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GROCERIES -
Getting the Best Price for Groceries (continued)
6. If possible, make sure you shop at least a few stores and compare the prices at the different stores. Some stores will normally have lower pricing for certain types of goods, and other stores will have better pricing on other types of goods. Take advantage of these differences by filling your shopping needs at more than one store. Use GroceryGuide.com to compare prices at local stores, as well as sign up for sale alerts from your favorite grocers. But be aware of transportation costs if considering stores far apart from each other, or far from your home.
7. To the extent possible, try to stay away from convenience foods and pre-
8. Try to plan your meals around in-
9. Consider buying groceries when they are nearing their expiration dates at significantly reduced prices. Talk to the managers of each department in the store where items may be nearing expiration. They can decide on the spot if they have items that they will discount, and will mark down the price accordingly. Make sure when you check out the cashier notices the lower price.
a. Many produce sections have an area with produce that is starting to age and has already been marked down. But also ask the produce manager if they will mark down other items.
b. Meats will often be marked down when nearing their expiration date, as will milk. The quality is generally still good, but stores have established expiration dates, and discount prices when nearing those expiration dates, to ensure that products will be sold before they need to be removed from the shelves. Purchasing these items and freezing will provide savings.
c. Deli items and bakery items will often go on sale due to expiration dates, as well as at the end of the day in order to move them off the shelves. Most bakery items can be frozen and used at a later time with freshness still preserved.
d. Even cereals and many other products have expiration dates and sometimes will be reduced in price to move them off the store’s shelves. So make sure you check with the manager of each department to determine store policy, and find out when items nearing expiration will be on sale.
e. But whether or not you are getting a discounted price on a product with an expiration date, make sure you always check the expiration date of a product. Try to buy the item with the expiration date furthest in the future to help make sure it does not spoil prior to usage.
10. When checking out at the grocery store, or any other store, make sure to pay attention to the scanner to ensure that prices are accurate. This is particularly true for products that were recently placed on sale. Inaccuracies do happen, and you need to be vigilant to ensure that you are not paying too much.
11. To save on groceries further, if you are eligible, make sure you apply for any government assistance programs, or aid that is available from local food banks, etc. Federal programs include the Food Stamp Program, WIC Program, School Meals Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Program. Go to the Food & Nutrition Service Department of the USDA web site fns.usda.gov for information on these programs. For local food bank and other assistance programs available in your community, call up your city or county government and ask what programs are available. Then check to see if you qualify.
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