I am on a fixed income and shop the way my mom shopped for a family of 7, Buy as much as you can that is on sale and is something that everyone likes and just try and keep the pantry and freezer full.
Our upright freezer we got 5 years ago really made a big difference in our food budget, and we use a food saver machine to really make sure it last a bit longer and doesn't ruin the food.
I always have the staples on hand, flour,yeast, beans,pasta,rice sugar, well you get the idea.
I also shop at the scratch and dent stores. I am extra careful with what I buy there and make sure I get stuff I now is not bad. I trust the people who run it, it's a small mom & pop business.
I used to do coupons but frankly I never saw the value on a regular basis. Most of the coupons were for stuff that was way to expensive to begin with and the store brand was always cheaper and I never notice the difference.
I try and by the best meat and poultry I can because I know we will eat it all and enjoy it.
I don't find savings in by a bad piece of meat that is so tough you can't chew it and you end up tossing it out.
The only problem I have is in the middle of the month I tend to run out of the diary or fresh produce.
And because I only get a check once a month I have decided to buy a $50 grocery store gift card and hold on to until I need it in the middle of the month.
I spend about $350 a month on groceries and that too includes food, and litter for 7 cats, and our toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Some times its more and sometimes it's less depending on the sales and if I have any room in the freezer.
Great article, thanks!