Tips on how to put food on the table for less

■ WIC: Those who are pregnant or breast-feeding and children younger than 5 receiving SNAP qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Eligible participants will receive an eWIC card that can be used to purchase WIC-approved foods at grocery stores that accept WIC. Call 800-522-5006 for information

■ Food pantries: The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York hosts regular drive-thru pantries and partners with agencies throughout the state to help alleviate hunger. The Food Pantries of the Capital Region is a coalition which has an interactive map on the organization’s website (thefoodpantries.org) showing all the available services in the community, as well as hours, contact information and directions.

■ In school: School meals are a valuable resource for families, too, Hesdorfer said. Children in households receiving SNAP benefits are automatically qualified for free school meals, without a separate application. If you are not connected with free school meals and may qualify, submit a free or reduced-price school meals application via your child's school.

■ Veggie Mobile: The Capital Roots' Veggie Mobile is a mobile market that travels to inner-city neighborhoods throughout the Capital Region. The colorful box truck’s deliveries are made to more than 30 destinations, five days a week. Capital Roots accepts cash, food stamps, WIC Fruit and Vegetable checks and other forms of payment.

■ Coupons: Shopping with coupons also offers saving. Grab a Sunday paper, head online to print internet coupons or download digital coupons on your preferred grocer's website or mobile app. Match your coupons to sale-priced goods for maximum savings. Be sure to also take advantage of loyalty perks. If you're a member of Price Chopper's free AdvantEdge Rewards program you can earn points when you shop online, in-store or purchase gift cards. You can then take $1 off your total order for every 100 points you earn.

■ Consider the co-op: Honest Weight Food Co-op offers an 8 percent discount to seniors (65 and older) on Wednesdays and to students with a valid ID on Sundays. Follow Honest Weight on social media for notices about additional coupons.

■ Buy generic: Buying store brand products is a great way to save as much as 30 percent on select groceries. Most private label goods are comparable in taste and quality to their wellmarketed, name brand counterparts. According to Consumer Reports, one out of five shoppers said the store's brand figured into their choice of grocery store because they prefer them to more popular lines.