Ways to Save at The Grocery Store

Monday, March 05, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Health Team

Everyone is trying to keep a few extra dollars in their wallets, and being wise at the grocery store is a great way to cut costs. GoLocalWorcester spoke with one local grocery store manager to find out how to be a savvy shopper.

How to Save Before You go to the Grocery Store:

Make a shopping list ahead of time. This way you will only buy what you NEED.
Have a snack before you leave. Shopping hungry is a recipe for disaster. You will be less tempted to buy food you don’t need.

Cruising the Aisles

Try to buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Look for store ads and coupons and join your store's discount card program. Usually the best deals in a store are not at eye level, so be sure to glance down the aisle. Also, buying canned and frozen fruits on sale will help you eat healthy and on a budget longer. Try the store bands- they are just as good as brand names, and can be a lot cheaper. At "Living Earth," an organic food market on Chandler Street, there are bargains to be had simply by purchasing food by the pound out of their bins.

"You can save by buying organic gronolas, seeds, nuts and other products out of our bins instead of pre-packaged," Store Manager Frank Phelan said. "We get those things in 20 or 30 pound bags, so scooping up by the pound works out to be cheaper. And we save on packaging, so those savings get passed onto you as well. We also have a loyalty card that you can use to build up points for savings and rebates when you get certain amounts."

Be Aware of Different Bargains Each Trip

While you want to stick to a shopping list, you should also be aware of the fact that different produce will be available cheaper at different times. Generally, this is a matter of seasonal change, but sudden weather events in areas of the country where the best produce is grown can make certain products cheaper or more expensive on a week-to-week basis.

"Produce is hard to predict (the price) too far out," Phelan said. "It really can vary from order to order, so you can watch for that to save too."

When You Get Home

It is smart to do "batch cooking". It will save you time and money. You can cook a large chili or sauce and then freeze it in smaller containers. Also, when you buy a lot of meat, be sure to separate it before you freeze it so you can just grab two chicken breasts at a time. Don’t forget to put a date on the food before freezing.

Find Out If You Can Get Assistance:

For moms, if you’re pregnant or have a child under 5, contact WIC . You should see if you can get help with nutrition counseling, food vouchers, breastfeeding support and referrals to other services and programs.
Contact your local school to find out if your children qualify for a reduced or free lunch and breakfast. You can also contact your local town about elderly food assistance programs, or see if your church has a food pantry. You might also want to look into Food Stamps or contact Project Bread to find out about other resources in your area.