Unfortunately, with government subsidies and the political muscle of big food and pharma, truly healthy food is often not very cheap, making it harder for some folks to afford it.  But here are a few ideas:

• Shop at your local farmer’s markets – Shopping local cuts out the middleman and an extra layer of cost. Plus, when you shop with your local farmers, you can get to know them and their practices so you can feel even better about the items you are buying.
• Shop at bargain stores like Aldi and Lidl – Often stores like Price Rite, Grocer’s Outlet, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Lidl have brands we may not be as familiar with, but can be just as healthy as brands you do know at a better price. Be sure to read labels (like you would in any store) to ensure that you are truly buying healthy items.
• Buy fruits and veggies in season – Fruits and vegetables are always cheaper in season than out of season, so one easy way to save money is to buy what is in season.
• Check the clearance areas of your grocery store – Make it a habit to check out the clearance areas at your grocery stores. Items near an expiration date will be put on clearance for a more rapid sale which means you can save a little on those pricier healthy food items.
• Stock up when you can – Whether you stock up when something is on sale or go to a place like Sam’s or Costco and buy in bulk, one way to save in the long term is to buy more now and freeze it (where practical) so you have it over a longer period of time. This works well with many fruits and veggies.

Don't give up trying to eat healthy because it feels coat prohibitive.  Try using some of these tips to help you incorporate a few more healthy foods into your diet as you are able.  Remember, small steps make a difference!! Namaste.