I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn to
donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a donation
bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price in
the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some margarine
because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some celery
because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices were
just far too high.

I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one woman
with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few things.
Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get the two
new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole Foods.

On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn to
> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a donation
> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price in
> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some margarine
> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some celery
> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices were
> just far too high.
>
> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one woman
> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few things.
> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get the two
> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole Foods.


We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation.

"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
...
> On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn to
>> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
>> donation
>> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price in
>> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
>> margarine
>> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some celery
>> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
>> were
>> just far too high.
>>
>> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
>> woman
>> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few things.
>> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get the
>> two
>> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole Foods.
>
>
> We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation

Oh I hope not.

On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn to
> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
> >> donation
> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price in
> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
> >> margarine
> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some celery
> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
> >> were
> >> just far too high.
> >>
> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
> >> woman
> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few things.
> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get the
> >> two
> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole Foods.
> >
> >
> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
>
> Oh I hope not.


Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.

On 5/23/2015 7:32 AM, Christopher Helms wrote:
> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn to
>>>> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
>>>> donation
>>>> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price in
>>>> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
>>>> margarine
>>>> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some celery
>>>> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
>>>> were
>>>> just far too high.
>>>>
>>>> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
>>>> woman
>>>> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few things.
>>>> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get the
>>>> two
>>>> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole Foods.
>>>
>>>
>>> We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
>>
>> Oh I hope not.
>
>
> Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.
>

"Lately"?

As in the past 10 years or so?

You're one of the political groups' biggest whiners, don't pretend it's
any recent development.

"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
...
> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn
>> >> to
>> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
>> >> donation
>> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price
>> >> in
>> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
>> >> margarine
>> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some
>> >> celery
>> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
>> >> were
>> >> just far too high.
>> >>
>> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
>> >> woman
>> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few
>> >> things.
>> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get
>> >> the
>> >> two
>> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole
>> >> Foods.
>> >
>> >
>> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
>>
>> Oh I hope not.
>
>
> Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.

I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of meat.
I also saw my beloved chicken broth. Price did not go up 2 cents in the
store. Not yet anyway. They also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't
have some of what I wanted.

On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 7:28:14 PM UTC-4, Julie Bove wrote:
> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn
> >> >> to
> >> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
> >> >> donation
> >> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price
> >> >> in
> >> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
> >> >> margarine
> >> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some
> >> >> celery
> >> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
> >> >> were
> >> >> just far too high.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
> >> >> woman
> >> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few
> >> >> things.
> >> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get
> >> >> the
> >> >> two
> >> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole
> >> >> Foods.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
> >>
> >> Oh I hope not.
> >
> >
> > Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.
>
> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of meat.
> I also saw my beloved chicken broth. Price did not go up 2 cents in the
> store. Not yet anyway. They also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't
> have some of what I wanted.

You bought MEAT at Walmart?!? I guess I forgot how gross you are.

On 5/23/2015 5:54 PM, wrote:
> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 7:28:14 PM UTC-4, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>>>> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn
>>>>>> to
>>>>>> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
>>>>>> donation
>>>>>> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price
>>>>>> in
>>>>>> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
>>>>>> margarine
>>>>>> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some
>>>>>> celery
>>>>>> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
>>>>>> were
>>>>>> just far too high.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
>>>>>> woman
>>>>>> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few
>>>>>> things.
>>>>>> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> two
>>>>>> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole
>>>>>> Foods.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
>>>>
>>>> Oh I hope not.
>>>
>>>
>>> Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.
>>
>> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
>> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of meat.
>> I also saw my beloved chicken broth. Price did not go up 2 cents in the
>> store. Not yet anyway. They also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't
>> have some of what I wanted.
>
> You bought MEAT at Walmart?!? I guess I forgot how gross you are.
>
No one here has forgotten what an unrelenting asshole you are.

On 5/23/2015 7:27 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>

> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of
> meat.

Bought a whole rib eye at BJs and had it cut into thirteen 1" thick
steaks. It would easily fit into one bag at $162.00

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
news
> On 5/23/2015 7:27 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>
>> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
>> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of
>> meat.
>
> Bought a whole rib eye at BJs and had it cut into thirteen 1" thick
> steaks. It would easily fit into one bag at $162.00

I buy organic, grass fed ground beef at Walmart. It's very good. I bought
2 pounds today. Also some thin cut steaks, a small amount of lunch meat and
two bags of beef jerky. That same jerky and lunch meat are available pretty
much anywhere in this area.

I don't know why people are so weird about stores. From one person I got,
"You bought linens at Big Lots? I would NEVER buy linens there!" Uh...
Why not? I went there specifically to get cheap stuff. Like throw blankets
to keep in the car trunk in the winter. Rugs to put by the cat box.

Or... "You buy food at Dollar Tree?" Yeah, they do sell some things that I
wouldn't buy. But they are the only place I know of in this area that has
the sugar free Italian Ice. And some of what they have is the same stuff
that you can get anywhere else. Sometimes for more money. Sometimes for
less.

