Thoughts on Saving - Food

As I've been rethinking our giving... and how much we have to give... I've also been thinking about all the money we spend that is wasteful - and it's a lot!

So, I'm considering some ways of saving money - Like John Wesley said, Gain all that you can, save all that you can, and give all that you can - right?

Here's a few ways to save on on food purchases:

* Plan menus - fewer trips to the store, planned purchases, strategic use of leftovers!
* Know the prices - use coupons, take a calculator (to compare quantity to price), watch for mistakes at the cashier, don't fall for 5 for $5 schemes if you only need one!
* Pack the pantry with staples when they are on sale - try canning or freezing! (Just don't buy more than you'll use... Don't let things go to waste!)
* Eat less meat (you don't need it everyday) or use recipes that stretch meat (like sloppy joe's or meatloaf).
* Junk the junk food. Eat healthier snacks like fruit or nuts, go for a walk when you feel the need for empty calories!
* Make homemade bread! Make up your mixes ahead of time, store the dry mix, and make the bread when you want it... Not only does it save time and money - but your house will smell wonderful!
* Drink more water! It's better for you and cheaper than sodas and sugary juices. If you worry about tap water, simply buy a filter... It's much cheaper and more environmentally sound than bottled water! (Also, make your own coffee and tea - it can cost pennies compared to stopping at a coffee shop!)
* Eat at home. Most of the time when we go out to dinner, it's because the "cook" of the family doesn't feel like cooking. Dinner out can easily cost 6-7 times what it would cost to make at home! So, take turns cooking so one person doesn't get burnt out or lazy! Make it a family affair and it's the perfect opportunity for conversation and fun!
* Dining out - drinks and tips quickly add to the bill. Order from the carry-out menu for cheaper prices and eat it in the comfort of home, or take it for a picnic! Instead of delivery, pick it up - you save the delivery charge and the tip. When you do go out, split a meal or take home the leftovers for a second meal (portions these days are easily large enough to do this!).
* Make homemade recipes and freeze them for easy dinners (like pizza or spaghetti).
* Use re-usable grocery bags! It saves about 10 cents per bag and it's environmentally responsible!

What are your money-saving strategies when it comes to food?