‘An issue for so many people’: Lincoln mom cuts costs to save her Memorial Day cookout

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Emily Korte is the mom of three girls, all under the age of three.

She embraces her family gatherings, but as rising prices take a bite out of her budget, she has started planning ahead for events.

“You know the rising grocery prices are, I think, an issue for so many people right now,” said Korte.

According to the Economic Research Service at the US Department of Agriculture, food prices are up 3.8% since last year.

In the last month, food prices from supermarkets have risen 0.7%.

“What we usually do to try to combat that is shop in bulk,” said Korte. “Another way is we look at the grocery prices and what’s on sale, and we kind of plan our meals around that.”

She also says that once she sees a good Memorial Day sale, “That’s for sure where we’re shopping to get all of our proteins and sides because it makes things so much cheaper overall.”

Korte says that Target is her go-to because you get $10 back for every $50 you spend, an amount that’s easy to reach around the holidays.

She’s also a fan of Hy-Vee stores, because that’s where she sees the most sales. Making the most of coupons is important to Korde, but she says she’ll also simply follow the sale signs on display once at the store.

As for a favorite store? She says it’s whichever one has the best prices, so that she can stock up on freezer and pantry items.

A good idea since consumer reports forecast more food price increases are to come, even after the Memorial Day sales wrap up.

“Don’t focus on having some extravagant, expensive meal,” said Korde. “I think it’s more about bringing your family together and just finding options that are cheaper so that you can get everyone together, especially on Memorial Day.”

She says it’s all about family for them, and Memorial Day weekend is all about hanging out in the backyard as her kids blow bubbles, play hopscotch and play with chalk.