5 Ways To Make Seafood More Affordable Today

 

If you aren’t used to eating fish and other seafood at home, you may be worried that it’s too expensive to buy very often. Actually, seafood can be quite budget-friendly if you shop smart and have a plan! Remember seafood contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, which are essential for your family’s health. Here are five ways to stretch your food dollars and make seafood a regular part of your family meals: 

THINK BEYOND FRESH 

Fresh seafood isn’t your only option. Frozen and canned options both contain just as many nutrients as fresh. Plus, canned and frozen fish are often less expensive than fresh. Canned fish, including tuna, salmon, and sardines, are available as a food benefit for some WIC participants. Check your program’s allowable food list.

GO  LOCAL 

If you live near the ocean or large lakes, you may be surprised how affordable fresh seafood can be. Check www.localcatch.org to find out what seafood is sourced near you and where you can buy it.  Remember to return to this article after checking out the link. 

MAKE A PLAN 

Before you go shopping: 

  • Check sales flyers and compare prices on frozen, fresh, and canned seafood. 
  • If you see a good deal on seafood you aren’t familiar with, search the internet for recipes. Seafoodnutrition.org is a great resource for healthy, affordable fish and shellfish recipes. Please make sure to return to this page to complete the lesson after opening these links.
  • Make a meal plan that incorporates some of the least-expensive seafood you find. 

USE LEFTOVERS 

Leftover seafood can be used in lots of creative ways and is great for stretching your budget. For example, leftover fish can be baked into patties for tomorrow’s dinner or made into a spread for sandwiches or crackers for lunch. Leftover crab and shrimp can be chopped up into a salad or made into tacos. 

When making your weekly menu, be sure to plan for leftovers. 

LET SEAFOOD PLAY A SUPPORTING ROLE
Fish and other seafood don’t always have to be your main dish. Adding smaller portions of seafood to dips, soups, spreads, salads, and sauces can be a great way to add healthy, tasty protein to your meals.

Check out these great recipes to add seafood into your meals on a tight budget and remember to return to the lesson to complete it after opening these links.

Now that you know how budget-friendly seafood can be, hopefully, you’re feeling ready to try feeding it to your family. Maybe you have heard about mercury in seafood and are worried about eating it or serving it to your children? If so, click here to find out just how safe and healthy fish and other seafood really is! Or, you can click “Next” to get your action plan and finish the lesson.