With food prices going through the roof, it can be hard to stay on track with buying the healthy foods we need for meals and snacks during the week.

Have food prices affected your shopping routine?

Are there foods you've had to cut down on because of the recent rise in prices?

Do you have any tips to share on how to stretch your food dollar in this economy?

I'm definitely paying more attention to the prices of foods, comparing prices, and choosing store brands whenever possible. I won't cut back on fresh fruit and vegetables, especially now when everything is ripe in my area. Once winter hits, I'll use more canned and frozen products, which are usually cheaper than fresh in my area of the northeast.

We're on a pretty tight budget at the moment, but like Lynn, I won't compromise on the fresh fruits and veggies. I check the paper for sales and go to several different stores to get the best prices. I also belong to one of the bulk stores where I get a lot of staples for less money. I used to clip coupons, but find I don't usually have the time now. Instead, I make sure I have the discount cards for all of the major places I shop. All these things do help!

I wish we had a bulk store in our area. I live in a rural part of the northeast, and it takes over an hour driving time to get to the closest store that sells in bulk. I just can't justify the gas to do that, plus the amount of time. My husband does the coupon clipping because he enjoys it more than I do, and that's also helped us save food dollars.

The bulk store does help, but you also have to know what you are buying. For some reason, I have a talent for memorizing prices of various items in various stores. I watch carefully to make sure the bulk place isn't selling something for the same or a higher price, which does happen on occasion.

That's a great talent! I can't remember what anything costs, so the best I can do is compare prices at the store while I'm shopping. I suppose I could keep a running list of prices for items I regularly purchase, though.

I am also checking ads and tend to buy what is on sale. Luckily, there are two local farmers markets that are still going where I can get a lot of produce for little money. Once we get into winter I tend to eat a lot of frozen or whatever is the loss leader produce.

I also checked with my local community action group and joined their food co-op. It isnt income based and you choose each month which packages you want, if any. Last month I got a lot of beef and pork, which should last me at least until January. This month I am ordering the small package which is 10lbs of boneless skinless chicken, a pound of meatloaf mix, 2pounds of pork chops, a 20oz bag of peeled and cubed butternut squash and 3 pounds of apples for 20 dollars.

There are other ones out there like angelfood ministries and choices but I didnt have any local pick up spots near me.

I have also been buying a lot of dried beans, barley, lentils etc. , they tend to be fairly cheap, especially over in the ethnic section. As long as I remember to soke them overnight, it works pretty well, then I cook the whole pound and freeze what I dont need immediately. I wouldnt buy bulk on those though because if they get too old they wont soften.

I have also been collecting soup recipes during the year and am planning to use them for a large portion of my meals during the winter.

I wish there was a food co-op in my area, because this sounds like a great idea. Now that the weather has gotten cooler I've also started making more soups, and using legumes is a really good tip. Thanks!