On Wednesday, Patten Free Library hosted a SNAP-Ed Pop-Up Grocery Tour led by Brunswick-based Access Health.

Tasha Gerken, MS, RD, a nutrition educator from Access Health, led a half-dozen participants through an imaginary tour of the grocery store to learn about nutrition and saving money on food. Gerken walked the group through the basics of how they can eat healthy on a budget.

The program is largely intended to help Mainers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maintain a healthy diet with the limited funds at their disposal.

“I know it’s not easy to buy healthy food on a budget, and there’s many things out there saying you can’t live on healthy food and still maintain your budget,” said Gerken. “I beg to differ.”

Gerken explained that one important way to save money at the grocery store is to buy in bulk if possible. On a per unit basis, products are often cheaper when bought in larger packs, and excess food can often be stored in a freezer and used for multiple meals. She encouraged people to look at the smaller unit price sticker that accompanies the shelf price tag in order to compare products that come in different shapes and sizes.

Also, Gerken said that while many shoppers might avoid canned vegetables in favor of fresh ones, the nutritional value is often the same. While she cautioned that people avoid unnecessary added salt in canned goods, there’s no significant nutritional difference in the product.

“Generally speaking, produce is produce is produce,” said Gerken. “As long as you’re getting just the ingredient you want, you can buy canned, frozen, or fresh.”

It’s important to look at a product’s nutrition facts label to see if there are unhealthy or unwanted ingredients, said Gerken. Often products can be deceptively packaged in order to appear healthy, but actually include ingredients that aren’t good for you.

Attendees took part in several interactive activities to learn how to identify healthy foods and find the best deals. Before leaving, they were asked to use their new information to put together a healthy recipe for less than $10.

Participants in the program received a free $10 gift card and a booklet with healthy, affordable recipes and nutritional information.

Gerken will be leading a four-part class in Richmond starting in late October titled “10 Tips: Healthy eating on a budget.” Individuals interested in signing up for that class are encouraged to reach out to Access Health.

nstrout@timesrecord.com

Class in Richmond

• TASHA GERKEN will be leading a fourpart class in Richmond starting in late October titled “10 Tips: Healthy eating on a budget.” Individuals interested in signing up for that class are encouraged to reach out to Access Health.