Here For You: cooking

Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Discount Grocery Shopping

Tips to Shop

Take advantage of your meal plan. If you live in the dorms, make sure you're making full use of your
meal plan! There's no limit on what you can spend in a day, but you do only have a certain amount for
the semester, so plan accordingly. You can always add money out of pocket onto your card - this goes for
those of you who don't live in the dorms as well!

Make a list. Figure out what you need (and want) before you head to the store. This will help to keep

you focused and you’ll be less likely to wander the store adding things into your cart that you don’t

really need. It can help if you also create a standard 'staples' checklist of things you always want to have
on hand.

Budget. Figure out how much you can spend on groceries and try to stick to it. Do you get paid once

a month? Are you living off of your savings? Figure out a plan that works best for you.

benefits? Head on over to the DSHS and apply for EBT, then stop by our office and we can provide

you with documents that prove you’re active in the program.

Shop with your roommate(s). Share the cost of a grocery run by splitting the cost in half or trade off
on grocery runs. Sit down with your roomie(s) and see what would work best for all!

Coupon. Some grocery stores have their own apps that have discounts and coupons that you

wouldn’t get otherwise. If you have store you go to frequently, see if they have one! There are tons

of other apps out there for grocery coupons and even ones that will give you money back after you

upload your receipts. Check the weekly flyers that stores have, look in newspapers for coupons.
(Checkout 51, Ibotta, more)

Buy in bulk & freeze. Dry and non-perishable foods are the best for this (beans, rice, pasta, oatmeal, canned

goods, etc.) If you have some extra space in your living area and you see some sales - stock up! If you have
room in your freezer, you can always freeze items that will expire!

Pack a lunch the night before. Most cases, you probably run out of time in the mornings before you head
to class and don't have time to figure out food to bring. If you do this the night or weekend before, you
won't have to worry about it in the morning!

Shop seasonal. Buying fruits and veggies that are in season will save you some money. When

produce isn’t in season it tends to be more expensive because it has to travel farther to get to you!

Eat before you go! Shopping while hungry is never a good idea because you’ll want all of the things.

You’ll find yourself buying more than you might if you shop when you’re not hungry.

Grocery List Ideas

Fruits

Apples

Bananas

Grapes

Oranges

Veggies

Avocado

Bell peppers

Broccoli

Carrots

Lettuce

Onions

Spinach

Sweet potatoes

Tomatoes

Protein

Beans

Chicken

Deli meat

Eggs

Lentils

Peanut butter

Tuna fish (look for low sodium)

Yogurt (look for low sugar)

Bread and Grains

Cereal (look for low sugar; dry cereal also makes a quick snack)

Oatmeal (look for low sugar)

Rice (preferably brown or long-grain)

Tortillas

Whole grain bread

Whole wheat pasta

Quick Eats

Cheese sticks

Dried fruit

Frozen dinners

Hummus

Popcorn

Protein/cereal bars

Salsa

Soups

Trail mix

Other

Butter (or substitute)

Coffee (making it yourself can save you tons of money—don’t worry, Starbucks will still be there)

Garlic

Honey

Olive/coconut oil

Pasta sauce

Salt & pepper

Tea

Where to Shop

Cash & Carry

Best products: Groceries and produce at case prices (single packages also available on most
items), fresh meat, dairy products, and frozen foods.

Nearest locations: SoDo, Ballard, Mt. Baker

Fred Meyer

Best products: Save more by taking advantage of weekly ad specials and digital coupons on
their website.

Nearest locations: Ballard, Greenwood

Grocery Outlet

Best products: Brand-name groceries and fresh produce. Sign up for “WOW” email alerts to be
notified of unadvertised deals from your local store. They also have occasional $5 off coupons if
you use your phone number at the kiosk during checkout!

Nearest locations: SoDo, Central District, Crown Hill

Uwajimaya

Best products: Regular prices can be high on some product, so take advantage of weekly specials,
and get 10% off as a student every Friday after 6pm!

Nearest location: International District

Trader Joe’s

Best products: Check out their weekly flyer! A lot of things at Trader Joes have pretty good

prices. Keep an eye out for sales and Trader Joe’s brand products.

Nearest locations: Central District, Queen Anne

Big John’s PFI

Best products: Store carries mostly European and Mediterranean imported foods. ½-pound
minimum when buying deli meats (unsliced/no slicer), sausages, cheeses (domestic and
international), and olives. Large variety of bulk dried goods: rices, beans, spices, grains, flours.
Large selections of olive oils, specialty oils, and vinegars. Also chocolate and candy from around
the world.

Location: SoDo

Costco (membership required)

Best products: best value is found on dairy products, organic products, frozen foods, Kirkland
brand products, bulk foods, and perishable foods.

Nearest location: Industrial District

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Free Summer Meals for Children

Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation throughout the summer while school is out of session.

