Reply #57: News you can really use........

[AnneD]

8 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill
Updated on October 3, 2008.

RUMBLINGS FROM A world increasingly hungry for oil and grain caused a 5.9% jump in food prices since August 2007 — and there's no end in sight.

"There is a global increase in demand for food commodities, driven by a rapidly growing middle class in India, China and other developing countries seeking protein," explains Jack W. Plunkett, CEO of Plunkett Research. "Growth in demand is outstripping growth in supply." Hardship has further contributed to the scarcity of certain foods. Midwest flooding this summer hurt corn production, while last year's poor hops harvest increased beer prices.

Skyrocketing oil prices, which regularly top $100 a barrel these days, have also added to the expense of producing, packaging and transporting foods. "Think of it as paying more per calorie burned," says Plunkett.

The resulting higher costs are swiftly passed down the production food chain to grocery store shelves. "It's like when the price of oil goes up, and you see a difference at the pump in the next day or two," says Al Ferrara, national director for consulting firm BDO Seidman's retail and consumer product division. Constantly produced fresh items like milk (up 10% compared with 2007, according to the USDA), eggs (up 7%) and bread (up 16%) are more apt to reflect changes on a nearly daily basis.

With a little legwork, savvy shoppers can keep their grocery bills at pre-2008 levels — if not lower. Here's how:



http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/deals/8-ways-to-cut-your-grocery-bill-22641/

More from me.....
Look for food in unusual places. Frequently things like milk and cereal will be on sale at Walgreens or CVS. They are loss leaders (sold at a loss to get you in the store). You can really save.

Spices:If there is an Indian store in your town-buy your spices there. Spices are at such a high mark up in a grocery store. Every Christmas, I would take $5 (now $10-15) and by spices in bulk and divy them up and give them to the women in the family. They would be delighted to recieve fresh spices. Don't be afraid to explore.

Farmers Markets: We are blessed in Texas. Snoop around. Encourage one.

COOP: I learned to do this in college. One of the most important things I learned.