Planning your meals ahead of time and choosing healthful foods will help improve your diet. It also can save you money.

Here are some tips for eating well on a budget:
- Make a list before you go food shopping.
- Shop the perimeter (outside aisles) of the store, that’s where you will find the healthiest, unprocessed items.
- Try store brands, or generic rather than name brands. They often are a good buy. Also look for items that are on sale, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.
- A large bag of fruit like apples or oranges costs far less than fruit priced individually per pound.
- Use coupons.
- Skip organic. It is overly priced and is not necessarily better nutritionally.
- Buy foods that are rich in nutrients. Fresh produce, low-fat milk, eggs, dried beans, enriched pasta, oatmeal, whole-grain foods, lean meats, and fish are good choices.
- Choose prepared foods with care such as sandwich meat and frozen dinners. They are often high in salt and sugar.
- Contact the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging or your local Meals on Wheels program if you cannot get out to your local senior center for a meal and are unable to prepare meals.
-Try restaurants that offer a discount to seniors. Going out for lunch or to the "early bird special" often costs less than eating out at dinner time.
- Save half of your meal to take home. Many restaurants have portion sizes that are very large. Taking home food helps avoid overeating and saves money.

With a little planning, you could be a healthier eater on a budget.

Westmoreland County
Area Agency on Aging
Information Line
200 South Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Contact: Beverly Trovato
724-830-4444
1-800-442-8000