Navigating post-secondary education is challenging enough without the added stress of affording nutritious meals. Between tuition, textbooks, rent, and other living expenses, many students find themselves struggling to eat well.

The rising cost of food makes this struggle even more difficult, often forcing students to choose between healthy eating and financial survival. However, with some strategic planning and smart shopping habits, it is possible to maintain a nutritious diet on a limited budget.

The following are 10 ways to eat well without breaking the bank

Discounts and Coupons

• Many grocery stores have one day a week where students get a discount on their purchases. Making sure you shop on these days can help ensure you get more food for less money.

• Weekly fliers, cashback offers, and BOGO deals are a great way to grab some of your favourites without going over budget.

Meal Plan

• Check the flyers and plan your meals for the week around the discounted items. Is chicken on sale this week? Stir fries can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge and freezer.

• Make a list and stick to it. Going to the grocery store without a plan of any kind can lead to impulse buys, forgotten items, and spending more than needed.

Frozen and Canned Foods

• Frozen vegetables and fruits have just as many nutrients as fresh but last longer. Plus, they go great in a smoothie on those days you’re rushing for class!

• Many staples like corn, beans, and fish come canned which costs significantly less than fresh, lasts longer, and takes up less space in your home.

Use Campus or Community Food banks

• Food banks are a great way to get food at little to no cost and exist at most campuses.

• Many are implementing online systems where you can browse what they have and create an order just like a grocery store rather than be given a pre-set box of food with items you may not be able to eat.

Cook with Friends

• Potlucks and shared meals can help save money by splitting costs among a group while also creating an enjoyable evening with friends without having to pay restaurant prices.

• Get together to share your favourite recipes, introduce friends to new foods, and relax

Buy in Bulk

• Buying in bulk can cost more up front but saves you money in the long run as the price per item is lower than buying individually.

• Rice, pasta, toilet paper, and other non-perishables are great to buy in bulk when you have a little extra money and will ensure you have something on hand if you come into a rough month.

Generic and Store Brands

• No name and store brands often get a bad reputation as being lower quality but many times these products come from the same place as the more expensive name brand ones. Buying these store brand items taste just as good and can save you anywhere from 20%-50% of the cost.

• Stores frequently have deals on their own brands to incentivise buyers to choose them which can save you even more money.

Apply for Student Food Assistance Programs

• Many schools will have emergency funding for students in need. Your student advisor can direct you to the application and help you through it if needed

• Some governments will also have programs for students to apply for food assistance. Check your government’s community support page to find out if there’s one near you

Learn to Cook Low-Cost Recipes

• Recipes are easier than ever to find these days with cooking apps, google, and YouTube right at our fingertips. Follow your favourite chefs and bookmark your favourite sites to see when they upload new great recipes to try.

• Some great videos for low-cost recipes are Josh Weismann’s But Cheaper series, Julia Pacheco’s $5 Dinners, and LifebyMikeG’s How to Live on $3 a Day.

Shop Local and Seasonal

• Farmer’s Markets and local farms are a great way to support your community while saving money. End-of-day discounts and overstock (eggs, I’m looking at you) can lead to discounts on already very affordable foods.

• Keeping an eye on what’s currently in season can also increase saving as this produce is often cheaper than imported ones. Buying seeds and growing your own seasonal produce is a great way to save money for those with a green thumb who enjoy gardening. Nothing tastes as good as something you’ve grown yourself!