Tips on getting the best bang for your buck whilst grocery shopping!

[i own my story]

Last edited Sat Feb 11, 2012, 02:31 PM - Edit history (1)

This is a counterpart to former Debbie Downer posts

1. Familiarize yourself with the stores near you ("near" being within 3-4 miles of your abode). Learn which store has the best deals on such and such, etc.

2. GIVE UP MEAT, which is ANYTHING W/ A FACE! If you want animal products, get Trader Joe's organic yogurt (which I am convinced is Stonyfield Farm), free-range eggs @ $3.69 a dozen, Organic Valley seems to offer lower prices than Horizon for sour cream, cottage cheese...I buy raw milk cheeses from TJ's (and don't even worry about if it's organic if it's from Europe). Buy what's on sale and if it's not, GO WITHOUT FOR A WEEK OR TWO!

3. Don't eat out. This will free up more money to buy healthier stuff that you claim you can't afford now.

4. Ethnic produce markets for fruits and veggies (and sales/bananas/organic carrots and kale @ WF's!

5. House brand @ WF, along with bulk items

[demmiblue]

1. What Debbie Downer posts are you referring to?

I certainly have not noticed any.

[i own my story]

4. All the awful-izing of another OP on here...Lots of pile-on

about how horrible things are.

I admit it steams me when I see the latest cereal boxes and you know they pared them down to make them look the same when they're actually much smaller!

But I use my optimistic bent to my advantage. I say to myself: I will NEVER buy that again! I will make oatmeal or Mother's rolled wheat (around $1.39 a box).

[demmiblue]

7. Taking pot shots at other DUers that are concerned about the price of food is rather rude.

I am sure those that have posted in the other thread do all the same things you do, and then some.

[Zalatix]

16. It's rude and downright elitist.

I think more of us should talk about the price of food and how to get around it. To hell with those who have a problem with it.

[demmiblue]

23. The OP did tell a concerned DUer on Scocial Security (other thread):

"At least you have a guaranteed income! Why not turn that frown upside down?"

[i own my story]

32. She was sighing at the thought of going to the store

and my deal is: be thankful you know you have some money coming in! SS means a person might have a fixed income but at least it's FIXED in the sense it's gonna happen each month! Some of us are living without even that net. And I believe the Universe brings it! I know I am in the Flow! Jai Krishna!

[i own my story]

30. Dude, I didn't know for years that I was at the poverty level

I shopped at Whole Foods. No, I didn't buy stuffed olives for $6 a jar. I am trying to HELP those who, like me, watch our dollars! And I am TRYING to help "get around it!"

[i own my story]

34. My point is not to take any shots but to remind her of what

she has. The whole OP is just another "ain't it awful" post. It's not particularly helpful because rather than inspire, it depresses. It gives the impression that it's all hopeless. I think if she had noted the prices increasing (which I haven't noticed) and then given tips to help navigate the tyranny of these food producers, it would have been more positive.

[DCKit]

50. The OP was trying to avoid that, so why are you making an issue of it? nt

[A Simple Game]

88. The OP is trying to avoid taking pot shots?

By saying the following:"This is a counterpart to former Debbie Downer posts".

Calling someone a Debbie Downer is not taking a pot shot? You're right that telling someone that is concerned about the cost of food to buy eggs at $3.69 per dozen is not taking a pot shot, it's more like laughing at them.

I did read that thread, there were a lot of people concerned about the cost of food. Anyone that buys the food listed in this OP is not concerned about the cost of food.

[RebelOne]

2. I pretty much follow all those guidelines.

I shop at Kroger, which has the lowest prices of all the supermarkets in my area. I am a vegetarian, so I do not eat meat. I never eat out. But there are not any ethnic markets in my area. And I normally buy the store brands as I have discovered that they are just about the same as name brands, but a lot cheaper.

[arely staircase]

3. I doubt I'll ever give up meat

but I have been slowly phasing in organic products.

[JDPriestly]

51. We have drastically reduced the amount of meat we eat.

I take vegetarian recipes and add just a little meat -- very little. We also eat protein. The suggestions in the OP are great. It is much cheaper to cook at home and avoid eating out, but it isn't always possible for working people. I'm not in that group any more, but I remember times when I was just too tired to stand in the kitchen and cook after a day's work. I did it anyway, but it wasn't really a good idea. I don't know what the solution is for people who work long hours and are exhausted when it comes supper time.

[coalition_unwilling]

124. As someone who has learned to really enjoy cooking (under my

wife's excellent tutelage), I would say that one way around this is to block out some time on a weekend day and cook up in bulk items that can be frozen and microwaved during the week, e.g., homemeade spaghetti sauce (blows jar sauce away), curry stews and chowders and so on.

This does require allocating some time and attention during precious weekend time off and probably also presumes the person enjoys cooking.

One final note, my wife and I have recently discovered the joys of lentils. A batch of lentils can be prepared (essentially simmered in boiling water) in about 20 minutes, after which spices can be added. Lentils will soak up just about any spice you throw their way. We've taken to preparing a one-pound sack and storing in the fridge for use during the week on salads, in soups and so on.

[JDPriestly]

149. Thanks for reminding me about lentils.

They are healthy and like you say soak up spices in a wonderful way. I have to try them again.

