350,000 Canadian rely on food banks every year, and unfortunately, that number has been increasing.

While some people do rely on our local food bank, there are ways to help supply food to your family and to make sure you get the most of it and not let any go to waste.

Melanie Warken is a Public Health Nutritionist with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. She suggests everyone take these few steps to help save money when out for groceries:

"Taking steps with meal planning, creating grocery lists based on only what you need for the meal plans, making a conscious effort to freeze extra portions – whether it's raw or cooked to prevent food loss, storing your fruits and vegetables properly. All those things can really help to reduce our household food waste."

Warken says preparation is key, and making a list properly can save you money.

"What I recommend doing first is going through your stock at home – whether it be food in the cupboards or fridge – and see what you have in stock. Then plan to use those household items up first. You can go and make a grocery list to determine what else you need when you go to the store to get groceries."

"There are many ways we can save money on food," says Warken. "One of the primary ways is to cook meals at home. Eating out or eating at restaurants, even takeout, can really add up and cost us a lot more money. So starting with cooking as many meals at home as possible will help with the food budget".

Lastly, Warken also recommends buying more in bulk for your family, especially meat and protein, as you can refreeze them for later use. Protein substitutes like legumes and eggs are also a good way to save money.