As grocery prices rise, it can be difficult to feed a family on a tight budget.  It is even more difficult to feed them fresh, healthy foods. You have a good resource if there is an Aldi in your area.  Most prices are around 20% less than a typical grocery store and you can STILL feed your family foods you feel good about.    As an added bonus, Aldi.com provides a menu planner on their website using only items you can find in their store.  You can create a menu, complete with recipes, and print out a shopping list.  There are 1050 Chicken recipes alone!  Even if you don’t have an Aldi in your area, this is a wonderful meal planning resource. 

Here are a few items that are always on my Aldi list: paper towels, bleach, boneless skinless tenderloins, tomato sauce, eggs, pepperoni, creamer, and loads of fresh fruits and veggies.  I should mention, for the sake of your kids, that they have some junk food options as well. My favorite?  Plain old chocolate chips.  By the handful.

Here are a few tips for your first trip:

• Bring a quarter for the cart.
• Bring your own bags (or you can buy them for .05 each)
• Dress comfortably, you will be bagging your own groceries.

The best thing about shopping discount stores is that there is no time spent clipping coupons or visiting multiple stores to save money.  This can be a huge time and money saver for busy moms.  Of course the variety and quality at your store may vary, but what do you have to lose?  Check it out for yourself!