[coalition_unwilling]

152. One note of caution (learned the hard way): wait to

add any salt or other spices until the lentils have cooked fully to their (or your) desired tenderness. Adding salt while cooking tends to make them tough and not as pleasant to the taste buds.

[quakerboy]

65. A small chest freezer

and make a connection to a local farm or ranch. Buy direct, save money, get better meat.

[arely staircase]

67. in Austin my coop had a good selection

here in the sticks it is harder. and I have reduced my meat consumption.

[quakerboy]

73. I should really look at a coop

Being here in the PRP, I am sure they exist in relative abundance.

However, as long as my financing holds out, I would prefer to go direct to the source. I don't insist on knowing my cow personally, but I wouldn't mind it a bit. If someone plans to eat me, they damn well better feed me tasty treats and stroke my head calmingly first!

[BOHICA12]

69. Keep your eye out (plus friends & neighbors) for fresh road kill.

Lots of venison and other large game out there for the taking. Turtle, if its not too smashed, yield scads of great tasting meat. Not big on possum or raccoon, but that's just me - don't want to make any judgements.

[Aerows]

136. Yeah, and if you live by the ocean

You can even make your own salt.

[BOHICA12]

145. True - you can, but it takes good sunshine or a bunch of firewood. nt

[LiberalEsto]

5. Buy spices at ethnic markets

Our local Indian grocery sells big bags of cinnamon, cumin, bay leaves and much more for a dollar or two per bag. Share them with family and friends.

Also stick bay leaves wherever you keep pasta, rice, flour and similar products. Bay leaves discourage critters.

[i own my story]

9. Meh. I'll do you one better when it comes to spices

Get them bulk at Whole Foods. The reason is that they have a good turnover rate so they remain fresh and you can buy just a small amount at a time. I wouldn't really trust Indian spices too much. You don't know what it took to get them there and how old they are.

[LiberalEsto]

11. Indians are very selective about their spices

because they use so many. I trust the Indian market near us.

[i own my story]

15. Okay. There was some warning about a skin creme made in India

which had some dangerous ingredient (s) in it so I figured it might be across the board like China. But you have the right idea about sharing the spices with friends to cut down on the cost.

I am actually thinking about a similar idea regarding buying health foods online. The shipping is what kills. So perhaps starting an informal co-op in my area and making group buys on really raw nuts, dulse, etc.?

[hobbit709]

13. If you're trying to save money on groceries, then don't go to Whole Paycheck.

i can get anything that WF has for less money within 10 minutes of my house.

[i own my story]

17. Respectfully, I must say bullshit to you.

For instance, take whole peeled canned tomatoes. WF's 365 brand has them @ $1.69 for 28 oz. and the nearest big grocery has them for over $2 and some for close to $3!

[hobbit709]

21. And you're giving that RW ass that owns WF money.

He was an ass when he ran Saferway here in Austin before he started WF and he's still an ass. I don't like canned tomatoes and everything I buy is cheaper at Sunflower or Sprouts or even H.E.B.'s Central Market.

[i own my story]

24. Well, I luvvvv canned tomatoes and use them for lotsa stuff

don't have those other stores in my area (or state, I believe). So bully for you. I bet you don't know the political affiliation of most grocers so it's a bit of a moot point anyhow.

[hobbit709]

27. No I don't know about the others but they at least keep their mouths shut.

Unfortunately John Mackey doesn't.

[quakerboy]

66. And I wait for sales

And get them at under a buck.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. Double whammy coupons:

1. Clip and save coupons for only products you use.
2. Wait for the same product as the coupon to go on sale before the expiration date of the coupon. Buy the product with the coupon.

Example: Scott toilet paper 12 pack usually $10.99. Coupon $1.00 off. Sale for the week: 12 pack of Scott TP for $6.99. Use the coupon and you save $5.00, nearly 50% off.

[niyad]

14. been doing that for decades. my average savings (including the loyalty cards) is about 30-50%

per trip.

another thing I do is buy the non-perishable convenience foods and such when they are on sale (including coupons) for free or nearly. I don't use them myself, but I get them and give them to the local food banks.

[niyad]

8. well, except for the fact that there is no trader joe's in this whole state, there are no ethnic

markets nearby, and I don't eat out. . . . --oh, and whole foods is on the other side of town.

[i own my story]

12. How far is the other side of town? See, this is a crucial point

People will buy gym memberships to WALK STAIRS inside a poorly ventilated space! I would NEVER join a gym! You get no fresh air, you have to worry about MRSA and staph infections oozing out from the sweat...It's very expensive, too. Just walk to your produce market or WF! Make THAT your exercise, including hauling the stuff!

[niyad]

20. welcome to DU

you know, the amazing thing is that many of us actually KNOW how to shop, how to save money, how to get the most advantage out of our dollars.

thanks for your concern, but, honestly, some of us really do know what we are doing.

[i own my story]

25. Not exactly. Not everyone knows what they're doing in all

areas of life. I have read many posts decrying banks and it's amazing the blunders some people make with them. I am no financial genius but I would thought I'd share some tips, especially since the other thread is a veritable pity party where everything's hopeless!

[nobodyspecial]

42. Nice of you to join and start insulting people you don't even know

I think you're going to be so popular here.

