In this episode, Carol Ann Kates shares practical tips on how single moms can save time, money, and reduce food waste while managing busy schedules. Her insights on planning, storage, and shopping smarter aim to empower you with confidence and clarity around food routines, so you can focus on what matters most. Your family.Key topics covered:Strategies to extend produce shelf life and reduce wasteHow to plan grocery shopping around sales and store adsThe importance of quality over quantity in produce selectionTips for freezing milk, eggs, and other perishables to save tripsHow to decode sell-by dates and food safetyThe art of shopping on a budget without sacrificing qualityTricks grocery stores use for impulse buys and how to resist themCreative ways to use leftovers and leftovers to stretch mealsSimple meal planning tips for busy single momsResources for further learning and supportTimestamps:00:00 - Overcoming meal prep overwhelm for solo moms02:10 - Introduction to Carol Ann Kates and her background in grocery business04:40 - How to buy and store produce for maximum freshness06:50 - Planning grocery shopping around weekly sales and specials08:20 - Recognizing quality produce and avoiding wasteful purchases09:55 - Extending produce life with storage tips11:14 - Understanding sell-by dates and food safety tips12:50 - How long can you keep canned goods, dairy, and pantry staples?15:19 - Highlights from Carol Ann’s bestselling cookbooks and resources17:03 - Surprising items you can freeze to cut down midweek store runs19:01 - Freezing meats and seafood for convenience and freshness20:30 - Tricks grocery stores use to promote impulse buying at checkout26:52 - How to manage leftovers and prevent waste in busy households30:57 - Practical tips for single moms to plan meals with limited time and budget32:16 - Final words and ways to connect with Carol Ann for ongoing supportMany moms don’t realize that simple grocery and meal planning tricks could save you thousands each year, without sacrificing your family’s favorites. If you’re overwhelmed by meal prep, waste, and tricky grocery store tactics, this episode is your insider guide to smarter shopping, better storage, and making every dollar count.Perfect for solo moms juggling work, kids, and endless chores, or any parent wanting to master grocery shopping and meal prep. Carol Ann’s tips will inspire you to eat smarter, spend less, and enjoy family dinners more. Hit play and start transforming your kitchen today.Resources & Links:Contact Carol Ann Kates: www.carolannkates.com| Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @carolannkatesBooks: Secret Recipes from the Corner Market | Grocery Shopping Secrets: Insider tips to reduce your food budget.Subscribe to get my free grocery shopping secrets checklist. Follow for more expert tips and strategies to empower your solo parenting journey.https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/grocery-shopping-secrets-for-single-moms-carol-ann-katesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy