More month than money: Food insecurity

Over the past many months the cost of groceries has become increasingly expensive across the U.S. If you’re a senior on a limited income, having nutritious food may be getting more challenging.

If you feel you may run out of groceries before your next Social Security check, here are tips to help you save while also ensuring healthy meals:

• Make large meals—like a double pot of vegetable soup or large tuna casserole—and freeze leftovers into one-serving containers. This not only saves you money, but reduces your time in the kitchen.
• “Food pool” by connecting with a friend or neighbor to take advantage of bulk savings, such as those at Costco. Split large volumes of food into smaller amounts and share with each other.
• Check with local senior centers to see where you may be able to receive a healthy meal for a modest fee.
• Grow vegetables and fruits. Do research to learn where to buy healthy plants or seeds the least expensively, and what may grow best in your type of soil.
• If you live near a hospital, often meal prices are cheaper than dining at a restaurant … and the food may be healthier, too. Stop by for lunch or dinner soon to check it out.
• Buy lower-cost grains, fruits and vegetables, which frequently include onions, oranges, brown rice, oatmeal, bananas, cantaloupe, squash, beans, spinach, apples, and berries (fresh or frozen).
• Buy produce when it’s in season, and compare prices at farmer’s markets and country farm stands.

Finally, if you can’t make ends meet, don’t skimp on healthy foods – your health depends on nutrition, especially as you age! Talk with your health care provider or area office on aging to find local programs available to assist you, such as food banks.