I just returned from the grocer and spent over $175.00 on NOTHING! We just finished unpacking and putting everything away, and my husband said to me, that there doesn't seem to be anything to eat in the house, and he's correct. I didn't buy anything substantial like fish or chicken. We don't eat junk food. I bought some produce and dairy products that I take to work for lunch and a few cleaning supplies. Now, we've got to go back out to Costco to get FOOD (real food). I don't understand how families of more than 4 can make it anymore. We're just 2 people who eat 3 healthy meals a day, and our grocer's bill has gone up by at least 40% in the last year! Is it just around here, or is everyone noticing this?

What are you doing to cope? I thought at one time that I might be able to stop working soon, but I can't. We simply can't afford it!

Chris,

There is a system developed by local farmers in many parts of the US called "Local Harvest". This is a system of local farmers (all organic) who sell their harvest directly to families and avoid marketing to grocery stores.

Each week, if you join Local Harvest, you will get a huge box of fresh vegetables and fruit. The boxes contain more than enough for a family of 4 to last at least one week. The cost is so much cheaper than going to the grocery store.

Take a look at their website: localharvest.org

Maybe it will be helpful to you.

-Vic

It is a bit frightening! It used to be 'when you break a twenty, it is gone'. Now, it is 'when you break a check, it is gone!' Cleaning products, detergents are extremely expensive. Maybe we should just clean with water...I have eliminated all the products that cause me to gag and exchanged for others that I am not allergic to.

Victor's contribution about localharvest.org is terrific! I am going to try. I clicked 'thanks', Victor, but nothing appeared! I must have lost my touch!...

I hear you loud and clear! My grocery bill the other day, I kid you not, $397.00!!! I only bought what we needed. The only non grocery items were cleaning supplies and a few outside plants. I was sick to my stomach. The boys come home next week and I don't know what we're going to do with four to feed.

Oh Sandy,
I can't even begin to fathom what it is like. Do your boys work during the summers? Do they contribute to some of the household expenses? I know that we paid close to $400.00 here last summer during the summer months just to air condition our home. One can't live in the south without air-conditioning, especially having MS! I'm sure it's not much cheaper where you are. Are you still sure you want to move to Tenn. in the near future?

I think we've been paying quite a bit more in Canada for a number of years (we used to cross the border to the US just to pick up cheese, dairy, etc. and save ourselves heaps). Now with the Canadian $ so strong, it might be even more worth it, but crossing the border is such a hassle since 9/11.

I have 4 mouths to feed, two of those being active teenagers, and I have to be very careful about how I spend my disability cheques. In fact, I rent out my basement, just to make ends meet.

When it comes to shopping, I bulk-shop for most things, and I flyer shop all the time. I read each of the flyers delivered every week, and I list out what I need from each place. They are only a few blocks either way (I am in the city) so I don't waste much gas/travel, but it does take time. I almost NEVER buy anything, unless it is on sale.

Most stores around here will honor the sale prices of other stores too, if you can be bothered to haul around the flyers and go get the refund at customer service. I'd just as soon go to the "other" store to get the sale price, because I usually have lots to buy at each store anyway. (I only like certain brands, and many stores carry their own generic that I won't always buy...)

I find I actually waste too much money, when buying from a place like Costco. I go in to buy 5 things and walk out with a buggy full worth $300 every time. Often a lot goes to waste too, cause it gets stale or goes off before we get around to eating the quantities a person has to buy from there. There are good deals for sure, but I'm too impulsive if I go into a store like that.

Cleaning supplies, bandaids, toilet paper, shampoo, tissues, etc . . . I definitely bulk shop on. Not that I buy bigger quantities, but I wait for them to go on sale very cheap somewhere, then buy the max limit.

Cherie

Yes, we are still moving. It can't be any worse than me and menopause! lmao

It's about the same cost economy wise no matter where we go. The houses are definately cheaper in the rural areas.

I told the boys we will buy groceries but if there is something special they want, it's on them. Plus, if I start to notice things being emptied out faster than you can blink an eye, then yes, they will be asked to contribute. We've already had "the talk' with them. LOL I would prefer them to save their money since they ask for nothing while they are at college. They pay their own way all school year so we help out in the summer and they save.

Thank you Vic. I just checked out the website, and for someone living in California, I'm sure it's a very economical way of buying fresh fruits and vegetables. I just priced 6 avocados, and it would cost $23.00 by the time they are shipped here and taxes are assesed. That is even more outrageous than what I just paid for avocados here this morning. I suppose the price of fuel is what is raising the cost of shipping food, but I still can not comprehend how a family of 4 can live and eat well if only one parent is working. I believe it is only going to get worse in the next few months, and I'm truly frightened for people, especially the elderly and those who are on a fixed income.

try this chris:

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

just put in your zip code.

i found one very close to me.

No-nothing. We live in a rather urban area, so we'd have to travel at least an hour each way to get to the closest place, or have it shipped. So, again the savings are lost on gas or in the shipping. There is also a very high state sales tax in GA., which adds to the high cost of food. I believe it is 7% in our county.