In these tough economic times, saving a few bucks here and there can add up. In this stretching your dollar segment we have some suggestions to shave a bit off that grocery store bill.

Groceries take up about 7 percent of a household's annual income according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report. We're talking thousands of dollars here, on average.

"Everybody is feeling that pinch," says Zupan's Markets CEO Mike Zupan. "If you were buying a $20 to $40 dollar bottle of wine, maybe now you're looking for a $15 to $20 dollar bottle of wine."

Bankrate. com has a bundle of tips to save at the store.

There are the common sense ones: when you're at the store use coupons, shop off a list instead of on impulse, and never shop when you're hungry.

But also: don't shop when you're sleepy. Did you know sleepy shoppers buy more sweets and processed carbs?

Shop early. With smaller crowds you'll sail through the aisles and do a better job of sticking to your grocery list.

And look up and look down! Better bargains are typically found on the top and bottom shelves compared to what gets stocked at chest level.

"In season you're going to find the best values," says Mike.

And when it comes to fresh produce, what's in season also typically costs less; savings that will stretch your dollar.

Here's a list of what's in season and when:

http://fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

EXTRA RESOURCES:

http://www.bankrate.com/nltrack/news/cheap/331Ways/DailyLife/groceries.asp

http://money.cnn.com/2005/12/20/pf/grocerybills_startmoney_0601/index.htm

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/FindDealsOnline/TakeABigBiteOutOfGroceryBills.aspx

http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxann05.pdf