The proof is in the pudding as more of us decide to cook instead of paying for a meal at a restaurant.
Area grocery stores say their customer count is up, as shoppers look for ways to slash their grocery bill.
Things are really cooking for the Kroger Company. Its first quarter profit is up 12.7 percent this year.
Customers say the cash register at the grocery store is adding up to savings when it comes to feeding their families during these economic times.
Many say they're skipping dinner at restaurants and cooking at home.
"We are very careful about going out to eat. We go out to eat perhaps on a weekend or occasionally but not as much as we used to. It's definitely a way to save money," said Kathe Kissel of Clifton.
The change in customer attitudes are showing up as a profit for grocery stores.
The Downtown-based Kroger Company reports its first quarter profits jumped to $435.1 million compared to $386 million during the first quarter last year.
Bigg's says its seeing more shoppers inside of its stores as well.
"Our customer count is up. We're seeing an influx because of programs like Pump Perks and because of programs like Pick-5. People are really seeing the value within places like bigg's where you can feed your family for the amount of what a meal would cost out at a restaurant sometimes for the whole week," said Brandi Smith, bigg's Director of Advertising and Marketing.
Some customers say the deals are a great incentive to cook at home.
"I start with planning my menu first and in years past I used to just randomly shop through the store. Now I'm really thinking about each meal and then buying exactly what I need for each meal," Kissel explained from the Hyde Park Kroger store.
Others say the recession is actually turning them into better cooks.
"Buy a better quality of meat so that the steaks and things that you used to purchase when you go out to restaurants now we cook those at home. I think a lot of people are doing that just to save money," said Polly Doran of Hyde Park.
Cooking at home also means you don't have to leave a tip for the server.
In the end, we found people still do eat out, but maybe just once a week instead of two or three times a week.