On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 6:28:14 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had popcorn
> >> >> to
> >> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
> >> >> donation
> >> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest price
> >> >> in
> >> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
> >> >> margarine
> >> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some
> >> >> celery
> >> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The prices
> >> >> were
> >> >> just far too high.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see one
> >> >> woman
> >> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few
> >> >> things.
> >> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get
> >> >> the
> >> >> two
> >> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole
> >> >> Foods.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
> >>
> >> Oh I hope not.
> >
> >
> > Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.
>
> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of meat.
> I also saw my beloved chicken broth. Price did not go up 2 cents in the
> store. Not yet anyway. They also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't
> have some of what I wanted.


It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it seems to require a little more creativity every month.

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
> news
>> On 5/23/2015 7:27 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>
>>> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
>>> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of
>>> meat.
>>
>> Bought a whole rib eye at BJs and had it cut into thirteen 1" thick
>> steaks. It would easily fit into one bag at $162.00
>
> I buy organic, grass fed ground beef at Walmart. It's very good. I
> bought 2 pounds today. Also some thin cut steaks, a small amount of lunch
> meat and two bags of beef jerky. That same jerky and lunch meat are
> available pretty much anywhere in this area.
>
> I don't know why people are so weird about stores. From one person I got,
> "You bought linens at Big Lots? I would NEVER buy linens there!" Uh...
> Why not? I went there specifically to get cheap stuff. Like throw
> blankets to keep in the car trunk in the winter. Rugs to put by the cat
> box.
>
> Or... "You buy food at Dollar Tree?" Yeah, they do sell some things that
> I wouldn't buy. But they are the only place I know of in this area that
> has the sugar free Italian Ice. And some of what they have is the same
> stuff that you can get anywhere else. Sometimes for more money.
> Sometimes for less.

I love Dollar Tree. Fortunately, I live about a block from it so I check it
often for new things.

Cheri

"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
>> news
>>> On 5/23/2015 7:27 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>>
>>>
>>>> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
>>>> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of
>>>> meat.
>>>
>>> Bought a whole rib eye at BJs and had it cut into thirteen 1" thick
>>> steaks. It would easily fit into one bag at $162.00
>>
>> I buy organic, grass fed ground beef at Walmart. It's very good. I
>> bought 2 pounds today. Also some thin cut steaks, a small amount of
>> lunch meat and two bags of beef jerky. That same jerky and lunch meat
>> are available pretty much anywhere in this area.
>>
>> I don't know why people are so weird about stores. From one person I
>> got, "You bought linens at Big Lots? I would NEVER buy linens there!"
>> Uh... Why not? I went there specifically to get cheap stuff. Like throw
>> blankets to keep in the car trunk in the winter. Rugs to put by the cat
>> box.
>>
>> Or... "You buy food at Dollar Tree?" Yeah, they do sell some things
>> that I wouldn't buy. But they are the only place I know of in this area
>> that has the sugar free Italian Ice. And some of what they have is the
>> same stuff that you can get anywhere else. Sometimes for more money.
>> Sometimes for less.
>
> I love Dollar Tree. Fortunately, I live about a block from it so I check
> it often for new things.

I wish. The closest one to me is super hard to get to and from because of
traffic and the way the parking lot sits.

"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
...
> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 6:28:14 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had
>> >> >> popcorn
>> >> >> to
>> >> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores with a
>> >> >> donation
>> >> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the cheapest
>> >> >> price
>> >> >> in
>> >> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get some
>> >> >> margarine
>> >> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And some
>> >> >> celery
>> >> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else. The
>> >> >> prices
>> >> >> were
>> >> >> just far too high.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I did see
>> >> >> one
>> >> >> woman
>> >> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a few
>> >> >> things.
>> >> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when we get
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> two
>> >> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller, Whole
>> >> >> Foods.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
>> >>
>> >> Oh I hope not.
>> >
>> >
>> > Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy, lately.
>>
>> I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and only had
>> three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy several kinds of
>> meat.
>> I also saw my beloved chicken broth. Price did not go up 2 cents in the
>> store. Not yet anyway. They also seemed kind of low on produce and
>> didn't
>> have some of what I wanted.
>
>
> It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it used to
> be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it seems to require a
> little more creativity every month.

$30 would only buy maybe one meal here.

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...

>>> Or... "You buy food at Dollar Tree?" Yeah, they do sell some things
>>> that I wouldn't buy. But they are the only place I know of in this area
>>> that has the sugar free Italian Ice. And some of what they have is the
>>> same stuff that you can get anywhere else. Sometimes for more money.
>>> Sometimes for less.
>>
>> I love Dollar Tree. Fortunately, I live about a block from it so I check
>> it often for new things.
>
> I wish. The closest one to me is super hard to get to and from because of
> traffic and the way the parking lot sits.

I actually live a block or so from a pretty nice small mall, and my backyard
fence is a shared fence with Walgreen's. There used to be an independent
market in the mall which was really convenient, but the owners retired and
they built an InShape Gym there. There is also a Starbucks but I've never
bought anything there. I admit when they first started building this
peaceful area up, I was less than happy, but now that I'm older it suits me.
I usually walk to the stores around here if possible.

