1. FOOD SELECTION FACTORS
Family Income
Shopping Skills of the Meal Manager
Time that is available for Food Preparation
Family Food Preferences

2. Family Income
As income increases, families spend more for food; such as, increasing the use of dairy products, better cuts of meats and baked goods.
As income decreases, spending decreases; such as, using beans and rice to stretch the food dollar.

3. Shopping Skills of the Meal Manager
Meal management skills include….
-Knowing how to choose the highest quality, most nutritious foods for the money
-Knowing how to compare prices on a per serving basis.
Knowing how to recognize seasonal foods and quality meats.

4. Time That is Available for Food Preparation
Time and energy of the meal manager affects the food budget.
If time is limited, convenience foods are used more often rather that foods from scratch.

5. Family Food Preferences
A family’s value system affects spending.
If the family income is low, a family’s money might be spent on other goals such as cell phones instead of fresh fruits and vegetables.
or…
If the family income is high, eating less nutritious meals out instead of scratch cooking at home just because they can afford to do it.