Part 3: Make a Plan

1. Look at your weekly menu. Make a list of all of the ingredients you will need. Calculate how much you will need for the week. Example:

•  2 oz. chicken breast x 5 meals = 10 oz. chicken breast

•  2 cups greens x 3 meals = 6 cups greens

2. What do you already have? Cross off what you don’t need to buy.

3. On a fresh piece of paper, make a list of the ingredients you need to buy. Organize by section of the store to save time shopping.

•  Fresh Fruits & Veggies

•  Whole Grains (e.g., bread, pasta, rice, cereals), Beans & Lentils

•  Meat/Poultry/Seafood/Tofu

•  Misc. Aisles: Canned vegetables and fruits, nuts & seeds, dried fruit, oils

•  Frozen Fruits & Veggies

•  Dairy/Eggs

Family Fun: Have your children help you write the grocery list each week. Practice math skills by adding the amounts you need for each item. Invite children to add a fruit or vegetable of their choice to the list. Have older children select a recipe and add ingredients to your list.