Food prices are steadily increasing and 2022 is gearing up to show food inflation at a rate of over 10 percent.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food costs for Americans continue to rise in 2022. Aside from buying cheaper options, there are many things you can do to stretch your budget at the store. Here are some simple ways to combat the rising costs of groceries.

Give things a second chance.

When you walk into the produce section and bakery, head to the sale shelf first. Bruised fruit and veggies are perfectly fine to cook with, and often come at a steeply discounted price. Instead of a dollar each, I got six mangoes for $1.99 and none of them were bruised at all, just a little wrinkled.

Day-old bread is just as good as fresh when it's toasted, so don't turn your nose up at the older baked goods, either. 

Plan things out.

Buying a family pack of chicken or beef can be daunting if you don't have a plan for it. Worse come to worse, you can freeze the meat in individual portions and come up with recipes for it later. 

With a big tray of chicken thighs, I generally use half of it for roasting to eat with rice, salad, or potatoes, then half in a saucy recipe like curry or stir fry. 

Get back to the basics.

Try simplifying things as much as you can. In the long run, seasoned baby potatoes are delicious and healthier for you than rich mashed potatoes. Most vegetables taste best when prepared quickly without a whole bunch of fuss. Fewer ingredients translate to a smaller grocery bill!

Baking is a piece of cake.

If you can follow a recipe, then snacks and desserts can be made for a fraction of the cost of buying them. Start with something simple like muffins and cookies, then branch out to savory things like seasoned crackers and fancy quick bread. You'll have the extra bonus of knowing exactly what's going into everything you eat.

Use your freezer for more than just ice.

Did you know that frozen herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives still taste very vibrant in stews and sauces? While they might not be right for topping salads or garnish, they taste great when cooked. So, go ahead and buy that basil plant, pinch the end tip leaves off often, and freeze them in a plastic bag. When you're ready to use them, just chop them up and toss them in as if they were fresh.

Extra fruit and vegetables can also be frozen if you prepare them correctly. Wash and chop your produce, freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then transfer to an air-tight plastic freezer bag. Get out as much air as you can before sealing to ward off freezer burn.

To learn more about the USDA findings, click here to read the full summary of the report. When it comes to getting the most bang for your food bucks, it's helpful to stay informed.

What are your thoughts on the current food inflation rates? Sound off in the comments!