FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2010

 
 

Union County Extension Offers Guide for Getting “Health and Wealth” on Track

 

Union County, NJ – Along with being the foundation of good health, good nutrition can also help save money on household bills.  The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has developed a program called Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ that helps Union County residents combine both.

“The trick is to change your habits in small, easygoing steps that give you a sense of accomplishment,” said Dr. Karen Ensle, RD, a nutrition expert and head of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

One key strategy is simply to keep a weekly grocery shopping list.  Research shows that excess money is spent when more trips to the supermarket are taken, and a pre-planned list helps cut down on those extra trips.

Households that keep grocery lists save money by:

  • Using less gas.
  • Taking better advantage of money-saving sales, coupons, and bulk purchases.
  • Buying fewer expensive snacks and convenience foods, which are high in sugar, fat and salt.
  • Buying more inexpensive staples and cooking more nutritious meals.
  • Switching from name brands to cheaper store brands with the same nutritional value.
  • Reserving soda and other sugary drinks for special treats rather than daily use.
  • Avoiding impulse buys, especially at the checkout line (paying with cash or a debit card instead of a credit card also helps cut impulse buys).

These and many other tips are included in an easy-to-follow workbook and online challenge developed by Dr. Ensle with Dr. Barbara ONeill, an Extension financial specialist.  For more information or a copy of the workbook call 908-654-9854 or visit http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, offering a variety of free programs including the popular “Enjoying a Balanced Diet on a Balanced Budget” seminar.  Educators who are interested in disseminating this seminar can get a free Power Point version in English or Spanish by emailing Dr. Ensle, ensle@njaes.rutgers.edu.

An upcoming class in the series is “13 Fun Ways to Eat More Fruits and Veggies,” on Thursday, February 25 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  Pre-registration is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@ucnj.org.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension belongs to a nationwide Extension network that helps connect the public with science-based research and information, along with providing Agricultural and Resource Management, Family and Community Health Sciences and 4-H Youth Development programs.