When to stock up on particular foods

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BC-RODALE-HEALTHY-EATING-NYTSF _ More evidence suggests that whole grains put a crimp in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers and even obesity. A hearty bowl of oatmeal can help you fulfill the recommended three servings a day. Accompanies the story 'Healthy Eating: Nutrition News,' by Holly McCord, for release the week of Mon., Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of Rodale Images.)<

Updated: January 17, 2012 11:38AM

Just as there are ideal months for buying fresh, locally grown produce, there also are key times of the year when better-than-average deals can be had on certain grocery staples. Here’s a shopping schedule:

January: Oatmeal (National Oatmeal Month); canned tomatoes and chiles (pegged to Super Bowl Party meals and appetizers).

March: Frozen fruits and vegetables, pizzas and dinners (National Frozen Food Month). Stores often put chest freezers on sale this time of the year as well and offer free frozen foods with the purchase.

May: Hot dogs (just in time for Memorial Day; sales also timed to other summer holidays and cookouts); sodas (discounts also reappear around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but don’t expect to save more than 30 percent off during a sale).

June-July-August: Ice cream, not surprisingly pegged to hot summer months.

August-September: Deli meats and cereal (both tied to back-to-school promotions). Add in coupons and it’s possible to get brand-name cereals at $1 a box. Check the expiration dates on boxes and you may be able to stockpile enough at 75 percent off retail or lower to last you through the year.

November-December: Baking products, including flour, sugar, yeast, spices, chocolate chips, canned pumpkin and evaporated milk.

Gannett News Service