Tips for Saving Money on Fresh Produce

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Rubbermaid®.

Fresh produce is an important part of everyone’s day. Fruit and veggies are what make us healthier from the inside out. Let’s be honest though, fresh produce can be expensive. If you don’t know how to save money on fresh produce, I have some tips for you!

1. GROW YOUR OWN

You know I had to include this tip because it is the most logical way to save money on fresh produce. Growing it in the summer months and doing a little canning is a great way to prep your produce for the winter months.

2. BUY PRODUCE IN-SEASON

When it comes to saving money on fresh produce, buying in season is always your best bet. Trying to buy strawberries, when they are not in season, is expensive and they are not at their best. Keep this tip in mind as you try and buy fresh produce for your family.

3. LOOK FOR DISCOUNTED PRODUCE

As I walk through the produce aisle, I am diligent to look for produce that is marked down. Discounted produce often goes bad quickly, which is why you need to buy a lesser amount and have a plan on how to consume it.

4. DON’T BUY MORE THAN YOU CAN EAT

In 2014, the USDA found that Americans waste $24 billion worth of produce every year, which is the equivalent of $192 per household. We’ve started trying to get in the habit of only really buying what we can eat. Just because I can get a good deal on fresh produce, doesn’t mean that I need to go crazy and throw a ton in the cart. Buying only what we need helps to save money and waste less.

Many people find that their produce has spoiled after just a few days, leaving them no choice but to throw it away. One of the biggest ways we’ve been cutting down on our waste is storing our produce in , which extends the life of our produce, so we can eat our produce before it goes to waste.

FreshWorks is a food storage container that uses patented FreshVent™ technology to keep produce fresher up to 80% longer* than traditional produce packaging.  It uses a revolutionary built-in FreshVent™ lid, which naturally regulates the flow of oxygen and CO², in and out of the container to create the optimal environment so produce stays nearly as fresh as the day it was picked. The CrispTray™ at the bottom elevates produce away from moisture and promotes proper airflow to help reduce spoilage.

*Based on strawberries in FreshWorks™ containers vs. store packaging. Results may vary depending upon produce and use.

Rubbermaid FreshWorks is available in three new sizes! There are now six available sizes:

• Large Square (11.1 Cups): Perfect for Tomatoes
• Long Rectangle (8.4 Cups): Great for asparagus or zucchini
• Small Rectangle (4.0 Cups): Will keep your green beans fresh.
• Small (2.5 Cups): Ideal for small berries.
• Medium (6.3 Cups): Perfect for strawberries.
• Large (17.3 Cups): Optimal for leafy greens.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY BELOW!

5. LOOK FOR COUPONS

I know there are very rarely coupons for produce, but it is possible. Sometimes I get money back when I buy certain produce items and submit through Ibotta. It’s deals like these that help us to save money. Keep an eye out for coupons that you can use on produce.

6. TRY A CO-OP

Look up produce co-ops in your area. This is usually a very affordable way to get produce. Produce co-ops work with local farmers to have fresh produce ready for you to pick up every week or month.

7. FARMER’S MARKETS & PRODUCE STANDS

One last, but awesome way to save on produce, is by heading to the farmer’s market. There are usually private farmers that will sell you their produce at a reduced rate. In our area, we have plenty of small produce stands (usually run by Amish families) that offer amazing prices on high quality produce. Local produce is not only available at a great price, but you get to help a small business!

How do you save money on fresh produce? Share your tips with me!

GIVEAWAY

Want your own Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers? Enter to win a Rubbermaid FreshWorks prize pack using the widget below. Giveaway ends November 5, 2017.