Cheri

"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>>> Or... "You buy food at Dollar Tree?" Yeah, they do sell some things
>>>> that I wouldn't buy. But they are the only place I know of in this
>>>> area that has the sugar free Italian Ice. And some of what they have
>>>> is the same stuff that you can get anywhere else. Sometimes for more
>>>> money. Sometimes for less.
>>>
>>> I love Dollar Tree. Fortunately, I live about a block from it so I check
>>> it often for new things.
>>
>> I wish. The closest one to me is super hard to get to and from because
>> of traffic and the way the parking lot sits.
>
> I actually live a block or so from a pretty nice small mall, and my
> backyard fence is a shared fence with Walgreen's. There used to be an
> independent market in the mall which was really convenient, but the owners
> retired and they built an InShape Gym there. There is also a Starbucks but
> I've never bought anything there. I admit when they first started building
> this peaceful area up, I was less than happy, but now that I'm older it
> suits me. I usually walk to the stores around here if possible.

This was still farm country when I first moved here. Several blocks to the
nearest businesses, one of which is a casino. There is at least a drugstore
now. But prior, only two convenience stores.

Cheri wrote:
>
> I love Dollar Tree. Fortunately, I live about a block from it so I check it
> often for new things.

I always loved all those stores too...Dollar Tree...Everything's A
Dollar. Fun to look through and every few days they have different
things. Mine is only about 2.5 miles away. I keep meaning to stop by
sometime but it's been years now.

I really need to go sometime. I'll probably be happy that I did. They
always have *something* worth paying a dollar for.

G.

Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "Christopher Helms" wrote:
> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it used to
> > be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it seems to require a
> > little more creativity every month.
>
> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.

No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit more.
That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending $30 per
MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.

G.

In article >, says...


> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.

I find that impossible to believe.

30 USD is roughtly 20 UK pounds.

UK food prices are far higher than the US, even so, for that sum I
could easily make at least three healthy nutritious delicious balanced
meals for two.

Even if I bought smkt READY MADE meals (NOT an economical way to eat)
, for that sum I could buy two dinners for two ( main course, side and
bottle of wine)

http://www.marksandspencer.com/s/food-and-wine/dine-in


Janet UK

On 5/24/2015 8:52 AM, Gary wrote:
> Julie Bove wrote:
>>


>> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>
> No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit more.
> That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending $30 per
> MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
>
> G.
>

On special occasions I've spent $30 or more for a meal, but for everyday
far, it is much less. A $7 chicken and another two bucks for sides will
not only get the meal, but leftovers for lunch.

Maybe Julie is adding in the cost of a nice $20 bottle of wine to
accompany the meal.

On Sun, 24 May 2015 08:52:54 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "Christopher Helms" wrote:
>> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it used to
>> > be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it seems to require a
>> > little more creativity every month.
>>
>> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>
>No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit more.
>That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending $30 per
>MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.

I can get 2-3 days for $30 but that's really scrimping, and my cats
wouldn't eat. I think the people who claim they can eat all week on
$30 don't eat very well, or they're lousy at math, or they lie. Maybe
some people don't include condiments, snacks, fresh fruit and
vegetables, beverages, and they live on $1/lb tube steak... yes there
are $1/lb 'meat' tube steaks in the flyer this week, one can only
imagine. Top round beef (not a pricey cut) runs minimally $5/lb
nowadays, feeding two adults a four pound roast lasts three days here,
plus there are salads, sides, snacks, beverages, etc. A 4 pound roast
barely yields two pounds of edible meat, I don't consider that a lot
for six adult meals... and that's just dinner, what about food for th
erest of the day? I think those with small grocery bills don't do
much cooking, they eat out and do take out a lot. I know people who
don't even have coffee in their house, not even a coffee pot, they buy
lots of coffee out but don't include that in their grocery bill, not
the donuts either... they can drop $30 a week at Dunkin Donuts easy,
that's $30 per person. I shop often, I've yet to see anyone with a
weeks worth of groceries in their cart for $30, what do your think a
pound of bacon, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, a jar of grape jelly, a
jar of peanut butter, a gallon of milk, and three pounds of apples
costs, about $30 and that's not eating very well. The way many here
drool over bacon, fresh seafood, real maple syrup, premium ice cream,
polish butcher kielbasa, stinkin' lamb, ribeyes and the like no way
can they get by on less than $30 a day. I won't mention how many are
always boasting about their $30+ bottles of wine... I buy Crystal
Palace vodka and diet Coke and still my booze bill runs $20/wk. Only
way people can grocerey shop for $30/wk is they ain't mentioning their
food stamps.

Cheri wrote in rec.food.cooking:

>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> >"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
> news
> > > On 5/23/2015 7:27 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
> > > >
> > >
> > > > I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and
> > > > only had three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy
> > > > several kinds of meat.
> > >
> > > Bought a whole rib eye at BJs and had it cut into thirteen 1"
> > > thick steaks. It would easily fit into one bag at $162.00
> >
> > I buy organic, grass fed ground beef at Walmart. It's very good.
> > I bought 2 pounds today. Also some thin cut steaks, a small
> > amount of lunch meat and two bags of beef jerky. That same jerky
> > and lunch meat are available pretty much anywhere in this area.
> >
> > I don't know why people are so weird about stores. From one person
> > I got, "You bought linens at Big Lots? I would NEVER buy linens
> > there!" Uh... Why not? I went there specifically to get cheap
> > stuff. Like throw blankets to keep in the car trunk in the
> > winter. Rugs to put by the cat box.
> >
> > Or... "You buy food at Dollar Tree?" Yeah, they do sell some
> > things that I wouldn't buy. But they are the only place I know of
> > in this area that has the sugar free Italian Ice. And some of
> > what they have is the same stuff that you can get anywhere else.
> > Sometimes for more money. Sometimes for less.
>
> I love Dollar Tree. Fortunately, I live about a block from it so I
> check it often for new things.
>
> Cheri

I like the canned tomatoes at ours. Red-gold brand and good stuff
while also about as low in sodium as they come.

