Talking Facs

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky   Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Communications Director, The Food Connection Season 8, Episode 22 As we wrap up  our self-proclaimed Stretching Your Food Budget Week, host Mindy McCulley and guest LaToya Drake from The Food Connection share a compact guide to planning holiday meals without blowing your budget. They discuss practical strategies for saving money on traditional dishes, including choosing smaller cuts of meat, using seasonal or sale produce, ingredient substitutions, and inviting guests to help. The episode explains a five-trip shopping strategy to spread spending and reduce last-minute stress, plus tips for shopping your pantry and freezer first, rotating older items, and stretching meals with staples like potatoes, rice, and beans. Expect actionable, research-based advice for keeping holiday traditions while trimming costs and time in the kitchen so you can focus on gathering with loved ones. For more inf