IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE MONEY at the grocery store, try not to short-change yourself or your family when it comes to nutrition. Plenty of inexpensive, packaged and processed foods can be tempting because the price seems right, but paying money for empty calories-those with little nutritional value that don't keep you feeling full-isn't smart shopping. Remember that food is fuel for your body and mind and that poor nutritional choices can impact your energy and health, making the extra you pay for the right foods well worth it.

Some ways to cut costs and eat nutritionally:

• Serve more meatless meals. As long as you're getting protein from other sources, meat, which tends to be expensive, can be served less often.
• Take advantage of sale prices on typically pricey nutritious foods such as organic products, the more exotic fruits and vegetables, meat and fish.
• Snack on fruits, vegetables and nuts. They're a much better value (and better for you) than chips.

• Embrace leftovers. By stretching a recipe and eating a smaller portion, you’ve got enough for another meal.
• Buy store-brand products whenever possible. There is rarely any real difference in product, just price.
• Don't forget the old staples: eggs, potatoes, fruit and vegetables (frozen and canned-in their own juices and without added sugar or salt-are just fine if you can't get fresh), pasta, beans-all provide nutritional content, can be prepared in a variety of ways and are relatively inexpensive.
• Foods high in water, protein and fiber make you feel fuller longer.
• Start cooking. Invest in an inexpensive cookbook or use the Internet to find simple recipes you can prepare. You'll eat healthier and save money.

With a little extra time spent planning, shopping, preparing and storing foods, you'll be able to eat nutritionally for less. For more information on healthy choices you can make at home, as well as recipe ideas, visit www. healthyfamilyhome.org. ▼

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
YMCAs have long served a role in workforce development in their communities in both direct and indirect ways. YMCAs pioneered night school, created English as a Second Language classes and even established “railroad Ys” to serve the workers who built and maintained a “new” and critical transportation sector. Currently more than 300 YMCAs provide adults and youth with employment services. From teens, to new immigrants, to adults who have struggled to sustain employment, YMCAs offer the encouragement, skill development, structure, work-sector connections and mentoring that are so important to succeeding in the world of work.

The Greater Wichita YMCA in Kansas is the latest Y to offer job training. With generous support from the Koch Foundation, YMCA Job Prep will provide a 12-week training program for teens ages 15-17 where they will learn from experts in local businesses and industries. Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible for a summer job with the YMCA. According to Mim Wilkey, YMCA Community Development Executive Director, "Whether it's learning how to dress for an interview or discovering a talent in a job field they never before considered, this program opens students' eyes to the wealth of opportunities available to them." ▼