Nearby location details (sorted by distance from Cornish MCC):

Denny Park

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 100 Dexter Ave N Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 7/12/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: L
Lunch Time: 12:45PM - 2:00P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Cal Anderson Park

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 1635 11th Ave Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 7/12/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: L
Lunch Time: 11:00AM - 11:45P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Lowell Elementary

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 1058 E. Mercer St. Seattle, WA 98102
Date Open: 8/21/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: BL
Breakfast Time: 8:30AM - 8:50A
Lunch Time: 11:45AM - 12:15P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Yesler Community Center

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 917 East Yesler Way Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 6/28/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: LA
Lunch Time: 12:00PM - 1:00P
Snack Time: 3:30PM - 4:00P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Bailey Gatzert Elementary

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 1301 E. Yesler Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 8/21/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: BL
Breakfast Time: 8:30AM - 8:50A
Lunch Time: 11:45AM - 12:15P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

International District Chinatown Community Center (IDCCC)

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 719 8th Ave. South Seattle, WA 98104
Date Open: 6/28/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: LA
Lunch Time: 12:00PM - 1:00P
Snack Time: 3:00PM - 4:00P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 104 17th Avenue South Seattle, WA 98144
Date Open: 6/25/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: BL
Breakfast Time: 8:00AM - 9:00A
Lunch Time: 12:00PM - 1:00P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Rotary Boys & Girls Club

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 201 19th Ave Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 6/28/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: LA
Lunch Time: 11:30AM - 12:30P
Snack Time: 3:30PM - 4:30P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Pratt/Lavizzo Playground

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 1800 S Main St Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 6/28/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: LA
Lunch Time: 12:00PM - 1:00P
Snack Time: 2:00PM - 3:00P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Garfield Community Center

Sponsoring Organization: City of Seattle Child Nutrition Program
Address: 2323 E. Cherry St. Seattle, WA 98122
Date Open: 6/28/2017
Date Closed: 8/25/2017
Days of Operation: M, T, W, TH, F
Meal Types Served: LA
Lunch Time: 11:30AM - 12:30P
Snack Time: 3:30PM - 4:00P
Site Phone Number: (206) 386-1032

Find more locations here.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Tips for Summer Eating on a Budget

It’s time to take advantage of summer produce while it is bountiful and cheap. Making use of one vegetable in different meals lets you not only be able to buy in bulk, but also helps you save some money. You can even make a larger batch of something like my jambalaya and turn it into burritos for lunch the next day (Just some food for thought!)

Eating in Season Is Budget-Friendly. Buying produce that’s in season is not only tastier, but usually cheaper! Summer vegetables can be cooked quickly and used in an incredible array of dishes.

Use One Ingredient Many Ways. Try to think in terms of a whole week of meals when buying groceries and buy foods that can be used in multiple ways. This way, you can be efficient with your shopping and planning. One week you may spend more at the grocery store as you fill up your pantry with spices and dry goods, but the next week you’ll make up for it by buying less.

Round out Your Week with Snacks! Don’t forget about snacks. If you have the flexibility in your budget, buy a tub of yogurt (the single cups are more expensive!) and bananas for breakfasts and quick snacks. And don’t let your house be without popcorn kernels! Make popcorn on the stovetop, or pop them in a paper bag in the microwave. A satisfying crunchy snack is yours for pennies. Raw fruits and vegetables make great snacks as well, and it are a HEALTHY alternative!

TURN THE OVEN OFF! Not only will this keep your apartment much cooler, you can shave some very precious dollars off your electric bill! Try these “No Cook” Recipes!

Here are some great and budget friendly vegan and vegetarian recipes as well!

Try making recipes that MULTIPLE PORTIONS, because leftovers are always good. Here are some recipes for some yummy casseroles:

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Budgeting Tips: Learn to Cook

You might be asking yourselves, why is Financial Aid posting about cooking? Beyond wanting you guys to be as healthy as possible while you're in school, here's why - your food purchases make up a large chunk of your living expenses, and we care about your financial know-how as much as we do about what food you're fueling yourself with, so in order to get you guys on the right financial track we're throwing out some usable life lessons! This is one of those posts that’ll be more useful for those of you currently living on your own. So real quick, just to start us off, here’s some advice for everybody still in the dorms or living at home; learn to cook before you get out on your own. No joke, this is a skill that can potentially save you hundreds of dollars a month, and it’s something you can pretty much learn for free (thanks, Youtube). And if everything you’re cooking is really bland and gross-tasting, here’s another tip: use more herbs and spices. Most recipes are written to appeal to the greatest number of people, which means they’re pretty bland. As a general rule of thumb, double the spices in any given recipe, provided you like that particular flavor, and your food is going to start tasting a lot better or at the very least, a lot more interesting.

Okay, now back to those of you currently in charge of your own kitchens. If your fridge is anything like mine was when I was living downtown and going to Cornish, beyond being shared by four to five people, it’s probably only got a few things in it and none of them are particularly healthy or geared towards providing multiple meals. Sometimes we got really fancy and had milk in our fridge. Other than that, mostly weird snacks we got on sale. One of the things we’re going to be doing on this blog is providing you with some basic financial education and life skills that high school no longer provides and one of those things is learning how to shop and cook on a budget – which can be particularly helpful around the holidays. So without any further ado, here’s some tips and tricks for you to start practicing over the next month.

