A shopping guide for nutritious food on a budget

Millions of Americans rely on federal and local food assistance programs, and many others are just feeling the pinch in the pockets of a struggling economy. That makes buying nutritious food more difficult.

The nonprofit Environmental Working Group released an online guide this week to offer a little assistance, called “Good Food on a Tight Budget.”

“EWG assessed nearly 1,200 foods and handpicked the best 100 or so that pack in nutrients at a good price, with the fewest pesticides, contaminants and artificial ingredients,” the organization’s researchers say.

The guide is divided into food categories and includes recipes. And the foods are listed with pictures and icons providing such information as “best buy” or health-related information, including recommended consumption limits. For cheese, for example, the guide says: “Use it for flavor, not to fill up. Low-fat cheddar, Colby, Monterey and mozzarella can have a lot less saturated fat but may have more sodium (salt) and additives.”