Carol

--

Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:

>
> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 6:28:14 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> >>> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> >>>> ...
> >>>> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>>> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had
> >> >> popcorn >>>> >> to
> >>>> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores
> with a >>>> >> donation
> >>>> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the
> cheapest >> >> price >>>> >> in
> >>>> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get
> some >>>> >> margarine
> >>>> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And
> some >>>> >> celery
> >>>> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else.
> The >> >> prices >>>> >> were
> >>>> >> just far too high.
> >>>> >>
> >>>> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I
> did see >> >> one >>>> >> woman
> >>>> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a
> few >>>> >> things.
> >>>> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when
> we get >>>> >> the
> >>>> >> two
> >>>> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller,
> Whole >>>> >> Foods.
> >>>> >
> >>>> >
> >>>> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
> > > > >
> >>>> Oh I hope not.
> > > >
> > > >
> >>> Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy,
> lately.
> > >
> > > I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and
> > > only had three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy
> > > several kinds of meat. I also saw my beloved chicken broth.
> > > Price did not go up 2 cents in the store. Not yet anyway. They
> > > also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't have some of what
> > > I wanted.
> >
> >
> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it
> > used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it
> > seems to require a little more creativity every month.
>
> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.

WOW. I run an average of 300$ a month for a family of 3. I won't say
we don't have a single meal that costs 30$ (10$ each) but it's rare.

Example, I have 45cents worth of wheat and stuff making bread. That
will make 2 lbs or 14 thick slices. Basically cut them in half for 14
PB&J types or whatever else.

Julie, you can beat 30$ a meal even with takeout.

Whats up here?



--

Gary wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> Julie Bove wrote:
> >
> > "Christopher Helms" wrote:
> > > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it
> > > used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it
> > > seems to require a little more creativity every month.
> >
> > $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>
> No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit more.
> That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending $30 per
> MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
>
> G.

True Gary. I spend a little less than you per person but with 3 of us,
we can make more use of sales and I am in what is considered a fairly
cheaper food area.
Carol


--

Brooklyn1 wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> On Sun, 24 May 2015 08:52:54 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>
> > Julie Bove wrote:
> >>
> >> "Christopher Helms" wrote:
> >> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than
> it used to >> > be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and
> it seems to require a >> > little more creativity every month.
> >>
> >> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
> >
> > No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit
> > more. That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending
> > $30 per MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
>
> I can get 2-3 days for $30 but that's really scrimping, and my cats
> wouldn't eat. I think the people who claim they can eat all week on
> $30 don't eat very well, or they're lousy at math, or they lie. Maybe
> some people don't include condiments, snacks, fresh fruit and
> vegetables, beverages, and they live on $1/lb tube steak... yes there
> are $1/lb 'meat' tube steaks in the flyer this week, one can only
> imagine. Top round beef (not a pricey cut) runs minimally $5/lb
> nowadays, feeding two adults a four pound roast lasts three days here,
> plus there are salads, sides, snacks, beverages, etc. A 4 pound roast
> barely yields two pounds of edible meat, I don't consider that a lot
> for six adult meals... and that's just dinner, what about food for th
> erest of the day? I think those with small grocery bills don't do
> much cooking, they eat out and do take out a lot. I know people who
> don't even have coffee in their house, not even a coffee pot, they buy
> lots of coffee out but don't include that in their grocery bill, not
> the donuts either... they can drop $30 a week at Dunkin Donuts easy,
> that's $30 per person. I shop often, I've yet to see anyone with a
> weeks worth of groceries in their cart for $30, what do your think a
> pound of bacon, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, a jar of grape jelly, a
> jar of peanut butter, a gallon of milk, and three pounds of apples
> costs, about $30 and that's not eating very well. The way many here
> drool over bacon, fresh seafood, real maple syrup, premium ice cream,
> polish butcher kielbasa, stinkin' lamb, ribeyes and the like no way
> can they get by on less than $30 a day. I won't mention how many are
> always boasting about their $30+ bottles of wine... I buy Crystal
> Palace vodka and diet Coke and still my booze bill runs $20/wk. Only
> way people can grocerey shop for $30/wk is they ain't mentioning their
> food stamps.

Oh Sheldon lay off.

Most people who use the roughly 30$ a week rule are buying staples and
cooking them for real.

The most expensive bread i know how to make is a 7 seed rye with
buttermilk. It costs 1.47 for a 2 lb loaf (translation, 14 healthy man
sized rolls or 18 more regular ones). Now lets assume the biggr ones
your eyes always go for ok? 1.47/3=.49 cents for the whole lot per
person. It is 10 cents a roll with 4 rolls each and 2 left over. My
regular bread costs 75cents for 5 cents a day of bread each. My cheap
bread costs 45cents. Same yield.

Thats just a sample.

