Evidence is on the dinner table that the nation's stifling economy and rising food prices hits Southern families close to home. The South* is facing the highest price increase in the grocery aisles since 1990 -- a 7.9 percent increase since last year, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With food budgets stretched thin, money-conscious consumers can rely on products from companies, such as Glory Foods to save time and money without sacrificing premium Southern-style taste.

Below are five tips from Glory Foods to save green while living greener Southern-style in a tough economy:

• Save Green - With a suggested retail price of $2.09 per can, creating full meals at home using Glory Foods canned goods can save consumers up to $15 per day when compared to dining out at a restaurant.
• Spend Less Time in the Kitchen - Seasoned canned greens are the perfect shortcut to a favorite Southern side dish. From shelf to plate, these greens can be ready in less than 5 minutes -- saving two to three hours of stovetop simmering. Less time spent cooking on the stove reduces household energy costs -- another culprit of a weak economy.
• Eat Greens - Less expensive does not have to mean less nutritious. Canned vegetables are a nutritious, money-saving alternative to the numerous budget-friendly junk food options consumers opt for in the grocery aisle. Canned Southern greens are rich in antioxidants, calcium and Vitamin E -- key nutrients that help fight viruses, enhance lung health, offer heart protection and increase brain function.
• Eat Fresh Year-Round - Stock up on canned foods in one big shopping trip. From field to can in nearly 48 hours, canned food is cooked in the can and will remain fresh on shelf for up to one year. With plenty of meal options in the food pantry, consumers can eliminate multiple trips to the store, saving on high fuel costs.
• Go Green - Eliminate waste and recycle the leftovers. Research shows that American households toss out up to 30 percent of food products purchased annually. Avoid throwing money and rotten produce into the garbage by buying canned vegetables.