Food, clothing and shelter generally top the list of basic human needs. While shopping at a discount store, instead of the mall, generally takes care of the clothing issue and living in a small apartment, instead of a McMansion, can address your housing situation, rising world food prices can lead to some significant challenges in the food department. Everything from rising transportation costs to the development of biofuels, such as biodiesel, push up the cost of food and put a pinch on consumers' wallets. While the need to eat isn't something you can avoid, there are some steps you can take to keep the costs in check.