We’ve all been there. It’s 5:00PM, you and your family are hungry, and you have no idea what to make for dinner. Weekly meal planning can help reduce your stress, save money, and avoid impulse buying at the grocery store or last-minute takeout. Check out our tips below to get started.

Plan better to manage your budget 

Figuring out a meal plan and being thoughtful about the ingredients you use can greatly reduce overspending on food.

• Take a quick look through your cupboards, freezer, and fridge to see what you have and want to use up. This limits over-buying foods and decreases food waste.
• Browse your preferred store’s ads and digital coupons. Consider these ingredients as you choose your recipes for the week.
• Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season when they tend to be lower in price. Choose frozen and canned varieties when they are not in season or when you need a shortcut.
• Add a vegetarian meal or two into your plan each week. Protein tends to be the most expensive item in our carts, so swapping out some of the meat you eat can help you manage your budget.
• Consider shopping online or doing grocery pick up instead of shopping in store to cut back on impulse spending.
• Many food items purchased in bulk can be frozen for later use. But buy in bulk only when it makes sense for your family to avoid waste.

Plan meals with your schedule in mind 

Review your work, school, and extracurricular activities schedule to figure out a realistic plan each day. Here’s a sample of how to match your cooking method and ingredient choices to make it work.

• No time to prep & cook after work: Prep a slow cooker dish before heading out in the morning.
• Household is eating in shifts: Choose a dish that lends well to reheating. A simple pasta, meat, and sauce works well here.
• Have enough time to prep and cook: Batch cook brown rice, grill chicken, and roast some veggies to make the most of your time. Involve the entire family in the meal prep, clean up and store leftovers.
• No time for messy cleanup: Pick a one pot dish, ready in 30 minutes or less, to have more family time and less cleanup.
• End-of-week exhaustion—too tired to cook: Use leftovers from earlier in the week to create customized bowls. Add new flavor with fresh herbs, salsa, or Pace Signature sauces. If you are short on veggies, use on-hand canned beans and corn. Need more protein? Add some shredded cheese, canned tuna, chicken, or nuts.

For more insights on eating well at home, together, check out for prep ahead tips and simple ways to get meals on the table easier.