[i own my story]

49. Maybe I won't. Obviously not with you, anyhow.

What I have learned in life is that some people like to complain and get PISSED OFF if you try and give an alternate point of view. Wonder why that is? Maybe they like wallowing in their misery instead of finding a solution to the problem at hand?

[roguevalley]

91. your ideas get posted regularly and all of yours are always mentioned. What you are missing is

that half this thread is pissed at the remarks about others. How is it that you can give 'alternative point(s) of view' and not accept them?

By the way, welcome.

[riderinthestorm]

98. The OP poster is already TSd. 2nd incarnation is as well downthread. nt

[roguevalley]

101. thank you, honey. What a thread. :)

[roguevalley]

90. half this thread is insult about your remarks and half is some reasonable things

that all of us are probably already doing. If you had just posted the thread without the judgment you would go farther. All of us know what is going on. We live it everyday. I have a 'guarenteed' pension too. i also have to work two other jobs to live. Truly, we already get it. What you can tell that is helpful is welcome to me. The rest, not so much. The people already have enough stress just getting by.

RV

[Quantess]

45. But the DU meme is that the less money you have, inevitably the worse food you'll eat.

Maybe not you, but clearly somebody, needs to learn how to eat nutritious foods cheaply.

[taterguy]

40. What if it's raining?

[hobbit709]

43. Or Austin in August when it's 110°+ in the shade

you can just imagine what the heat does to your perishables in the sack

[taterguy]

58. Pick up a few bags of ice to keep your food cold

Don't be such a Debbie Downer

[rhett o rick]

62. Debbie Downer?? I think I dated her in high school. We called her "go go". nm

[i own my story]

48. You're kidding, right? We had some snow yesterday

and I sucked it up to get where I needed to get on my bike. I would have walked if it hadn't been possible to ride.

You get wet. You're not the Wicked Witch of the West; you won't dissolve.

[taterguy]

59. I like my groceries to stay dry

I'm weird that way.

[roguevalley]

92. again, you are expecting acceptance of your view but trashing others.

By the way, it has been -21 here for some time and only just now broke. I had to work outside anyway. Some of us already have difficulties that we 'suck up' and don't need lectures or disdain. Not all of us are as awesome as you evidently. Do I need to posts a sarcasm smilie?

this was upthread, taterguy. I hate drop downs.

[taterguy]

121. I hate people that don't see the sarcasm smiley I insert in my posts

[JDPriestly]

53. You'd probably save money if you moved -- but then your rent might

be higher. Sorry to hear you live without Trader Joe's. I don't know whether we would survive in a state like yours.

[niyad]

70. believe me, I would love to be back where there are trader joe's-- but that is not possible at the

moment. and yes, the rents for my chosen location would be MUCH higher.

the good news is that there are rumours about trader joe's having just signed leases for several stores in this state.

[JDPriestly]

71. I hope you will soon have a Trader Joe's near you.

[niyad]

76. thank you--I have been begging trader joe's for years to come here--but some of the weird laws

here are an obstacle.

[unapatriciated]

99. Now this is one rumor that might have truth to it.

TJ's plans to open stores in all states except Hawaii within the next two years. Naples Florida just opened and Sarasota is coming soon. What state are you in?

[niyad]

115. CO--and there were reports in the papers two weeks ago about TJ having signed several leases.

several years ago, I talked with the CEO, and he told me that, in order for it to be worthwhile, they would have to open at least 5 stores within an area. and there was also the problem of the insane liquor laws around here.

so, keeping my fingers crossed!!

[unapatriciated]

125. Colorado is on the list.

You spoke with Dan Bane? He is a super nice guy, still answers his own phone.

[niyad]

126. yes, I did--surprised me no end when he actually returned my call several years ago.

he was quite charming, and very forthcoming about why there were no TJ's in CO, no matter how much I groveled and whined and pleaded.

it was a most enjoyable conversation

[Worried senior]

10. That works for people

that live within 3-4 miles of grocery stores. We have one and it's six miles from our house, they do not double coupons or any of the breaks other places get. Sometimes you just have to do the best you can with what you have.

We do have a bulk foods store that we can get farm eggs, some fresh veggies and bulk flours and cereals etc. We love it and use the products as much as possible.

[Angry Dragon]

18. Damn, you have been here a whole 1 1/2 hours

and you have everyone figured out

[i own my story]

26. Feel free to pile onto the other thread where it's all

utterly hopeless. Maybe it fits your story?

[Angry Dragon]

44. More interested in your story

[A Simple Game]

89. Looks to me like it's going to be a short story. n/t

[roguevalley]

93. DUzy! LOL!

[Angry Dragon]

103. They always run away from me.............

[hootinholler]

105. I didn't think you were gonna get an answer ;) n/t

[Peregrine Took]

19. Good advice, especially about the "faces." Thanks n/t

[quinnox]

22. the tone is kind of insulting

I know you are meaning to do good with this OP, but the condescending tone ruins it.

[i own my story]

28. What I have learned in my 46 years on the Earth Plane

is that any time a person offers words of wisdom which ask the reader to accept some semblance of responsibility, it's "condescending."

[Quantess]

36. I see you're a newbie. At DU, when the topic is about eating on a budget,

the only acceptable answer is: poor people are hopelessly stuck eating fattening starches devoid of nutrients. Suggest otherwise, and someone will call you insensitive to the plight of the poor.