Shift your eating and get rid of a lb of bacon a week (what a financial
waste that one is) and it's more like 1 egg a day at most. I am sure
that offends your soul but some of us have to eat more veggies to keep
the cholestrol down so instead are getting carrots, squash, snap beans,
daikon, cabbage, and fresh greens.

We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I hit 100$
a month per person usually and yes, we have steak, shrimp, and other
goodies.

The average meal here per person is about 2$ for dinner, 1$ for lunch
and change for breakfast.

That you can't do it, isnt a reason to abuse those who can and do.

Carol

--

Janet wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> In article >,
> says...
>
>
> > $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>
> I find that impossible to believe.
>
> 30 USD is roughtly 20 UK pounds.
>
> UK food prices are far higher than the US, even so, for that sum I
> could easily make at least three healthy nutritious delicious
> balanced meals for two.
>
> Even if I bought smkt READY MADE meals (NOT an economical way to
> eat) , for that sum I could buy two dinners for two ( main course,
> side and bottle of wine)
>
> http://www.marksandspencer.com/s/food-and-wine/dine-in
>
>
> Janet UK

Yup Janet. Though Julie *hopefully* meant to feed 3 on that 30$,
others took it as one person which is ridiculous. For your 20 UK lbs,
I feed a person for a week here for all 3 meals. Some weeks a little
more, some a little less but that is the average. Yes, it's cheaper
here but i also may be selecting less expensive things with more prep
time on my end making it work. Thats ok. All 3 of us cook (though
Charlotte understandably is still learning some aspects, she's a fine
baker in her own right now).

Meantime I use a fair amount of freecycle (freegle where you are) for
other savings on appliances and such. I pass on what didnt work for me
and get what i need if another has it.



--

On Sun, 24 May 2015 15:35:19 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:

>Janet wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>> In article >,
>> says...
>>
>>
>> > $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>>
>> I find that impossible to believe.
>>
>> 30 USD is roughtly 20 UK pounds.
>>
>> UK food prices are far higher than the US, even so, for that sum I
>> could easily make at least three healthy nutritious delicious
>> balanced meals for two.
>>
>> Even if I bought smkt READY MADE meals (NOT an economical way to
>> eat) , for that sum I could buy two dinners for two ( main course,
>> side and bottle of wine)
>>
>> http://www.marksandspencer.com/s/food-and-wine/dine-in
>>
>>
>> Janet UK
>
>Yup Janet. Though Julie *hopefully* meant to feed 3 on that 30$,
>others took it as one person which is ridiculous. For your 20 UK lbs,
>I feed a person for a week here for all 3 meals. Some weeks a little
>more, some a little less but that is the average. Yes, it's cheaper
>here but i also may be selecting less expensive things with more prep
>time on my end making it work. Thats ok. All 3 of us cook (though
>Charlotte understandably is still learning some aspects, she's a fine
>baker in her own right now).
>
>Meantime I use a fair amount of freecycle (freegle where you are) for
>other savings on appliances and such. I pass on what didnt work for me
>and get what i need if another has it.

I doubt anyone here took it to mean a meal for one.
Janet US

The Other Guy wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> On Sun, 24 May 2015 15:08:41 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:
>
> > We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I hit
> > 100$ a month per person usually and yes, we have steak, shrimp, and
> > other goodies.
>
> The cheapest steak here is $6 a pound, and an edible steak is
> substantially more. I don't eat shrimp so can't say on that,
> but a loaf of decent (NOT fancy) bread is $5 when not on sale.
> Milk is $6 a half gallon. Potatoes were on sale today at 5
> pounds for $5. Green seedless grapes were $3 a pound, and
> tomatoes were $2.50 a pound on sale, usually $3 recently.

Learn to cook. You can make that 5$ bread for 1.47 or a basic simple
one for as little as 45cents. It takes 5 minutes of your time to do it
with a 35$ breadmachine that lasts for 4-5 years of use 3 times a week.

You dont need to eat a huge 14oz steak every night. Learn to make side
dishes. Dunno why your milk is double the price at ours but it's 4$
gallon here. I dont know many adults who drink enough of it to get
gallon sizes.

What the heck on your potato prices? Its 2.97 for 8lbs here. Maybe
look around a bit better?



--

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>>
>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 6:28:14 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >>"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> > > ...
>> >>> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >>>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
>> >>>> ...
>> >>>> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >>>> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two reasons. I had
>> >> >> popcorn >>>> >> to
>> >>>> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores
>> with a >>>> >> donation
>> >>>> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the
>> cheapest >> >> price >>>> >> in
>> >>>> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did get
>> some >>>> >> margarine
>> >>>> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price. And
>> some >>>> >> celery
>> >>>> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else.
>> The >> >> prices >>>> >> were
>> >>>> >> just far too high.
>> >>>> >>
>> >>>> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I
>> did see >> >> one >>>> >> woman
>> >>>> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying a
>> few >>>> >> things.
>> >>>> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when
>> we get >>>> >> the
>> >>>> >> two
>> >>>> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller,
>> Whole >>>> >> Foods.
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
>> > > > >
>> >>>> Oh I hope not.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> >>> Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy,
>> lately.
>> > >
>> > > I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and
>> > > only had three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy
>> > > several kinds of meat. I also saw my beloved chicken broth.
>> > > Price did not go up 2 cents in the store. Not yet anyway. They
>> > > also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't have some of what
>> > > I wanted.
>> >
>> >
>> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it
>> > used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it
>> > seems to require a little more creativity every month.
>>
>> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>
> WOW. I run an average of 300$ a month for a family of 3. I won't say
> we don't have a single meal that costs 30$ (10$ each) but it's rare.
>
> Example, I have 45cents worth of wheat and stuff making bread. That
> will make 2 lbs or 14 thick slices. Basically cut them in half for 14
> PB&J types or whatever else.
>
> Julie, you can beat 30$ a meal even with takeout.
>
> Whats up here?