Schedule one day a week to cook

Time is a massive issue. I won’t treat you like you’re special and tell you it’s ever not going to be a massive issue; you’re going to be just as busy when you’ve got a job as you are right now as a student. If you can’t make time now to feed yourself, you won’t be able to make time later either, unless you start practicing. It seems overwhelming at first, but if you actually budget your time it’s going to start feeling a lot more manageable.

My food technique during school was to buy massive amounts of boxed red beans and rice and related foods whenever they were on sale and cook as it was necessary, or survive pretty much exclusively on Wheat Thins and half-sandwiches. This is not something I would recommend. Also, much like spending little bits of money here and there, spending little bits of time per week actually ends up meaning you’re spending a lot more time per week than if you just set aside two hours on (for example) Sunday and cooked a whole ton of food.

Generally speaking you have about five days before your food becomes questionable, and probably slightly longer especially if your fridge is particularly cold. So here’s what you do – find a couple recipes that make multiple servings and are full of ingredients like cheap vegetables, whole grains, and cheap filler like tomato paste, get your ingredients, and on Sunday set aside two hours and just make all of the food. Freeze some, throw some in the fridge, and look now you’ve got dinners you just have to microwave all week, no problem. No need to pay for dinner for basically the whole rest of the week.

Buy a crock pot

Step in to any thrift store that sells home goods and you’re probably going to see a crock pot. This means you’ll be able to find a crock pot for under ten bucks, but if not seriously just go to Target and get a new one for about $40. Now, what the heck is a crock pot.

Well. It’s a pot. And you plug a warming base in to the wall, put the pot in it, and let food cook for a really long time without needing to leave your stove on. And by really long time, I mean you can cook food for like, twelve hours. Why would you want to cook food for twelve hours? Because it tastes really, really good.

Make some great chili with a can of beans, some briefly cooked cheap ground beef, and a bunch of diced vegetables that produces eight servings for under twelve bucks for the whole meal (that is $1.50 for about a cup and a half of food per serving that will last you for five-to-eight days - think about how much more expensive the cafeteria is here and decide if the hour you’ll spend chopping vegetables and briefly cooking some beef and the three hours you’ll spend not paying attention to the crock pot as it gently bubbles your food into deliciousness while you do homework or play Fallout 4 or binge watch Peep Show are worth it) You can do the same thing with chicken noodle soup (throw whole boneless chunks of chicken in there, if it cooks for long enough it’ll shred itself) and basically also any other kind of soup. It’s a great way to multitask because you don’t have to stir, or really even watch it. You can do literally anything else while days’ worth of meals are being created. It’s the ultimate in both multitasking, time efficiency, and being super lazy. How often do you get to do all three.

Buy in bulk, and pay more up front

Buy in bulk. Buy quick-oats in bulk, buy spices in bulk, buy peanut butter in bulk. I don't mean Costco bulk, I mean bulk as in from the bulk section. If you walk into a store, and there’s a bulk section, I promise you that 99.999999% of the time the stuff in the bulk section is going to be way cheaper than the stuff that’s prepackaged. It scares you off with big up-front prices, like spices being $20 per pound. Do you know how much your standard jar of spices weighs? Not that much. This weekend I bought about eight ounces of Aleppo pepper for $5, which is a ton of Aleppo pepper figuratively speaking. This will last me for at least a year. Meanwhile, a two ounce prepackaged jar of Aleppo costs about $10. So basically if it’s available in the bulk section, get it from the bulk section.

Sometimes things will cost you more up front and you’ll want to avoid them because of it. Don’t do this. Save your money for one big grocery shopping trip and buy everything you need right then and there. Using that chili I mentioned as an example – sure, the beef is going to look expensive (tip, get it as lean as possible and get the stuff that’s marked for sell-by-end-of-day, as long as you plan to cook it that day – that’ll all make it cheaper) and you’ll need to get multiple cans of beans and the vegetables will all say terrifying things like “$4.00 per pound”, but it’s not that bad. Plus tax you can make that aforementioned meal for $15, maybe closer to $21 if you’re buying spices for the first time. But then you never need to buy spices again, and spending $15 to make several meals is way, way more cost-effective than spending $4+tax every time you want to get a cheap, quick fix from the café. Another fun shopping tip, in Washington your premade food is taxed - your fresh food products are not.

Pay attention to the price per ounces

Sometimes things seem cheap when they’re really not. My insanely thrifty roommate during Junior and Senior year taught me this trick – look at the price per ounce on the sales tag. Right by where the price label and bar code are, in every store, in the lower left or right hand corner is a little note that tells you how much that thing costs per ounce. It makes, way, way more sense to spend more money on an item that has better value than one that is cheaper up front but has less of the actual product in it.

Produce isn’t that expensive

It might say apples are $2 a pound, but weigh your apples. If you pick the right ones that’s like, three apples – it’s really not that expensive. It’s less expensive than candy or coffee or any of the things we buy throughout the day without thinking about it. So either find a new excuse not to buy produce, or rejoice and actually start weighing your produce at the store so you can buy things and stay within your budget!

Those are your intro tips to cooking when you’re not making much, or any, money. To help you guys out with this crucial life skill, we’ll be posting totally affordable easy to make recipes occasionally!