Well, I have been eating nutritious home cooked meals for very little money for years. I am here to tell everyone that it is possible to eat well when you're struggling with money.

Of course, not everyone is able to carry heavy bags of vegetables home (I do. I walk to the store). And some people are disabled. Some people don't have cooking facilities, etc. So there are some limitations for some people.

But nobody can tell me that poor people have to be obese and malnourished because they can only afford to eat the shittiest food, because it isn't true.

[JDPriestly]

54. Actually, i own my story, most of us on DU are way, way ahead

of you on these points. Still, I think your post is a good reminder.

Cooking your own meals saves more money and insures better nutrition than just about anything else.

[bhikkhu]

95. +1 for cooking!

That's where I get most of my savings on groceries.

[Dreamer Tatum]

29. That's not "bang for your buck." That's hippie grub on a budget.

Take your agenda elsewhere, Moondoggie. I eat meat and am damn proud to admit it.

[i own my story]

37. I am not arguing for vegetarianism here. It's for those

who talk about not being able to afford groceries and then discuss the price of dead flesh. It's very expensive to eat the stuff and it's not necessary.

[Dreamer Tatum]

39. Um, yeah. Go review your #2 in the OP. It really is #2. nt

[RebelOne]

142. I save a bundle on groceries because I am a vegetarian.

I only have to feed me and 2 small dogs. But I spend a lot on cheese, since they and I love that stuff.

[RC]

31. eggs @ $3.69 a dozen?

the best bang for your buck whilst grocery shopping? You already lost me.

$1.69 to $1.76 is more like it.

[hobbit709]

33. I can get free range eggs for a LOT less than $3.69 a dozen here.

[i own my story]

38. Yeah but mine are certified cruelty-free

Some of the other companies just say 'free-range' and are anything but. This company makes eggs where you can TASTE the difference And even the color of the yolk looks so much better!

[Hatchling]

60. My local run Mexican grocery store goes even better.

Every few weeks they have 18 count xtra large eggs for $5. Chicken leg quarters for .69 cents a pound. That's where I buy my protein. About $10 a month.

All other food comes from food banks.

[Jennicut]

123. In Connecticut, that is not that unusual, for free range eggs.

But everything is expensive here.

[Beaverhausen]

35. "best bang for your buck" and "Whole Foods" do not belong together

I think you have good intentions, but Whole Foods is simply far too expensive.

I am lucky that I have many Trader Joe's near me.

I also don't buy meat which really does save money.

[bullwinkle428]

132. Bingo! The OP really had the distinct aroma of "Whole Foods spam". I'm guessing

they probably actually do have their own version of Spam, and it probably costs $5 a can!

[LynneSin]

133. Whole Foods? Don't you mean Whole Paycheck?

I find it funny that Whole Foods decided to open a store about 2 miles north of the Trader Joes here in Delaware.

I think some of us diehard TJ folks will check out the new WF but after seeing the prices, will be back shopping at TJs again. Plus any non-food items bought at Whole Foods will be taxed since WF is in PA; whereas the TJ is in sales-tax free Delaware.

[I love God]

139. I have WF and TJ's within walking distance of one another

I didn't go to WF today; I went to TJ's though! But they have too much packaged stuff. I go to WF for BULK ITEMS. Dang it, gurl...you can't seem to get it thru your thick skull that there are good deals to be had at WF! Or maybe you just like packaged stuff 24/7?

[riderinthestorm]

41. My local food pantry can't keep up with the need in my area.

I'll just print out your handy shopping guide and give it to those who we turn away...

Your OP seems to be pretty dismissive of those who are struggling, as though they are just bad shoppers instead of facing 30 - 40% higher food costs in the past decade as wages have stagnated or decreased.

Some of the DUers on that thread aren't "debbie downers", they are real people who are truly in desperate straits. Just "getting into the flow!! insert happy face here!!1111" doesn't work. At all.

Food deserts are also not addressed in your OP at all.

[i own my story]

46. I now have to travel quite a distance on my bike to get to the produce market

Even the local Aldi's would be considered a "desert" distance away. Did you know that a desert can be as little as one mile away from a person's abode? My point is that even if it takes coordination on one's part (doubling up on trips to friends' houses, church, etc. or buying a bus transfer) or walking several miles in each direction (time-consuming but a low-impact and FREE exercise ), then just do it. Rural deserts are another matter: may have to move. Nowadays there are plenty of apts. with no security deposit so one can just bring a month's rent and move right in

[nobodyspecial]

47. Wow. You have all the answers.

Maybe the admins can set up a forum for you and you can solve all of our problems.

[hobbit709]

52. sounds like a good idea to me.

[kestrel91316]

64. Wow. Stay classy.

[nobodyspecial]

72. Well, seeing as it was a troll

and I knew it. Sorry, I don't feel the need to be nice to trolls and I don't care if I measure up to your classy standards.

[riderinthestorm]

75. I had to constrain myself! I almost leaped out of the keyboard at the OP!

"Just move!" Or "just walk several miles each way to get your groceries!" Or the attitude of just suck it up, ya slacker!

