Grains serve up the biggest (and most nutritional) bang for your buck!

Planning nutritious meals on a budget may seem like a challenge, but with a little help from grains, you can be turning out cost-efficient and nutrition packed meals in no time! Follow these tips to keep your wallet – and your waistline – happy.

• Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can reduce costs anywhere from $0.03 to$0.50 per ounce.  Flour, cereal, rice, pasta, and quinoa are just a few of the many grains often sold in bulk.

• Decrease waste: Grains naturally have a longer shelf life than other products.  When purchased in bulk and stored properly, grain foods can last up to one year.  Unlike highly perishable foods that may go bad within a few days, money spent on grains will never be wasted.

• Eat to satisfy: Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps manage hunger and keep you feeling full longer.

Creating balanced meals is now easier than ever with the USDA’s recent launch of the MyPlate icon.  The recommendation to fill approximately one quarter of your plate with grains at each meal is a sure way to stay on track. But don’t forget – fill that plate with a mix of both whole and enriched grains to reap all the nutritional and economic benefits grains have to offer.  Happy shopping – and eating!