Families buy food, but they may not know the appropriate amount to spend for a family their size, or how much they actually spend each month on food and eating out. Iowa State University Extension has a new tool to help families on their food expenses. An online calculator, featured on the SpendSmart.EatSmart Web site creates a custom estimate based on age, gender, and number of meals consumed within the home. Peggy Martin, Iowa State University Extension Specialist says“The online calculator gives families a weekly and monthly amount; families can compare this amount to what they usually spend to see if they are close.” The Web site provides hundreds of suggestions to cut costs for families that are spending over the SpendSmart estimate. For additional tips on saving money and eating healthy visit the SpendSmart.EatSmart website.