To shop wisely and save on food, says Livingston-based coupon expert and "queen of coupons" Cindy Livesey, keep in mind the food "holidays" for October and the produce in season. "Remember, using your coupons paired with a sale is the best way to save the most money on your grocery bill,"says Livesey. "Knowing sales cycles gives you the advantage of being able to plan your purchases and stock up when those prices hit rock bottom."

Locals concerned about rising food prices have a few strategies in mind; one is to stockpile items (see photos).

Livesey suggests that shoppers take note of upcoming events, and keep following her own "extreme coupon" savings progress at LivingRichwithCoupons.com. 

National Food Holidays:

• National Pasta Month
• National Sausage Month
• National Pretzel Month
• National Dessert Month
• National Cookie Month
• National Seafood Month
• National Apple Month
• National Chili Month
• National Pizza Month

Produce in Season

• Arugula
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Chestnuts
• Cranberries
• Kale
• Kumquat
• Lemons
• Parsnip
• Potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Squash
• Turnips
• Yams
• Apples
• Cranberries
• Pomegranate

Food Sale Items

• Candy
• Cookies
• Baking Products
• Nuts

Seasonal Sale Items

• Alarm clocks
• Smoke Alarms
• Safety Equipment
• Car Care Products
• Customs
• Halloween Decorations