Of course, in a perfect world, everything we ate would be grown by us with no artificial interference. But we are not perfect and never will be.
We used to have ducks and chickens but I got sick of fighting off the wildlife and being heart broken every time we lost one. We used to have a large vegetable garden but it was too much work for me. So now I support my friends who do have the ability to do those things PLUS I grow a lot of stuff (herbs and tomatoes) in containers on the patio outside of our kitchen door.
As far as food shopping I get our groceries at several different places. I will give you a quick run down.
- First, I really love Misfits Market. We have used them for years. They have great prices on organic fruits and veggies, and higher quality meats, poultry, and seafood. You have to spend $45 a week minimum but it’s not a subscription. If I don’t do it one week it’s no big deal. I have to order in a 3 day window each week. They do have an upgraded plan but we don’t need it right now.
- Second, I do home shopping for pick up at large supermarkets (our Shop Rite just closed so pretty much exclusively Hannaford now). I shop through the apps and use digital coupons and promos. I also go through their flyers (on the apps) and buy stuff on sale. It’s a good way to buy large quantities of meats to make freezer meals. I find I do not over buy by doing it at home. I can check our pantry and not impulse buy. I have found I spend a lot less money that way.
- Third, I shop on Amazon/Whole Foods. It’s not super convenient as it’s a good 30 minutes away but if I know I am going to be over that way (Liam takes banjo lessons in the mall where the store is for example) I will do this. I actually like going to the store because we like to eat from their lunch bars.
- Fourth, I will pick up foods when I am out shopping for other stuff ie my mini vacations to Target and TJ Maxx. TJ Maxx has those wild shelves of crazy gourmet items where I always find some funky spice blend or flavored oil.
- Fifth, I shop the Dollar Tree. I actually love this store because I am a crafter and I like to save money. I am actually addicted if I am honest. It’s the best place to get canned items and I get a lot of spices there.
- Sixth, I love Aldi. Aldi is a place that tells you what you need. If you know you know. I don’t get meat at Aldi’s but their organic fruit/veggie/snacks plus cheeses and other items for our charcuterie nights (tapenade or olives, for example).
- Seventh, I love Ocean State Job Lots. They have a great selection of dry items – organic Red Mill goods, cereals, cookies, crackers (lots of gluten free) – plus jellies, juices, and yes, spices.
- Eighth, I buy when we are out and about. Maybe we are traveling so I will pick up something to use at home (maple syrup from Vermont or a cajun boil spice blend from New Orleans). I also love these little packages of spices you can get from craft show vendors.
I obviously don’t do every store every week. But if you are looking to save money any of these are an option as long as you follow common sense. Check what you have before you buy more. Compare apples to apples (price per pound for example). Buy in bulk and separate into freezer bags. Buy the highest quality (ORGANIC) you can but don’t fall for marketing.
I hope that helps a little bit. Use the pantry staples print out to try to build your inventory as you can. You will find you buy something and never use it (the chestnuts and the hearts of palm noodles for us – maybe it’s Cream of Tarter for you?). It’s ok. See if someone else wants it if it’s not expired or discard it if it is. It happens to all of us!
