By Nigel Maxwell

PA family has tips for rising food costs

Mar 11, 2011 | 5:24 AM

As food and gas prices climb, Saskatchewan families feel their budgets tighten.

A Prince Albert family has gotten very good at making their money stretch.

Michele Jalbert and her husband have seven children, ranging in age from two to 21.

“We live on a single income, but we try our very best to manage our money as best we can,” said Jalbert.

The family grows a garden each year, Jalbert makes her own bread, does all her own baking and freezes whatever she doesn't use. When she does go out to shop, she knows a few tricks to save money.

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“I always buy the jumbo size boxes(of cereal). I don't buy the sugary stuff because you generally you get less and it costs more. I also buy big sizes of canned goods,” she said.

“I look for discounted stuff at the stores. I'm not afraid to buy the 50 per cent off items at a store. The date on them may be in the next two days but so what, we use it up anyway.”

Michelle said the biggest expense she has noticed is the cost of milk.

“I buy eight jugs at a time. I wish we had our own cow but I don't think the city would appreciate us having our own cow in the backyard.”

The family has learned to make a few sacrifices, such as eating out at a restaurant.

“That is a luxury for us. It is only on very special occasions like anniversaries or Valentine's day.”

As for junk food, Jalbert said that too is considered a luxury item and they try to stick to healthier foods anyway.

nmaxwell@panow.com