Consumers on the prowl for info about inexpensive, healthy food choices have a new online option to check out. The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled "Healthy Eating on a Budget" this week for those who want to make better eating decisions while keeping food costs within reason.

The resource includes information about planning meals, shopping smart in the grocery store and farmers markets, and preparing foods that save time and money. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the new information is part of a broader strategy "to empower low-income families to purchase healthier foods."

The new web pages are the latest addition to the USDA web site ChooseMyPlate.gov. It contains sections on food safety, sample menus and recipes, and more than three dozen fact sheets with tips about seafood, whole-grain foods, proteins, snack foods for kids, and other topics.