Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Communications Director, The Food Connection

Season 8, Episode 22

As we wrap up  our self-proclaimed Stretching Your Food Budget Week, host Mindy McCulley and guest LaToya Drake from The Food Connection share a compact guide to planning holiday meals without blowing your budget. They discuss practical strategies for saving money on traditional dishes, including choosing smaller cuts of meat, using seasonal or sale produce, ingredient substitutions, and inviting guests to help.

The episode explains a five-trip shopping strategy to spread spending and reduce last-minute stress, plus tips for shopping your pantry and freezer first, rotating older items, and stretching meals with staples like potatoes, rice, and beans.

Expect actionable, research-based advice for keeping holiday traditions while trimming costs and time in the kitchen so you can focus on gathering with loved ones.

For more information:

Planning Holiday Meals on A Thrifty Budget

To connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:

PlanEatMove.com

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

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