Food prices up in 08'

     Whether it's meat, milk, oil or cereal, get ready to pay more these days.  "I think we will have more type Sticker Shock as we go through the grocery store," said Eugene Fram, an economist at R.I.T.

     He says food prices are rising fast.  Part of it comes from the trickle down effect of gas and transportation costs.  Not only does it cost more to ship food, it costs more to package it, and consumers pay the price.  "The cost of packaging has gone up because oil impacts the cost of plastics so all of that rolled into one effects the prices we see in the grocery store."

    Experts recommend you buy the bare essentials for your household.  Deborah Jackson is a caterer, so she knows her way around the grocery store.  But even when she shops for herself, she writes a list, clips coupons and looks for sales.  "Plan your meals.  Do menus so that you know exactly what your buying.  If you're true to a budget say how much you're going to spend get those coupons.  You're good," said Jackson.

     Looking for sales can save you money.  Flipping through the ads we found one area store selling ground beef for $1.79 a pound - compared to $2.49 at another store.

    When it comes to coupons, you have to be careful, "You have to clip coupons of something you already use.  If you clip coupons on stuff you don't use I don't think you'll save," said Dave Lewis.

    Some shoppers say they save by buying items like cleaning supplies online.

     And of course..."Don't go to the store hungry," said Jackson.