Financial Wellness Awareness Month: Navigating Nutrition on a College Budget

Maintaining a healthy diet on a college budget can be challenging, but it’s possible with planning and smart shopping. Start by meal planning and creating a shopping list based on affordable, nutritious staples like  

• Rice 
• Beans 
• Pasta 
• and frozen vegetables.  

Cooking in bulk and using leftovers can save both time and money. Focus on whole foods such as  

• Fruits  
• Vegetables 
• Lean proteins 
• and whole grains,  
• which are often more cost-effective than processed options. 

Simple, budget-friendly recipes like stir-fries, grain bowls, and soups are a great way to get various nutrients without breaking the bank. Don’t overlook breakfast and snacks—eggs, yogurt, and whole-grain toast are affordable, nutritious choices, while homemade trail mix or cut-up veggies with hummus make for healthy snacks. Drinking water instead of sugary beverages also helps keep costs down while supporting overall health. 

Take advantage of campus resources like food pantries, cooking classes, or student discounts at local grocery stores. Shopping at discount stores or farmer’s markets can also help you stretch your food budget further.