cutting a pork roast into chops tends to be less expensive than buying individual pieces of chicken or pork.
Always stick within the allowed food budget. Never buy more than you are told or that the patient can afford.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1. Which are ways a HHA/PCA can help reduce food costs for a patient? Select all that apply.

a). Buy salad from the salad bar

b). Check expiration dates of food

c). Purchase bulk items even if they are not needed or there is no storage space

d). Find protein substitutes for fresh meats

e). Use coupons and buy sale items

Answer

1. B, D, & E

FEEDBACK:

Purchasing items from a salad bar or other self-service station in a grocery store often leads to higher prices. Whenever possible, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the produce aisle. This is a healthier and less expensive option. Regularly checking expiration dates helps to prevent unnecessary waste. Planning meals with items on hand and that have not expired helps the patient and their family save money. Purchasing bulk items can help to save money. However, if they are not needed and there is no storage space for them this can end up costing the patient money as food will more likely have to be thrown away. When coupons are used and sale items are purchased, this can help the patient and their family save money.