News 12 at 6, November 25, 2008

NORTH AUGUSTA--Everyone's grocery budgets have gone through the roof. But there are some ways to get more bang for your buck while shopping for food. And it all starts in the produce aisle.

No secret here, produce is great for you. It's got all those good vitamins and nutrients in it, but it can go bad so fast. When it goes bad, that's like watching money melt away. But you can keep it from happening.

Have you ever noticed the serious thinking that goes on in the produce aisle? You've got some tough decisions to make. So we got some answers for you courtesy of Eating Well With Kim's own Kim Beavers.

Let's start with bananas.

"Get some green so that you'll have some for the end of the week. And get some ripe ones so if you want to eat them right away, you can." Kim tell us.

How about bags of fruits or vegetables?

"It's got a bad spot and it's squishy. It gives. I don't want that in a potato. So get another bag or talk to the produce manager and switch out potatoes for you." she said.

With pears it's all about the touch.

"You press on the stem and if it has a little give and it is not hard, it is ready to eat." she said.

And those convenient pre-cut veggies? They've got a short life.

"Anytime you cut something, you harm the integrity. It'll go bad a lot faster." she said.

When it comes to storing, get your own bags.

"Fruits and vegetables stay well in a perforated bag. You can either buy them or do it yourself." she said.