For us, stocking up on food and necessary items when they go on sale is key to maintaining a meal and budget plan, without having to eat cheap junk food!
Three years ago I quit my job to be a stay at home mom. But I wasn't willing to let the quality of our food suffer just because we were suddenly on a very tight budget!
Part of how we are able to eat an all organic diet for under $300 a month is by stocking up during sales.
RELATED: How we make $5000 a month ONLINE while homesteading!
The holidays are a great time to stock-up on some basics because stores use them to get people in the door! Just be careful to make a list of things you actually need so that you don't waste all your savings in impulse purchases.
Since these items are used during the holiday season, they attract a lot of people into the stores. However, they are basic items that can be used throughout the entire year. Stock-up now and save big!
Before you rush off to the store, take a few minutes to sit down and figure out how much of each item you will need to last you through the year.
Make sure of these things before you go:
Do you have room to store the items?
Will you have time to process the food in the quantities you are buying?
Will you have freezer space/canning jars available before the food goes bad?
Do you have the available funds to purchase everything?
If the answer to any of those questions is no make the necessary adjustments to your list.
On Sale Right Now
Check your local stores for sale prices and availability. In most areas the sale flyers are available to see online!
But regardless of your area, as long as you're in the US or UK, you will likely see these classic holiday items on sale during November.
Sugar
Both white and brown sugar, along with powdered sugar in some cases, are on sale right now.
Tip: If you are planning on canning things like jam, jelly, fruit in syrup, or fruit butters, make sure to account for those sugar needs when making your list!
Here are a few ideas for canning with sugar, click for the recipe:
Cranberry Sauce
Crockpot Apple Butter
Strawberry Jam
Meat
Turkey and ham is on sale right now, really, really on sale. Take advantage of the low prices to either get higher quality meat for the same price (regular vs. organic), or get what you normally buy for a lower price!
RELATED: Find out how we eat an all organic diet for just $300 a month!
Yams/Sweet Potatoes
We eat sweet potatoes all year round. They are a great source of fiber and are considered a "brightly colored vegetable", plus they are an excellent source of beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, and so much more!
I can them by the quart and they make a great side dish for any meal. This year I will be purchasing and canning 50lbs (for 6 months).
Get the full instructions for canning sweet potatoes here!
White Potatoes
Potatoes are on most people's holiday menu, so they are definitely on the list of items that help get people into the grocery stores.
I just bought and processed 100lbs this week! Organic potatoes were on sale for less than the non-organic potatoes are normally. Great deal!
40lbs went into the freezer as french fries. Another 40lbs was canned in quarts. A few pounds were even turned into mashed potatoes and frozen for later!
Learn how to freeze mashed potatoes here!
Or get the full instructions on how to can white potatoes here!
Cranberries
Cranberries may seem like a seasonal item that you wouldn't want to use during the rest of the year, however, they are very versatile!
We use them as a base for marinades or just spooned over pork loin with a side of veggies for a great meal any time of the year.
You can learn more about my cranberry sauce and how to can it here!
Canned Vegetables
Canned green beans aren't the only canned vegetable on sale right now. I snagged a ton of organic veggies on sale this week that were marked down to the regular price for non-organic!
Popular canned veggies are carrots, peas, corn, and yes, green beans. These are great to have on hand for casseroles and soups!
You can also get the fresh veggies on sale and can them yourself. Here's how to can carrots and green beans.
Pie Filling
While pumpkin pie is prevalent during this particular holiday, it's not the only filling type on sale! I've also seen apple and cherry pie fillings on sale as well!
Depending on the store, you might even be able to score some peach pie filling!
Or can your own cherry pie filling and apple pie filing!
Other Items
There may be other items you notice on sale right now that you know you will use later on. Take note of the price, make sure of the things listed above before you buy, and then stock up!
Just make sure you have all the information you need to really take advantage of the sale!
Mine is definitely white potatoes... what can I say? I am a Southern girl at heart :-)
Want more info on how we eat an all organic diet for just $300 a month?? Click here to get the full details!
