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

[JWithers]

Originally Posted by susan314

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.

LOL. I am the queen of cheap. We have a store called Aldi here and they have very nice produce for MUCH less than the bigger chains. I pay 2.99 for a three pack of red, yellow and green bell peppers when just ONE would be more than that at the other groceries. Broccoli crowns are .99! My husband makes fun of me, but when we can pay for our beach house in full b/c of my frugality, we will see who is laughing! I don't buy processed foods full of crap, only 'real' food and my kids eat and drink food that is actually good for them. AND I do it on a self-imposed TIGHT budget. I would rather spend some time to save money and be able to have the things that matter more to my family!

Again, GOOD CHOICES!