Not here you can't! Not for three people. Average price for a meal for two
at some place akin to a Denny's would be around $30, not including tip.

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> Gary wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>> Julie Bove wrote:
>> >
>> > "Christopher Helms" wrote:
>> > > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it
>> > > used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it
>> > > seems to require a little more creativity every month.
>> >
>> > $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>>
>> No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit more.
>> That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending $30 per
>> MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
>>
>> G.
>
> True Gary. I spend a little less than you per person but with 3 of us,
> we can make more use of sales and I am in what is considered a fairly
> cheaper food area.
> Carol

I spent about $30 a week on just myself back in the 1980's. And I dined out
a lot. Groceries are not cheap here! I probably spend about $300 a week,
no counting restaurant meals but that's hard to tell because some things I
buy like flour, black pepper or olive oil would certainly last far more than
a week. I also stock up on canned things, and I buy paper products,
cleaning supplies, magazines, books, cat things and some cosmetics. So not
all food.

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> Brooklyn1 wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>> On Sun, 24 May 2015 08:52:54 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>
>> > Julie Bove wrote:
>> >>
>> >> "Christopher Helms" wrote:
>> >> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than
>> it used to >> > be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and
>> it seems to require a >> > little more creativity every month.
>> >>
>> >> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>> >
>> > No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit
>> > more. That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending
>> > $30 per MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
>>
>> I can get 2-3 days for $30 but that's really scrimping, and my cats
>> wouldn't eat. I think the people who claim they can eat all week on
>> $30 don't eat very well, or they're lousy at math, or they lie. Maybe
>> some people don't include condiments, snacks, fresh fruit and
>> vegetables, beverages, and they live on $1/lb tube steak... yes there
>> are $1/lb 'meat' tube steaks in the flyer this week, one can only
>> imagine. Top round beef (not a pricey cut) runs minimally $5/lb
>> nowadays, feeding two adults a four pound roast lasts three days here,
>> plus there are salads, sides, snacks, beverages, etc. A 4 pound roast
>> barely yields two pounds of edible meat, I don't consider that a lot
>> for six adult meals... and that's just dinner, what about food for th
>> erest of the day? I think those with small grocery bills don't do
>> much cooking, they eat out and do take out a lot. I know people who
>> don't even have coffee in their house, not even a coffee pot, they buy
>> lots of coffee out but don't include that in their grocery bill, not
>> the donuts either... they can drop $30 a week at Dunkin Donuts easy,
>> that's $30 per person. I shop often, I've yet to see anyone with a
>> weeks worth of groceries in their cart for $30, what do your think a
>> pound of bacon, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, a jar of grape jelly, a
>> jar of peanut butter, a gallon of milk, and three pounds of apples
>> costs, about $30 and that's not eating very well. The way many here
>> drool over bacon, fresh seafood, real maple syrup, premium ice cream,
>> polish butcher kielbasa, stinkin' lamb, ribeyes and the like no way
>> can they get by on less than $30 a day. I won't mention how many are
>> always boasting about their $30+ bottles of wine... I buy Crystal
>> Palace vodka and diet Coke and still my booze bill runs $20/wk. Only
>> way people can grocerey shop for $30/wk is they ain't mentioning their
>> food stamps.
>
> Oh Sheldon lay off.
>
> Most people who use the roughly 30$ a week rule are buying staples and
> cooking them for real.

I seriously doubt that. Or they are mostly eating beans and rice. The
steak I bought was just over $10 and that's a meal for two. I also bought
two packages of beef jerky. That's more than $30 right there! What in the
world could a person be eating if they claim to pay so little?
>
> The most expensive bread i know how to make is a 7 seed rye with
> buttermilk. It costs 1.47 for a 2 lb loaf (translation, 14 healthy man
> sized rolls or 18 more regular ones). Now lets assume the biggr ones
> your eyes always go for ok? 1.47/3=.49 cents for the whole lot per
> person. It is 10 cents a roll with 4 rolls each and 2 left over. My
> regular bread costs 75cents for 5 cents a day of bread each. My cheap
> bread costs 45cents. Same yield.

Pretty sure I could not make it that cheaply. I just made two pizza crusts
and that was over $3.00. In terms of flour would be about the equivalent to
two loaves of bread.


>
> Thats just a sample.
>
> Shift your eating and get rid of a lb of bacon a week (what a financial
> waste that one is) and it's more like 1 egg a day at most. I am sure
> that offends your soul but some of us have to eat more veggies to keep
> the cholestrol down so instead are getting carrots, squash, snap beans,
> daikon, cabbage, and fresh greens.

Who eats a pound of bacon a week?
>
> We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I hit 100$
> a month per person usually and yes, we have steak, shrimp, and other
> goodies.

