Inflation has driven the cost of groceries higher in recent years. According to USDA Economic Research Food Price Outlook (2024), food-at-home prices increased by 11.4% in 2022, 5.8% in 2023 and an additional increase of 2.2% is expected throughout 2024.  These historically high average prices make meal budgeting, especially holiday meals which tend to cost more, extremely important. To address this issue the Whitley County Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences taught Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget to 41 participants. The lesson focused on ways to plan a menu on a budget and thrifty grocery shopping strategies.

A post survey evaluation showed the following outcomes:

• 100% strongly agreed or agreed that they could identify ways to save money when planning a holiday meal.

• 100% strongly agreed or agreed that they could develop a budget-friendly shopping plan for a holiday meal.

• 97% strongly agreed or agreed that they intend to create a holiday menu using budget friendly foods.

• 94% strongly agreed or agreed that they intend to apply the five-shopping trip strategy for budgeting future holiday meals.

In addition, participants intend to share this lesson with others, extending the reach of this information to an additional 491 individuals. One participant noted, “Great insight and ideas.  Especially this year with prices!”