Feeding the family is getting costlier than ever, with the price of a fill-up on milk rivaling a fill-up on gasoline, and eggs so expensive we can't afford to throw them at our political rivals.

But many AJC readers know how to save money at the grocery store. We asked for their cost-cutting ideas, and they gave us a shopping-cart full — in e-mails and on our blog. We've winnowed them down to 31 — one for every day in the month of August. On this page you'll find the first six tips, along with six money-saving recipes.

THE TIPS

1. Plan ahead

Sketch out your meals ahead of time, and use those menus to plan your shopping. Chrissy Weeks of Decatur jots her menus on a large white board in her kitchen, then makes recipe lists to take to the store.

2. Get small

Cut down on portions by using smaller plates. Instead of a dinner plate (10.25 inches in diameter) use a luncheon plate (8.5 inches), which will hold "a nice piece of steak, a baked potato and another vegetable," said Chris Drake, a freelance writer from Brookhaven. It's less food, but it fools the eye.

3. Go organic ...

Organic vegetables pro: They taste better, so you finish every carrot on your plate. (Chrissy Weeks, Decatur)

4. ... Or don't

Organic vegetables — con: They are pricier, and can be sacrificed. (Amy Campbell, Kennesaw)

5. Watch for sales

Time your purchases: Wait for the sales, then buy a lot. Kim Chapman of Alpharetta, a cyclist with two children and a big appetite, says he likes Kashi cereal but it only goes on sale about twice a year. On those days, he'll buy 20 boxes.

6. Go discount

Search for durable or canned foods at discount stores like Big Lots. Said Amelia Adams, of Monroe: "With a can of [Big Lots] diced tomatoes and a box of spaghettini, I can feed four people for a buck."

• 25 more tips from your Atlanta neighbors
• PLUS: 10 money-saving tips from Stephanie Nelson, aka CouponMom

THE RECIPES

Senior citizens, young couples, moms feeding big families and empty-nesters all had clever ways to produce tasty meals on a budget. We include three super-size recipes from Stacey and Randy Newbern of Whitesburg, who have eight hungry children to feed -- all boys.

• Taco Mountain
Who wouldn't like this healthier version of loaded tacos from the Newberns of Whitesburg. This can be cut in half or even thirds, depending on your family's size. For added fiber, add black beans, or for a little spice, add sliced jalapenos. To speed prep time, chop lettuce and tomatoes while the turkey cooks. The recipe



• Brunswick stew
Pork or beef can replace the chicken in this hearty dish that freezes particularly well, Stacey Newbern says. The recipe



• Turkey Spaghetti
The Newberns of Whitesburg use mushroom pieces because they're easy and add a nice flavor. If your family isn't crazy about mushrooms, 2 chopped fresh green peppers can be substituted. The recipe



• Salmon Patties
Adapted from a recipe created by Jim Towe's mother. This was a popular, thrifty meal to feed six growing boys in his family. Jim Towe and Terri Haugen, empty-nesters in Sandy Springs, can get three meals out of 2 cans of salmon, Haugen says. The recipe



• Three-Way Chicken Salad
This versatile recipe, from the April 1 issue of Family Circle magazine, was recommended by Claudia Nawrot of Austell. It is based on the premise that a good chicken salad always starts with the same basic ingredients. The recipe



• Bean Soup
If you don't have a crowd to feed or a lot of freezer space, you can halve this recipe from Terri Haugen. Either way, it packs a lot of flavor. Haugen suggests serving it with corn bread. The recipe



• 28 more budget-friendly recipes