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Meal Planning on a Budget Made Easier This Holiday Season New Bottom Dollar Food Gives Tips for Saving Money and Eating Well

December 15, 2006

With holiday cooking in full swing, families are looking for ways to plan meals on a budget. According to Bottom Dollar Food, a family of four can easily enjoy a healthy and tasty holiday meal for less than $25 with proper planning and smart shopping.

"We know shoppers want the most for their grocery dollars through price, quality and selection, especially around the holidays when food is at the center of attention," said Paul LaCroix, Vice President, Bottom Dollar Food. "Bottom Dollar Food hits all of those marks by providing quality products at the best prices."

To illustrate, a traditional meal for less than $25 can be purchased at Bottom Dollar Food with items such as: Turkey 12 lb., Dressing (Stove Top), Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Heinz Jar Gravy, Pillsbury Dinner Rolls, Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce, Can of corn and Mrs. Smith Pumpkin Pie.

The cost for the meal could be even less if consumers visit manufacturers' Web sites, where they might find coupons and other special offers on these items.

As an example, each year the mattress company Sealy compares grocery store prices in order to buy low-cost foods for an annual holiday event. "Our company takes part in a challenge with area businesses to restock the Salvation Army's local food pantry. We were looking for where we could find the lowest prices to be able to get the most for our money. We came across an ad in the paper for Bottom Dollar Food, and that's where we went," said Deborah Gray, who works in the Sealy finance department.

Tips families should consider when planning their holiday menu include the following:

  1. Food storage. Make foods last longer by storing them in the right containers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion suggests preventing food waste by buying only the amount that the family will eat before the food spoils.
  2. Make and stick to shopping lists. It's okay to sometimes get foods not on your lists if sale items make sense. But, shopping from a list helps you avoid expensive "impulse" purchases.
  3. Buy sale items and use coupons only when you need the product.
  4. Canned goods are often cheaper than fresh and work just as well in recipes.
  5. Emphasize planning. The USDA suggests you have foods on hand when you plan meals.
  6. Record everything you spend. You'll be surprised at what you can cut out.
  7. Comparison shop. Review labels for ounce for ounce comparisons of the price of products.
  8. Buy bulk. Yet if you won't use the entire product, buy only the amount you need.
  9. Use ingredients efficiently. The USDA suggests cooking a large batch of meals, dividing it into family-size portions and freezing some for meals later in the month.
  10. Be creative. The USDA also claims meals can be made easier by trying new ways to cook foods. For example, try a slow cooker or crock-pot to cook stews or soups.

About Bottom Dollar Food
Bottom Dollar Food, a concept introduced by Food Lion LLC in 2005, is a full-shop discount grocer offering the most popular national brands and private-label products at everyday best prices. The chain of 18 stores in parts of North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland is redefining discount shopping with its lighthearted atmosphere and focus on fresh produce and quality meats. Learn more at
www.BottomDollarFood.com.

Contact: Kimberly Blackburn (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2858