Lawmakers Find $21 a Week Doesn't Buy a Lot of Groceries

[susan314]

Originally Posted by squirrely girl

i think people are also ignoring the concept of food quality. that article was pretty good about addressing the lack of whole foods, fruits and veggies, milk, organic foods, and even semi-healthy options. poor people and people recieving food stamps don't have the luxury of healthy foods. this is a HUGE problem.

I'm not jumping into the food stamps "good" vs. food stamps "bad" argument, but I will say this...most people in this country overpay for groceries and, if they had the proper tools/education about how the grocery stores run their specials, they could spend a lot less.

I spend $250-300 a month at the grocery store for 4 people + a 65 pound dog for everything. That includes cleaning supplies, paper products, diapers/Pull Ups, dog food, dog treats, feminine products, shampoo, soap, razor blades/shaving cream...everything I buy. I could probably spend less, but I insist on having fresh produce in the house at all times and I shop at a specialty meat market for most of our meat products.

(I'm not kidding when I say that I indulge in fresh produce - in my house, right at this immediate moment...when I haven't even done my normal shopping yet this week...I have the following fresh fruits and veggies: broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, zuchini, strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, apples, and bananas.)

You have to learn to beat the grocery stores at their own game.