I was stunned at his/her callousness. No regard for the disabled, elderly, rural or families with small children (that aren't so easy to tote around on a daily 10 mile hike to the grocery store).

You're comments were far calmer than the OP had any right to expect...

[piscesnewmoon]

77. Cupcake, I grew up in a suburb that was technically a food desert

And guess what? My mother, brother and I hugged paper bags full of groceries to our chests whilst traipsing to and fro the "nearest" store. Because in those days (when onion belts were all the rage), there was only one car per household in most cases. In Ecuador, there are men and women in their NINETIES hauling supplies!

[demmiblue]

78. You certainly are persistent!

[riderinthestorm]

79. Nice job denigrating those who are suffering and aren't as able as you.

I'll be sure to tell some of the disabled vets at the food pantry next time to just suck. it. up. and "walk" 10 miles with their 3 year old cause 90 year olds in Ecuador are doing it....

[piscesnewmoon]

81. Didn't you forget something?

Disabled vets who are widowers and have no spouse to do the shopping?

Please...common sense should prevail here. Try and find the most dire stories to fit the helpless/hopeless agenda. The person decrying the grocery situation was NOT disabled; she was on Social Security.

[riderinthestorm]

82. You have no idea what that person's situation is. How dare you presume to know better

I know of no "cupcakes" who deserve to be so insulted in RL or here. There are simply people who are desperately trying to make it. You appear to have forgotten your compassion today.

[riderinthestorm]

86. "Don't want to be responsible for myself"? WTF. Welcome to ignore.

Enjoy your stay here. I presume it will be as short lived as the last time.

[nobodyspecial]

87. Well, aren't you just a superior human

Yes, if someone is struggling, they obviously *deserve* to be there. May you never be so broken down that you really do feel hopeless. Life does just do that to some people some times. How thoughtful that you're around to kick them and throw dirt in their face.

[kombucha breath]

116. And your name is deceiving

but obviously you ARE special in your suffering. Lord knows I have had a cake walk these past 46 years...

Nah, you sound like your idea of encouragement is to tell people that they are right to believe it's hopeless!

[roguevalley]

94. I'm glad that works for you. But we are all in our own situations. I just got over

two weeks of lying on my back screaming over a sciatic nerve problem. I'm glad there was already food in the house. One size doesn't fit all and everyone is unique. I can't stand all the guff over how everyone should just suck it up. She/he should have come with me when I crawled literally to the drug store to get drugs. By the way, try living in rural alaska where people buy a year of food and fly it home. Nine dollars a gallon for milk, ten dollars a gallon for gas. No fresh, nada. Now, I hope she poo poos that. I would love to see the lulz.

RV, hobbling in the frickin sticks and feeling everyone's pain.

[riderinthestorm]

57. This is a rural farm community. No busses. Nearest grocery store can be MILES away (10 - 50 miles)

These aren't residents who are going to leave their farm or agricultural lifestyle and move to an apt because you feel they should be in the city. Besides, some people do choose to remain in the country so they can grow your free range eggs and make your raw milk cheese. But those same people are at the food pantry because that kind of lifestyle may be rewarding but it's not sustainable. Its impossible to walk several miles to the grocery store with a couple of children under 5 (or even one child under 5 while you lug groceries) in a rural community.

In the city a mile's walk for the disabled and the elderly is impossible. Regardless of whether they could carry home 25 lbs of groceries even on the bus.

"Just do it"?!!

Wow.

[allthingsmustpass]

129. How about having a garden in that RURAL area? Getting to know farmers who can provide cheese, eggs

or produce? You can't have it both ways. You can't complain about food deserts and refuse to leave one!

[riderinthestorm]

137. Clearly you've never lived in a rural community like IL, thousands of acres of corn/soybean farms

It's probably an even more vast food desert than anywhere else on the planet!

My sister runs the local green market. I KNOW what's available and what's not available. While there are a few small farmers with niche markets in beef, eggs, and produce - all of them are also on foodstamps or they have outside jobs. You simply cannot make it as a small scale organic farmer in some places (like mine). Furthermore, those producers are 50 miles apart! No way can you ferret them out, and then visit them singley ... walking as you suggest, often with small children (that is if you are able-bodied yourself).

Nobody here is making organic cheese.

You are being completely unrealistic.

[mac56]

138. "Rural deserts are another matter: may have to move.

Nowadays there are plenty of apts. with no security deposit so one can just bring a month's rent and move right in."

Are you serious?! What planet is the setting for your story?!

I can't tell if you're naive, duplicitous, or just flat out insensitive to what most people are facing.

[unapatriciated]

102. Is there a TJ's near you?

The reason I ask is they donate to local food banks daily. If there is, have the food bank contact them regarding donations. All coded foods are pulled before their expiration date and donated. Day breads are pulled daily at store closing and donated the next morning. Meats are pulled before expiration date and can be frozen. This is one of the reasons TJ's does not do sales, the product is donated instead of being marked down.


disclaimer I work for TJ's.

[riderinthestorm]

104. About 10 miles away (Just a lovely stroll to the store for the OP!111 - heh, jk)

They're already donating to the two other food pantries closer to them but you are an angel for suggesting it. We have an Aldi and a Jewel pretty close so we do check there and they certainly do donate as well. We're lucky to have them for our community!

