Living

Grocery prices keep increasing, here’s by how much. Tell us your budgeting strategies

A shopper holds a shopping basket with groceries inside a grocery store.
A shopper holds a shopping basket with groceries inside a grocery store. Bloomberg

Should you take the time to cook food for yourself at home or pop out and grab a quick meal from your local fast food joint? Whether you’re trying to save money, eat healthier or simply save some time, it’s a question that millions of Americans ask themselves every day.

Statistically, both the cost of eating at home and eating out are rising above historical averages, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food-at-home prices — food purchased from the grocery store — are predicted to increase by 6.6% in 2023, while food-away-from-home is forecast to increase by 8.2%.

While increasing prices can make shopping harder, budgeting can go a long way in helping keep your wallet in check. Whether putting aside a certain amount of money weekly for groceries or saving half of their monthly budget for essentials, people budget their cash in multiple ways.

The McClatchy Northwest Service team has been tracking their purchases the past few weeks to see just how much they spend on groceries and takeout weekly.

But we also want to hear from you. How do you make sure you’re not overspending on food each month? Please answer the following questions in our brief survey below, and your answers may be featured in a future story.

This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 12:33 PM.

Jared Gendron
The News Tribune
Jared Gendron is a service journalism reporter based in Tacoma, Washington. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a digital subscription. Support my work with a digital subscription
Shaun Goodwin
Idaho Statesman
Shaun Goodwin is the Boise State Athletics reporter for the Idaho Statesman, covering Broncos football, basketball and more. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a digital subscription. Support my work with a digital subscription
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