PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Heading to the grocery store can be expensive. That’s why it’s important to come up with a food budget before you head there.

Rae Caloura, a marketing professor at Providence College, told 12 News that families should look at their budget and also include what they’re spending while eating out.

That will help decipher what a family needs at a grocery store and what is being wasted, Caloura said. Then, she suggested families consider looking at what stores have the best discounts.

“Most of the stores publish fliers. Some of them still come to you in the mail,” Caloura said. “Some of them everyone has a weekly flier that is online. Look through it. See what’s on sale.”

Caloura said families should keep in mind that stores are designed to make shoppers head from one end to the other. For example, if a person is buying vegetables and milk, Caloura said those are typically on opposite sides of the store.

Once you have checked off the items that are on your list, Caloura suggested only buying sale items that your household will use and steer clear of ones you don’t actually need.

“These could be danger areas for some people,” she said.

Caloura said similar foods are sold in different sizes, which can make it can make it difficult to compare what the best price is at first glance.

She recommends shoppers focus on the price per-unit when comparing which is a better deal.

Stores will also often put sale items at the end of the shelves. Caloura said to keep an eye on the prices, because some stores put items there just to grab your attention.

Popular brands will also pay to be at eye level so shoppers will buy the first product that they see. Caloura said the value brands that are often cheaper are placed at the bottom of the shelf.

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