[unapatriciated]

107. Aldi is a great store, I shop there as well as at TJ's.

I swear that some of the products at both stores are made by the same companies. I have done many side by side comparisons. I have never seen a Jewel Store are they the same as the trucks that used to do home deliveries? I wish we had a farmers market closer to us. When I lived in California I used to walk to one once a week for produce. Suburbs of Atlanta are not very friendly for walking, but they do have some great National Parks.

[riderinthestorm]

110. Aldi and TJ's are owned by brothers if I recall correctly!

So yes, they are very similar I've noticed!!!

Jewel is a Chicago area store. I don't think its national chain but they do have a significant presence in the Chicagoland area.

[unapatriciated]

113. ok I was thinking of Jewel T have never been to Chicago that is probably why I didn't know it.

Actually TJ's was owned by one of the Brothers who passed last year. It has always been held in a trust with no direct involvement, but I have noticed the similarities. Not sure how things will change since his death and his children have inherited, hope not much.

[demmiblue]

55. Troll has left the building!

[likesmountains 52]

56. That one seemed so familiar, but I can't think of who he/she was before.

Glad they got the boot so fast!

[Hatchling]

61. Goddess Blessings on the Admins!

Or it that offends them: Thank you and I am very grateful and wish them very well.

[piscesnewmoon]

74. Interesting actions upon which to heap your blessings.

Namaste back atcha!

[kestrel91316]

63. I found whole shrimp at Pavilions on sale for $5/lb, bought 1/3 lb for under $2

and they are gonna be my weekly bonus animal protein meal tonight - shrimp stock from the heads, nice garlic/red pepper/butter sauce, some brown rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. Maybe not the cheapest meal, but very good nutrition and no junk calories.

And I got a free dozen eggs there for signing up for a customized coupon-on-store-card program. Works for me. Coupons for the things I actually buy and eat rather than stoopit processed junk.

[underpants]

68. Ring up Organics with the codes for foreign made (DDT etc.) produce

[JNelson6563]

80. Farmer's markets are awesome.

I appreciate your goal with this post. Unfortunately we don't all have the same opportunities available to us though so it would be great if people from all over chimed in with suggestions of their own.

I am in northern Michigan which is pretty rural. We are fortunate in that we have all sorts of farms here, vineyards, and in my particular area, cherry orchards. We have a small but vibrant, busy downtown in the main city in the region. There is an awesome farmer's market and the place is so busy~all the time! So, obviously that is an excellent option for those who live near enough to such things.

Also, in little farms throughout the area people sell things like fresh eggs. You can see the chickens out in the barnyard just wandering around, when you buy the eggs. They are usually reasonably priced too.

When you can buy direct from the farmer/producer you know your food better, save money and help grow an individual or family's economy directly.

I do realize those who live in larger cities/urban areas don't always have these options available. I'd sure like to see that change.

Julie

[allthingsmustpass]

130. Um...They have farmers markets in the 'hood and 'burbs now

Matter of fact, it's the whole point of them! And the LINK card (food stamps) is now accepted at farmers markets in IL!

[JNelson6563]

135. I do know this

as I do go out into the great big world from time to time. I also know many places have no such thing conveniently located.

Julie

[mahina]

84. Is this tip list designed for recent arrivals to the planet?

Perhaps somebody chooses stores far from home, and goes out to eat regularly, on a budget?

This is a silly post. Whatevas.

Here's mine: shop from your local farmers market, (10. for a big box of veggies, even here)
if you are a carnivore or feed them, check the vacuum packs at Costco. One pack of top sirloin makes two roasts and four steaks, at 3.29 / lb
those two tips and a bag of brown rice will feed us for weeks!

[MadHound]

85. Some more tips

First of all, stay out of the grocery store as much as possible. Rather than going to a store, go to your local farmer directly. Get to know them at your local farmer's market, join a CSA group, look in the small town papers in your area to find farmers selling food. Taking out the middleman not only insures that you get your food cheaper, but also higher quality.

A few for instances:

I get my beef a quarter cow at a time. Any cut, from burger to steak, costs me $2.30/lb. This is for organic, grass fed beef, not the shit you get in the stores. The same applies when I get pork or chicken.

I get my eggs from a friend out here in the country, a dollar a dozen, free range organic chickens. Even if you live in a city though, you can generally make an arrangement if you check around with your rural neighbors at work or elsewhere.

I don't belong to a CSA, because I grow a lot of my own produce, but the ones I know have prices that are cheaper than what you get in the store. Of course, since you are getting a lot of produce at once, it would behoove you to learn how to dry, can, and freeze food for consumption over the long winter months.

And you can, in many cases, do as I do, grow some or all of your own food. I run a total 800 square feet of garden space each year, and grow the vast majority of my own food, again, organic, heirloom crops. It takes some knowledge, experimentation and effort, but I went from doing nothing to feeding my family within three years. Even if you live in an apartment complex, see if you can find a community garden nearby, or even just put a few pots of produce out on your deck or sidewalk.

So better than trying to cut corners at the local grocery store, simply cut out the grocery store period.

[roguevalley]

96. I wish I could, Madhound. It doesn't get more rural-er than the Kenai Peninsula.

Only in the summer can you get fresh from farmers in the valley. 2 pound potatoes, cucumbers longer than your leg. Google alaska vegetables. Cabbages you can sit on for chairs.

