Eating well on a tight budget

• Make a list and stick to it. Set a weekly or monthly food budget.
• Check flyers and store apps, and compare unit prices on the shelf label — the bigger box is not always cheaper.
• Stock up on sale items you can freeze: bread, fish, meat, fruit and vegetables.
• Buy fruit and vegetables in season. Out of season, frozen is just as good and cheaper.
• Beans, lentils and chickpeas are among the cheapest protein foods.
• Cook at home when you can, and limit prepackaged and highly processed foods.
• Shop at discount stores rather than convenience stores, and ask about loyalty discounts.

Fresh food for less in Ottawa

The Ottawa Good Food Box sells boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables below store prices. Anyone can order — you do not need to show need.

• Low-cost groceries →
• Community fridges →