Yesterday's trip to the grocery store made me want to run away and join a commune, or at the very least start growing my own fruits and vegetables. Big aspirations but short on time, my chances of becoming Old MacDonald are slim and none.

Yes, sharp increases in food prices have me pinching every penny. My hungry family of five consume at least twenty dollars more per week, not because we're buying more food or spending extravagantly, but because prices went up about 20% on everything in the store.

Time to implement Draconian cost cutting measures. These are tried and true strategies guaranteed to average net weekly savings of $5 to $10. Add that up over a month's time and I may be able to afford an extra tank of gas.

Coupons. Clip 'em, save 'em, use 'em. Don't clip coupons for products you don't need or normally use. That's throwing money down the drain. Immediately place whatever you clip in your wallet. Nothing worse than making an impromptu visit to the grocery store only to discover that the coupons are still on the kitchen table. Also, some stores give double off the face amount up to $1.00. If you have a store like that in your neighborhood, plan one stop coupon shopping excursion each week.

With apologies to General Mills, no more cereal. Those tiny cereal boxes don't fool me. We're getting less bang for our cereal buck. It's easy to change eating habits and probably a lot more healthy. Six days of eggs and toast will feed one person for less than the cost of a box of shredded wheat. A whole wheat bagel, cream cheese and tomato will do about the same. Or slap a tablespoon of peanut butter on a banana and chase it down with a glass of milk. Any way you cut it, you'll have more to eat for less.

Snack food. Buy largest sizes. Even though you will pay more, you're getting more food for your dollar. Repackage into smaller snack bags and twist tie for freshness. Kids can take for lunch and won't be as inclined to binge.

Buy in bulk. Ketchup, tuna, noodles, toilet paper, tissues, laundry detergent, coffee, juice boxes, frozen foods, milk, eggs, etc. cost less at wholesale warehouses. Clear out a closet for storage of canned goods. Purchase only the amount of perishables that fit into your refrigerator/freezer.

Comparison shop. Generic brands may be strategically placed on top and bottom shelves because store managers are trained to stock top brands at eye level. Check against price per weight rather than the overall price of each item for a true comparison.

Don't buy what you can do without. Sure, it would be great to splurge on a side of fresh salmon, but unless I'm entertaining, I'll settle for salmon in a can. Likewise, at $1.60 for a two-liter bottle, I'll pass on the soda. Tap water mixed with tea and lemon suits me just fine.