(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Last year U.S. consumers saw the largest annual increase in food prices since the 1980s with a jump of about 11 percent from 2021 to 2022, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. But inflation wasn’t the only cause for the increase. Other factors include global food chain disruptions, animal and plant diseases, changes in weather, the war in Ukraine, and an increase in labor and transportation costs.

Bree Shellito, Senior Manager of Community Impact with Ent Credit Union, offered some tips on how to save money on those necessary tips to the grocery store.

Meal plan and prep

Plan multiple meals that use similar ingredients

Use grocery store pickup

Avoid the pyschological tricks and impulse buying

Clip coupons – physical and virtual

Utilize your grocery store rewards programs

Opt-in to emails and store mailers

Compare prices

Shop in bulk

Consider generic products instead of name brands

Don’t pay for conveniences like prepared foods like bagged salad, chopped fruits, veggies, etc.