When looking for a cheap meal eggs are still a great choice. Also tuna . Meat is ridicules right now. So I buy large pieces and cut up myself. Pork is most economical. Peanut butter on celery sticks are one of my faves for lunch

Fresh veggies can be costly!! Some of my affordable favorites are cucumbers, cut in spears for snacking. I also snack on the radishes that are in a bunch (with their leaves) but they cost more than the bagged ones (that are hot). I also eat unsalted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc... and have found a Shoppers Food store near me sells them in plastic cartons for a really good price. If you have a Sam's membership, I think they have the best price on almond butter and big bags of raw almonds and walnuts. Overall, you can save money (and eat better) if you are able to do your own food prep and avoid the preprocessed foods. Not certain, but I think basic frozen veggies (like broccoli, green beans, etc)...may be more affordable than fresh-and are every bit as nutritious. I've also discovered that the new types of non-dairy milk (I use Silk) have a lot longer "use by date"-which makes it a smarter buy for me. Also learn to follow the "unit pricing" when comparing prices-larger packages are not always the best price. I personally am boycotting bounty paper towels (because they are so costly) and have switched brands. And just lately I found the price of Walmart eggs are higher than other name brands and other stores even-go figure.

Thank you very much for your help and ideas.

Oh yeah, I also found I get more 'bang for my buck' by buying the really big bags of kale (which I steam all at one time) and the large plastic tubs of spinach stay fresh the longest. You can also refrigerate or even freeze bananas (for smoothies) that ripen too quickly. And you can buy less expensive twist tie gallon bags for most food storage and use the zip ones when needed. Uneaten avocado halves will stay green longer if you leave the pit in, in the frig. And berries won't mold as quickly if you place a paper towel (just not bounty) Ha! inside the carton lid and turn the pkg upside down. The black paper on the bottom of berries is put there to absorb moisture, but is often too wet and stops working.