By Addi Greer
Yes, the prices have been going up. It’s not just very recent times — it’s been creeping for years; with intermittent ‘jumps.’ And packaging is smaller on most food items; I think that’s called “shrinkflation?” Like inflation, but with snark. I think it struck me first when I saw a box of cereal; same size box with less cereal inside — for $7.00!
I have to wonder how our Humane Society manages with the price of pet food and litter; and I wonder how we can afford to eat healthy when a small container of berries can be as much as $6.00.
There are some fairly easy ways to save money without too much struggle and pain. I’m sharing a few ideas, which I have discovered and also stolen from others, in hopes they might be helpful…
And instead of all the political rants, we can share helpful ideas with each other.
One way to save is in knowing our grocers; I shop each one for different things and combine my shop days and even my driving methodology to save gas. On that latter point, if you strategize the route so all your turns are right turns, you can save a little gas/money; left turns tend to use more gas, as we often have to wait at lights. Also, being a City Market “valued customer” and using my City Market Mastercard can sometimes get gas price well below $3.00/gallon. (Never thought I’d be bragging about that as a cheap price!)
I often don’t like store brand products but City Market’s organic salad greens are quite good and often ‘on sale’… and their brand of cling wrap is better than all the branded ones.
Natural Grocers for eggs, of course, and the best selection of organic apples — have you tried the “Cosmic crisp?” You just may make the switch from America’s fave the Honeycrisp — and when they get the golden ‘Opal’ apple, give it a try; you may see apples in a whole new light. An apple with a piece of cheese or smeared with nut butter is a nice healthy snack.
To get the best price on eggs at Natural Grocers, you sign up to be ‘a member’ — I use my landline for my phone number, so I can avoid giving away my mobile number — and membership gets you some goodies on various holidays as well.
Walmart isn’t always the cheapest or best — but you do have to check prices and compare quality; sometimes this can mean ’a delay’ in purchase. I was a bit stunned by the price of annuals this year; I did splurge at Pagosa Greenhouses for some very special petunias, one of which is also stunning and called “Rocky Mountain Sky.” I try to support local nursery for shrubs and a perennial purchase annually, and have a secret I’ll share with just you get a sharp knife and cut that single plant in half! Plant in two different places or in two containers for symmetry — you’ve beat the capitalistic system!
People joke about ‘City Mark Up’ and such, but it is a business and they are trying to make money — the fact that their employees are paid terribly low wages and often remain there for years is because of ‘the golden handcuffs’ of group health insurance for themselves and family. The cost of living is high here compared to some other places; but take a look at here! Beautiful eh!
Small businesses are also trying to make a profit, to pay their bills, employees and overhead–i will pay a little extra so my money stays in my community and not in one already very very wealthy man’s pockets though I will shop online when i can’t find it locally.
Remember to be as friendly to workers wherever you go; everyone is trying to survive and live their best life.
Alright! Getting a bit wordy here; get to the point please:
I eat at home 98% of the time. It is often the healthiest option and saves money too. I have a humorous tea towel which reads: “best restaurant in town”… and when my kids were kids I was an accomplished short order cook!
Throw veggie peelings and onion skins and such in a plastic bag; throw them in the freezer to make delicious vegetable soup stock; that’s easier than it sounds. You can use chip or pretzel crumbs from the bottom of the bag for salad toppings, or add to scrambled eggs: “eggs with dregs” lol. Or feed the birds! Birds lift my spirits; and sing songs for their food.
You can also keep Natural Grocer frozen cornmeal crust (I avoid gluten when I can) and throw absolutely anything on top, like pieces of chicken or olives or leftover veggies etc. Throw together cooked potatoes with some cheese, add broccoli, some of the ubiquitous asparagus or chopped kale, and bake it — tell your kids it’s a “shipwreck casserole” and tell them a story about how it kept the pirates alive for days. If you think you don’t have time, buy a bunch of those enveloped rice packets (they often go “on sale” and keep well in pantry.) You squish ‘em and nuke ‘em for 90 seconds… what? you “don’t have time”? Add a bag of frozen vegetables and you’ve got a decently healthy and filling meal. (I use only brown rice, as a complex carb; it’s better for the bod.)
Snacking less in between meals saves money and calories too! Munch on those “baby” carrots or dip them in humus for protein if you need something more.
We haven’t eaten beef or pork in years (for a few reasons, not just the obvious.) This saves a Lot of money; and when I want something meaty I will use ground turkey and I do cook chicken and sometimes fish for the Omega3 (or is it 6?) health benefits.
“Beyond Beef” has healthier ingredients than “Impossible;” and with certain recipes, my husband actually asks if it’s real meat. Even with this, I generally purchase when it goes “on sale” and freeze it. The tricky part is remembering to defrost ahead for a meal eh! (“Meatless Mondays” for those who can’t give up the beef…)
You probably know to check the price per ounce on City Market and Walmart’s shelve tags. Something may “go on sale,” but the bigger, or even smaller package may be cheaper.
I’m old and old-fashioned to still use paper coupons which i get in the mail from Kroger/CityMarket; and sometimes, when it gives a better deal for buying five of one thing I will override my embarrassment and put five Pepperidge Farm cookie bags in my cart. (They’re for my husband who, doggone it, can eat anything/everything!)
Finally, if or when you feel the need, get the days and times for the local food banks. Our community is a real community, and there are people who are able and want to help their fellow community members… so let them.
Let’s share our saving-money-methods and other positive ideas!
Addi Greer has volunteered for many years with various community groups, with the goal of helping to keep Pagosa positive…”because despite the threat of nuclear weapons, heating planet, future AI Lords and just people who complain a lot… I love this town!”
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