[Curmudgeoness]

97. This is elitist and condescending.

1. We all know the stores close to us.
2. Are you fucking kidding? $3.69 a dozen for eggs? All the things you list are high priced, and most people do not have that much extra money laying around.
3. What is eating out? We do not "claim" that we cannot afford to eat the way you do. It is a reality.
4. WF???? I have nothing like this near me, nor do I have ethnic markets, but I have been in a WF store before and would never spend that kind of money for food.
5. Again with the WR. House brand at Aldi's is cheaper.

Do not judge others until you have walked in their shoes....and you have not or you would not think that your choices are the best to get the biggest bang for a family stuggling.

[whistler162]

100. Personally I think the tips are great.....

Mitch Rmoney was nice enough to join DU and post his money saving tips on here!

Of course with number two that lets out potato's. The EYES keep staring at me!

[kombucha breath]

117. Are you whack on crack Really? Me in the same league with Mittens?

I ride a bike, I buy some of my clothes at thrift stores, I don't have Internets, cable/satellite at home (even some "poor" people have these things!). Those alone might save at least $100 a month! I don't even own a cell phone.

[kombucha breath]

119. I didn't judge; you take suggestions as judgement

and it's all on you, honey. Why would anyone prefer pity to respect? Makes no sense to me!
And how fucking DARE you assume that I have never walked in your shoes? Have you ever owned a cell phone? I sure haven't. I have never subscribed to cable or satellite, never owned a car, never gone on a vacation as an adult (save for one weekend in a cabin in a neighboring state, which my dad paid for over a quarter century ago!). Boo effing who! Maybe you shouldn't take such pride in being a female curmudgeon (which means you're probably very crabby all the time) and get a better 'tude!

[Curmudgeoness]

122. Yep, I'm a bitch.

When "i own my story" and "kombucha breath" comes back as someone else, you can read this.

I am very crabby and mean-spirited. That is why I have not had any posts (yet) hidden, and why there are zero people who have me on ignore. But it is all good. I didn't mean to get your panties in a twist.

[allthingsmustpass]

127. Wow, you must have accomplished something being well-loved on DU!

And there are no nasty pieces of work on DU who never seem to get tombstoned, eh?

In any case, God bless your wittle heart. Keep up with the compassion of telling people that the sky is falling, Henny Penny! I am sure that will make their day!

[justiceischeap]

106. One more tip: Organic food in grocery stores is often a rip-off

Some farmer's do the very bare minimum they have to, to be certified organic. Also, a complaint often heard are of poor certification standards.

I haven't kept up with the laws but an example would be a cow being fed corn-based feed and that corn in the feed is genetically modified--that then makes the cow food product no longer organic if you go by the strictest definition but is okay according to the USDA. There's weird stuff that goes on with organic labeling.

If at all possible, purchase local and organic, otherwise do some research about the products you're interested in purchasing. And look for "non-GMO" labels on store purchased organic food products.

I just thought of another tip: Veggies... we tend to overcook them and they lose a lot of nutrients that way.

I have a friend who is a raw foodist (I find that extreme but some of the food is really good). For bigger nutritional bang for your buck, find some ways that raw foodist's prepare their food.

For example, I often eat raw garlic kale but if you don't "treat" it properly, it can be bitter. So, I use a bit of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar along with the garlic and "massage" my kale with it, letting it sit for a half-hour or so (or make it the night before) and this softens it up--almost like cooking it would yet I lose none of the nutrients I would from cooking it. Then I add some tamari, tahini and nutritional yeast to it and I've got greens that are chock-full of nutrients and vitamins.

[kombucha breath]

118. I love kale salad w/ nutritional yeast

You don't need both lemon juice and ACV. I use lemon juice, Braggs Aminos, and avocado as the fat and massage it. Wow, think I'll make some this afternoon!

[justiceischeap]

120. I hear Braggs has MSG in it

it tastes great but I don't want to eat a lot of MSG.

[I love God]

140. You "heard" wrong

Please don't spread misinformation without thoroughly investigating, 'mkay? Braggs is only soybeans and water, unlike tamari which usually has wheat and salt. Glutamic acid is a NATURALLY-OCCURRING MSG--it's an amino acid and also found in foods like seaweeds. It is a flavor enhancer which lends umami--savory flavor to foods. But like white sugar, MSG is ISOLATED. Your statement is as silly as stating that you don't eat apples because of all that sugar.

[justiceischeap]

141. My goodness, your very certain about this...

Foods that commonly contain glutamine, glutamic acid and MSG are: Parmesan cheese - 1.2%, tomato sauce - .3% Cow's Milk .5%, many processed cheeses .4% - .5%, human milk - .3%, even Bragg liquid aminos have .5% (straight out of the bottle), many soy and other vegetable products - .3% to over 1% and more. Some level of these compounds in your daily food would seem to be unavoidable and probably important to proper nutrition - although that level doesn't seem to be defined by any independent (impartial, non-food industry, non-governmental) body. People are different - in any population there will be those who have high tolerances to these compounds and those who are very susceptible to even low concentrations of such.

http://www.bragg.com/healthinfo/excitotoxins.html

* emphasis mine

[april come she will]

146. Again, the difference is when it's not an ISOLATED ADDITIVE

and found in food. Do you avoid tomatoes and cheeses, also? Because glutamine is a non-essential amino acid and found in many places IN FOOD. Eating a burger with MSG added is entirely different than making a kale salad and squirting a bit of Braggs on top. Same as eating an apple (with natural sugar) versus a slice of cake (REFINED sugar).

