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You may already be an expert on cutting the costs of groceries. But while double coupon days and buying in bulk may save you a lot of money, you may not be eating as healthfully as you’d like. Coupons are typically for highly processed items, and you wouldn’t want your fresh produce in bulk even if you could get it that way. Here are six simple ideas for cutting your grocery costs if you want to focus on getting fresh produce and other healthy foods.

1. Your freezer is your friend

Chances are, you’ve seen some incredible deals on fruits and vegetables when they are in season. Maybe there’s one week a year when you can get blueberries for $1.50 a pint or strawberries that are “buy one, get one free.” The next time you see one of your favorite fruits or veggies at a great bargain, stock up and freeze everything you can’t eat right away. This is a great way to save on berries, which are very expensive for most of the year. Berries freeze well and are great to use later in smoothies, baked goods, or heated up as a warm topping for pancakes, waffles, or french toast. Many vegetables freeze well too. Be sure to pre-chop them before freezing, and they’ll be ready to pull out and cook anytime you want a quick, healthy meal.

2. Pick your own

Many farms now offer opportunities for buyers to come pick their own fruits, which they can then buy at highly discounted per-pound prices. Opportunities to pick your own produce are often available for strawberries, blueberries, and grapes, among other fruits. Not only is this a great way to get super fresh produce at an incredible price, it can be a lot of fun too, especially for kids. Plus, if your goal is a healthy lifestyle, the extra exercise you get from picking your own produce is an added bonus. Again, you can always freeze whatever you can’t use immediately. You can also use your freshly picked fruits to make homemade jams or baked goods, which make great low-cost gifts for friends and neighbors.

3. Consider joining a CSA

CSA or “community supported agriculture” is currently offered by many small and organic farmers. Basically, by buying a “share” of what they produce for the season, you receive a weekly or monthly box of whatever they are currently producing, which can range from vegetables, herbs, and fruits, to eggs and even meat. This gives you a predictable grocery cost and guarantees your money is getting you the freshest local goods. CSAs are now available in many parts of the country, but they vary from farm to farm. Some offer delivery, and at some you travel to the farm to pick up your food. Make sure you pick a farm where the share cost fits into your budget, and one that will provide a good variety of the kinds of foods you enjoy eating.

4. Eat your beans

Beans are healthy, hearty, and dirt cheap. If you want to eat healthy food on a budget, there is simply no better bet than beans. The cheapest way to buy beans is to get a sack of dry beans in bulk. Beans can be used in a variety of dishes, such as chilis, soups, and Mexican foods like burritos and tacos. Replacing your meat with a bean-based dish for dinner 2 or 3 times a week will cut your grocery bill and add variety to your diet. Beans can also be used in cold salads, which make excellent lunch dishes. If you are concerned about the time it takes to prepare dry beans, consider making a big pot of chili or soup at the beginning of the week and freezing portions of it to be used at different meals over the next several days.

5. Be kind to your neighbor

Many of us have a friend, neighbor, or colleague who enjoys gardening and will occasionally give the gift of a few fresh tomatoes or zuccini. If this has ever happened to you, you have probably thanked the person for the gift; but why not go the extra mile? The next time your neighbor stops by with something fresh from the garden, why not ask what you can do for him or her in return? Maybe you could feed his cat or water his garden while he is out of town, or bake something for her. Even a simple note to say “thank you” goes a long way to show them how much you enjoyed their gift. Many people who garden for pleasure end up growing more than they actually need, and by returning their favor you may be able to set up an arrangement, either formal or informal, in which you help out with something your neighbor needs, and in return, you get delicious, home-grown produce.

6. Grow your own

You don’t need a big yard or a degree in horticulture to try growing a bit of your own produce. Many herbs, for example, can be grown in pots on your windowsill. If you’d like to go a little larger in scope, try starting out with two or three vegetables that you use frequently that are easy to grow. Tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce are all considered good plants for beginners. Depending on how much you enjoy gardening, this could, over time, turn into your major source of produce, or it could just be a small-scale, fun way to lower your need to buy a few of your favorite herbs and veggies.

Some of these techniques, like growing your own vegetables, may appeal to the person with more free time, whereas a busy mom might lean more towards freezing berries when they’re on sale or joining a CSA that delivers. Whichever of these tips appeals to you, you can feel good about staying on budget while putting your health, and the health of your family, first.If its green and organic, its good for you.