Then food must be insanely cheap where you live or you don't eat much food
at all.
>
> The average meal here per person is about 2$ for dinner, 1$ for lunch
> and change for breakfast.
>
> That you can't do it, isnt a reason to abuse those who can and do.

Most of us can't do it because food just costs more where we are. And most
people don't make their own bread. Many people haven't got the time to do
it. I do sometimes but it takes me all night to do it. I couldn't do that
very often if I were working. And no, I won't use a bread machine. I had
one and hated it.

"The Other Guy" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 24 May 2015 15:08:41 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:
>
>>We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I hit 100$
>>a month per person usually and yes, we have steak, shrimp, and other
>>goodies.
>
> The cheapest steak here is $6 a pound, and an edible steak is
> substantially more. I don't eat shrimp so can't say on that,
> but a loaf of decent (NOT fancy) bread is $5 when not on sale.
> Milk is $6 a half gallon. Potatoes were on sale today at 5
> pounds for $5. Green seedless grapes were $3 a pound, and
> tomatoes were $2.50 a pound on sale, usually $3 recently.

I have to go buy more bread. Woke up really wanting toast but the bread had
green spots on it. Sticker on it was for today. The loaves I buy are
small. One usually lasts a week if I time it right when I buy it.
Sometimes I buy one and it is only good for three days. No preservatives in
this bread. Costs $5.49 to $5.99 depending on where I buy it. I did buy
some other kind at Walmart yesterday for 98 cents. I can't eat it though.

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> The Other Guy wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>> On Sun, 24 May 2015 15:08:41 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:
>>
>> > We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I hit
>> > 100$ a month per person usually and yes, we have steak, shrimp, and
>> > other goodies.
>>
>> The cheapest steak here is $6 a pound, and an edible steak is
>> substantially more. I don't eat shrimp so can't say on that,
>> but a loaf of decent (NOT fancy) bread is $5 when not on sale.
>> Milk is $6 a half gallon. Potatoes were on sale today at 5
>> pounds for $5. Green seedless grapes were $3 a pound, and
>> tomatoes were $2.50 a pound on sale, usually $3 recently.
>
> Learn to cook. You can make that 5$ bread for 1.47 or a basic simple
> one for as little as 45cents. It takes 5 minutes of your time to do it
> with a 35$ breadmachine that lasts for 4-5 years of use 3 times a week.
>
> You dont need to eat a huge 14oz steak every night. Learn to make side
> dishes. Dunno why your milk is double the price at ours but it's 4$
> gallon here. I dont know many adults who drink enough of it to get
> gallon sizes.
>
> What the heck on your potato prices? Its 2.97 for 8lbs here. Maybe
> look around a bit better?

Holy crap! Potatoes aren't nearly that cheap there. I don't think I have
ever seen an 8 pound bag either.

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> Janet wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>> In article >,
>> says...
>>
>>
>> > $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
>>
>> I find that impossible to believe.
>>
>> 30 USD is roughtly 20 UK pounds.
>>
>> UK food prices are far higher than the US, even so, for that sum I
>> could easily make at least three healthy nutritious delicious
>> balanced meals for two.
>>
>> Even if I bought smkt READY MADE meals (NOT an economical way to
>> eat) , for that sum I could buy two dinners for two ( main course,
>> side and bottle of wine)
>>
>> http://www.marksandspencer.com/s/food-and-wine/dine-in
>>
>>
>> Janet UK
>
> Yup Janet. Though Julie *hopefully* meant to feed 3 on that 30$,
> others took it as one person which is ridiculous. For your 20 UK lbs,
> I feed a person for a week here for all 3 meals. Some weeks a little
> more, some a little less but that is the average. Yes, it's cheaper
> here but i also may be selecting less expensive things with more prep
> time on my end making it work. Thats ok. All 3 of us cook (though
> Charlotte understandably is still learning some aspects, she's a fine
> baker in her own right now).
>
> Meantime I use a fair amount of freecycle (freegle where you are) for
> other savings on appliances and such. I pass on what didnt work for me
> and get what i need if another has it.

I think you would be very hard pressed to feed one person here for $30 a
week. You could do it if you ate beans, the cheapest rice you could find
and perhaps a little produce. Probably no meat. When I spent that much for
myself, I never ate meat.

On Sun, 24 May 2015 15:27:47 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:


>Most of us can't do it because food just costs more where we are. And most
>people don't make their own bread. Many people haven't got the time to do
>it.

Of course they have the time to do it, they just don't /want/ to do
it.

Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:

