Inflation has driven the cost of groceries higher in recent years. According to the USDA Economic Research Outlook (2023), in 2022, food-at-home prices increased by 11.4%, more than three times the 2021 rate. Additionally, food prices are expected to continue rising throughout 2023 and increase by another 8%.

These historically high average prices make meal budgeting, especially holiday meals which tend to cost more, extremely important. To address this issue the Boyd County Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences taught Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget to 15 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.

• 95% strongly agreed or agreed that they could develop a budget-friendly shopping plan for a holiday meal.

• 75% strongly agreed or agreed that they intend to create a holiday menu using budget-friendly foods.

• 70% 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 15 individuals. One participant noted, "This information is something that I can really use around the holidays since I have a large family and often have to plan a large meal. Which can get expensive." Another participant noted, "I like the idea of providing the main dish for the meal, and requesting other guests to bring a side dish or beverage." A third participant noted that "A little bit of planning and organizing seems to go a long way with saving on money, time, and stress!"