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Money tips

Moneycare's food and shopping hacks

Published on

21 May 2026

Food costs are high right now.

We know you're already being thoughtful and intentional with the way you shop.

To support you even further, we asked some of the team here at The Salvation Army to share their best money-saving tips. You'll find some of our favourites below - hopefully there's a new idea or two that makes things a little easier.

Grow your own herbs. Small pots with herbs like thyme, parsley and rosemary can be placed on a sunny windowsill or a balcony if you don’t have a backyard. It means you can just pick what you need and minimises waste.

Ann

We used to go to the movies on cheap Tuesday and make popcorn just before we left home. Or we would go to the supermarket beforehand, give the children a budget and they could choose a snack they wanted.

Carolyn

Always keep an eye on specials at the supermarket.

Hassan

Replace takeaway night with your leftover meals in the freezer.

Jane

Bulk buy shopping with family or friends - utilise fruit and veg markets.

Sarah

Make soup with all the tired veggies in your fridge rather than throwing them

Jacqueline

Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach.

Gul

Review your fridge contents before you hit the shops.

Mandy

Best thing with using a slow cooker is the meals freeze well too.

Jessie

Buy bulk packs of chicken, marinate for a day, and then freeze them. Avoid buying expensive takeaways.

Sumit

Shopping hacks

Groceries are so expensive and supermarkets are expertly designed to tempt you into spending more than you planned. Here are our top shopping hacks:

Look above and below eye level on the shelves for better prices
Check the price per unit, not just the shelf price to compare
Stick to buying fruit and vegetables that are in season
Always shop with a list

What are your cheap, easy, no-fuss dinners on rotation?

Here are some of our favourites:

Toasties
Snack plates
Homemade pizzas
Eggs on toast

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