Life is getting very expensive these days - especially when it comes to grocery shopping. Our inflation worries, long tied to gas prices and energy costs, have expanded into everyday food needs. Now, just like we do with gas, we have to learn to keep our eyes open, watch prices, and try to do all we can to save money at the grocery store. Economists say that consumers shouldn't expect prices to come down anytime soon.

One of the main culprits in this rising cost of food is corn. It's used in so many grocery store foods and is also fed to dairy cows, hens, and cattle. In addition, corn is now used to make billions of gallons of ethanol per year. The growing demand (and growing price) for the corn crop is affecting every aisle of the supermarket. In fact, many farmers have switched from growing other products to growing corn, since it is so profitable.

A major concern with the rising cost of food is that convenience items (like frozen dinners) are cheaper and easier to buy than healthier foods, like fresh produce. However, it is still possible to continue a healthy eating plan by making some changes and being a smart shopper.

For the full column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/570/2510/How~to~Overcome~the~Rising~Cost~of~Food.