[aquart]

108. MEAT.

Tastier than broccoli.

[allthingsmustpass]

131. Nope/

And in any case, we are talking EXPENSE here.

[RebelOne]

143. I second that nope. n/t

[pinboy3niner]

109. Oh, Dman! I thought this was a thread about CPAC's GOP dating forum tips.

[tabbycat31]

111. Here are my own tips

That do not involve patronizing a store like Whole Paycheck, run by a RW whackjob like the Whole Paycheck CEO. My sister is one of those holier than thou Whole Paycheck shoppers and she has gone as far as saying that people who can't afford to shop there can't afford to eat.

Organic products at some stores are more than twice the price as their regular counterparts. I shop at Wegman's and their house brand yogurt is 45 cents a cup. The Stonyfield organic is $1.25 a cup. Besides Stonyfield is very weak in flavoring.

I can get a dozen eggs for $1.29 a dozen. I only use them in baking so I don't go through them that much (I was forced to eat eggs every day for a dinner as a kid and cringe at them now).

I don't eat out much.

Most of the produce I get is frozen. I don't like raw veggies anyways (texture issues) and it saves me a boatload of prep time and I can get them for $1 a bag.

[pitohui]

112. tips from 1972 are of no value to those of us who must shop in 2012

if you switch from meat to "ethnic produce" your cost in dollars per calorie will skyrocket

as a real person, as opposed to a wealthy doctor, i had to give up the vegetarian diet years ago

free range eggs for $3.69 a dozen...and other tips that basically suggest paying double or triple what is already too much to pay for a working person...if i didn't laugh i would cry

my friend, i am glad you are rich, but a rich person should STFU when it comes to telling the middle and poorer classes what to do at the grocery store

i too love to buy foo-foo hi-falutin' cheeses but at $17.99 a pound for cheese (way more than meat) let's not lie to ourselves that it's saving money

fancy cheese, fair trade free range coffee and eggs, fancy organic veggies...that is not possible on a normal person's budget if you want to do anything w. your life besides feed your face

[B2G]

114. Thank you

3.69 for a dozen eggs?

I got 18 for 1.80 this week.

[allthingsmustpass]

128. Dude, I just got back from Trader Joe's...

RAW MILK cheese is $5.99 a pound. High-falutin'? Gimme a break. You would rather kvetch all day and play "ain't it awful?" than to see the good in front of your nose. When someone asks you how you're doing, do you give them an organ recital?

[HappyMe]

134. Sorry, I'm NOT giving up meat, nor will

we stop going out to eat.

I shop at Aldi's and buy store brands whenever possible.
$3.69 for eggs?!!

[GoCubsGo]

144. I love Aldi!

Because of them, I can afford a lot more fresh produce in my diet.

[TheKentuckian]

147. Quit yer whining and learn to love yer cormeal mush and dandelions

Keep yer eyes peeled fer roadkill and walk your lazy ass a few miles with a few bags.

[Shandris]

148. While I respect people trying to 'help'...

...and I mean no offense, but I'd have to be on some ~really~ good meth to think $3.69 is 'bang for my buck' on eggs. I don't think you realize -just- how little a lot of us eat on if you're thinking prices like that are acceptable.

Yes, I buy meat. I'm anemic, and my doctor -ordered- it (but I only eat the bare minimum, meat just isn't my 'thing'. Except fish, but that's too pricy). But it isn't expensive meat, and it's certainly cheaper than those eggs you mention.

[wood snake sadge]

150. I would NEVER buy factory farm eggs, dear!

You get what you pay for! So by all means, buy eggs from chickens crammed together in cages full of dis-ease and if that is something you are willing to quibble over a dollar and some change, then do it! I think it's inhumane and very crazy to consume eggs produced under such horrific conditions. And that anemic issue is moot. You'd be better off eating Swiss chard than meat! Isn't it interesting that you find the money to afford the meat, though? It just goes to show that a person can be iron-deficient and eat meat!

[hootinholler]

151. I think I'll be making veal parmesan just in your honor tonight

I'll be sure to use factory eggs in the breading steps.

I'm wondering if I should use saran wrap or a ziplock baggie when pounding out the cutlets? Which do you think?

[niyad]

154. newest incarnation, I would guess

[stuntcat]

153. Eating out is such a waste

And restaurants use cheaper, less healthy ingredients.. and cook with so much fat and salt and who knows what-all

We're lucky to have a Trader Joe in walking distance. My husband still eats some meat so we get it there.

I read that some of their products (not talking about the meats) are the same as the grocery stores sell, they're just packaged differently. And a lot of things cost less there. I'm crazy about their big bag of greens- collards, mustard, turnip greens and spinach.

[tsuki]

155. By pass the man. Grow your own. nt

[the inner lite...]

156. Hmm...I wonder if any more gloomy Guses

are gonna try and kvetch about how they cannot eat healthy and cheap...

[mdmc]

157. ..