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Eating Local and On Budget All Year Long

Eating local is a great way to enjoy fresh and flavourful foods. It also means that you can still stay within your grocery budget. By shopping seasonally, making the most of peak harvest and using some basic money-saving tips, you can enjoy local ingredients throughout the year without overspending.

Shop the season

When fruits and veggies are at their peak, they’re usually more abundant, which means better flavour and lower prices for consumers like you. From crisp spring greens and juicy summer berries to fall apples and hearty winter root vegetables, every season has budget-friendly homegrown options for mealtime inspiration.

Preserve the harvest

Buying in season also gives you the opportunity to stock up. If you find a great deal at your local farmers’ market or the grocery store on local berries, tomatoes or peaches, freeze, can or preserve them in order to enjoy them long after the harvest is over. A little time spent doing this can definitely help you save money and reduce food waste.

Build budget-friendly meals

Once you’ve completed your shopping, it’s time to get cooking! Build your meals around seasonal produce to let them shine, such as a vegetable soup in winter, grilled zucchini in the summer or roasted squash in the fall. Be sure to pair these ingredients with your favourite proteins and affordable pantry staples like rice, pasta, beans and lentils to create delicious dishes that work with your budget.

For more delicious and homegrown meal ideas, be sure to consult our wide selection of recipes: