The scarcity in our wheat supply is a result of farmers, who have stopped growing wheat in favor of corn for the bio-fuel industry, a shortage of wheat in Australia, and increased demands for wheat from India and China.

When the price of wheat rises...what wheat goes into, goes up, too.
The price of wheat affects the price of just about everything in the grocery store.You might not first think that beef, pork, and chicken would be affected by the price of wheat, but wheat is used in animal feeds. The rising cost of wheat and corn supplies also has an effect on the price of dairy products for the same reason. Analysts say strong food price inflation is likely to last through 2008. This means huge price increases for ALL families at the grocery store.

Steadily rising food costs affect us all.
A recent article in the Rocky Mountain News, said that families were coping with higher prices by eating out less and cutting back on meat, fruit, and veggies. Eating out is expensive and the first place you should cut to make your food dollar stretch. Cutting back on meat isn't all that bad, if you compensate with whole grains. Cutting back on fruit and veggies are not the place you'll ultimately save.

What is food?
Food is a substance eaten for nourishment. The best food is unprocessed and as natural as possible. Unfortunately, many "natural" foods are grown with synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, or "sewer sludge" (human waste that's been treated to remove harmful bacteria) and animals are given antibiotics and hormones which are passed along in their meat and milk. Food may be genetically modified and irradiated. For the biggest bang for your nutritional buck, try to purchase organic products.

What is fake food?
Fake food looks and tastes like food, but offers no nutrition whatsoever. Today, there are over 3,000 additives found in food. And yet, people are genetically designed to thrive on a naturally derived diet. Processed fake food is category where we can save the most grocery dollars.

We were given an appetite so that we would feed our bodies the nourishment it needs. When we feel hunger, we eat until we feel satiated. In the end, fake foods don't satisfy. Fake foods offer fullness, but don't provide any nutrients (i.e.: crackers, chips, boxed mixes, instant anything, sugar, white versions of rice and wheat, and soda pop). Your body will tell you that it needs nourishment shortly after eating and you'll feel hungry again. In the end, fake foods will break your grocery budget (and your health).

If you want to remain healthy, feel full longer, and save grocery dollars, eat whole foods!
It's true, we're seeing the worst food inflation in 20 years. People on a fixed income are the hardest hit. Although, it's very possible to eat whole, and even organic, foods on an extremely tight food budget. To save time and money always use a grocery list. Using a list will make it more probable that you'll actually come out of the store with the items needed for the week, avoiding repeat trips-saving gas.

Read all labels! That's the only way to be sure you're purchasing the most nutritious item possible. (Click here for Horrible Foods to avoid.) You'll be surprised at how many items are loaded with added sugars, altered fats, and other additives. Be persistent, you'll find one that's sugar and additive free. Purchase dairy and produce first. Then staples like wheat flour to make your own pancakes, old fashioned rolled oats, peanut butter, extra virgin olive oil and vinegar (for salad dressings), and applesauce. Stay away from pre-made anything. It'll cost more and processed foods are usually loaded with additives.

Finally, meat doesn't have to be the main attraction at every meal. You'll use less meat when you make casseroles and vegetarian dishes. You'll find lots of family-friendly (low meat) recipeson my website.(Click here: Baby Bites.)

For the best value:
>Use a shopping list and shop at a discount grocers once a week.
>Purchase the largest size staple item you can afford.
>Purchase fruit and vegetables in season.
>Purchase nutrition-packed whole foods for health.