* Buy regular rice and oatmeal instead of the instant or flavored types.
* Try whole grain bread and brown rice to add nutrients and variety.
* Look for large bags of frozen vegetables. Buying in bulk may save you money. Use what you need, then seal the bag tightly and keep frozen until your next use.
* Lettuce, cabbage, onions and carrots usually cost less in the produce section than at a salad bar.
* Buy fresh fruits when they are in season and on sale.
* Gallon containers of fresh milk usually cost less, per ounce, than half gallons.
* Nonfat dry milk is least expensive. Just mix it several hours ahead of time and refrigerate so it can chill before drinking.
* Fat-free or low-fat milk can help reduce your family's fat intake; but children younger than 2 should receive whole milk.
* Look for specials at the meat counter.
* Buy chuck or bottom round roast instead of sirloin, since these cuts have less fat and cost less. Cover them during cooking and cook them long enough to make the meat tender.
* Save money by buying whole chickens and cutting them into serving pieces yourself.
* Substitute beans in place of meat, poultry or fish sometimes. They cost less, provide many of the same nutrients and are lower in fat.