>
> "cshenk" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:
> >
> > >
> >>"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> >>> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 6:28:14 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>>>"Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> >>> > ...
> >>>>> On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:08:14 AM UTC-5, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>>>>> "Christopher Helms" > wrote in message
> >>>>>> ...
> >>>>>> > On Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:53:48 PM UTC-5, Julie Bove
> wrote: >>>>>> >> I tried the Haggen store again today for two
> reasons. I had >>>> >> popcorn >>>> >> to
> >>>>>> >> donate to the food bank and they are one of the few stores
> >>with a >>>> >> donation
> >>>>>> >> bin here, and they had a coupon for soda, making it the
> >>cheapest >> >> price >>>> >> in
> >>>>>> >> the area. Alas that was about all that was cheap. I did
> get >>some >>>> >> margarine
> >>>>>> >> because the particular kind that I eat was a good price.
> And >>some >>>> >> celery
> >>>>>> >> because I needed it. Also some magazines. Nothing else.
> >>The >> >> prices >>>> >> were
> >>>>>> >> just far too high.
> >>>>>> >>
> >>>>>> >> I was in there around dinner time. Not many customers. I
> >>did see >> >> one >>>> >> woman
> >>>>>> >> with a full cart of stuff but most like me were only buying
> a >>few >>>> >> things.
> >>>>>> >> Will be interesting to see what happens with the prices when
> >>we get >>>> >> the
> >>>>>> >> two
> >>>>>> >> new stores to this area, PCC and the lower priced, smaller,
> >>Whole >>>> >> Foods.
> >>>>>> >
> >>>>>> >
> >>>>>> > We may be about to revisit our old 70's friend, Stagflation
> >>> > > >
> >>>>>> Oh I hope not.
> >>> > >
> >>> > >
> >>>>> Me, too. I have a nagging sense of unease about the economy,
> > > lately.
> >>> >
> >>> > I went to the Walmart food store today. Spent almost $100 and
> >>> > only had three bags. Not even full bags. Granted I did buy
> >>> > several kinds of meat. I also saw my beloved chicken broth.
> >>> > Price did not go up 2 cents in the store. Not yet anyway. They
> >>> > also seemed kind of low on produce and didn't have some of what
> >>> > I wanted.
> > > >
> > > >
> >>> It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than it
> >>> used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and it
> >>> seems to require a little more creativity every month.
> > >
> > > $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
> >
> > WOW. I run an average of 300$ a month for a family of 3. I won't
> > say we don't have a single meal that costs 30$ (10$ each) but it's
> > rare.
> >
> > Example, I have 45cents worth of wheat and stuff making bread. That
> > will make 2 lbs or 14 thick slices. Basically cut them in half for
> > 14 PB&J types or whatever else.
> >
> > Julie, you can beat 30$ a meal even with takeout.
> >
> > Whats up here?
>
> Not here you can't! Not for three people. Average price for a meal
> for two at some place akin to a Denny's would be around $30, not
> including tip.

Julie, we were not talking eating out.

--

Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:

>
> "cshenk" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Gary wrote in rec.food.cooking:
> >
> > > Julie Bove wrote:
> > > >
> >>> "Christopher Helms" wrote:
> >>> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than
> it >>> > used to be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and
> it >>> > seems to require a little more creativity every month.
> > > >
> >>> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
> > >
> > > No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit
> > > more. That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending
> > > $30 per MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
> > >
> > > G.
> >
> > True Gary. I spend a little less than you per person but with 3 of
> > us, we can make more use of sales and I am in what is considered a
> > fairly cheaper food area.
> > Carol
>
> I spent about $30 a week on just myself back in the 1980's. And I
> dined out a lot. Groceries are not cheap here! I probably spend
> about $300 a week, no counting restaurant meals but that's hard to
> tell because some things I buy like flour, black pepper or olive oil
> would certainly last far more than a week. I also stock up on canned
> things, and I buy paper products, cleaning supplies, magazines,
> books, cat things and some cosmetics. So not all food.

That you spend more, doesnt mean you are spending wisely.

--

The Other Guy wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> On Sun, 24 May 2015 16:37:05 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:
>
> > The Other Guy wrote in rec.food.cooking:
> >
> >> On Sun, 24 May 2015 15:08:41 -0500, "cshenk" >
> wrote: >>
> >> > We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I
> hit >> > 100$ a month per person usually and yes, we have steak,
> shrimp, and >> > other goodies.
> >>
> >> The cheapest steak here is $6 a pound, and an edible steak is
> >> substantially more. I don't eat shrimp so can't say on that,
> >> but a loaf of decent (NOT fancy) bread is $5 when not on sale.
> >> Milk is $6 a half gallon. Potatoes were on sale today at 5
> >> pounds for $5. Green seedless grapes were $3 a pound, and
> >> tomatoes were $2.50 a pound on sale, usually $3 recently.
> >
> > Learn to cook. You can make that 5$ bread for 1.47 or a basic
> > simple one for as little as 45cents. It takes 5 minutes of your
> > time to do it with a 35$ breadmachine that lasts for 4-5 years of
> > use 3 times a week.
>
> I don't HAVE a bread machine, I don't have ROOM for a bread machine,
> and I don't WANT to make my own bread. Plus it takes more than just
> flour to make bread, and all the ingredients need to be stored
> somewhere.

Then quit bitching if you can't spring to a bread machine and 5 minutes
of your time once a week. Yes it takes salt, water, yeast and a little
oil in most recipes. Add 3cents if you wnat a fancy oil. The yeast
and salt cost were added to the 45cents already.

> > You dont need to eat a huge 14oz steak every night.
>
> I don't eat steak at all, can't afford it. Decent ground beef is $4
> a pound when on sale (80%), or I go with chicken or pork. And
> I eat plenty of sides, ALL of which are up substantially in price
> over the last 2 years.

Cut the portion to reasonable levels then. You don't need 1lb a night
for just yourself.


>
> > Dunno why your milk is double the price at ours but it's 4$
> > gallon here.
>
> Welcome to California. I buy store brand organic milk
> due to it's longer shelf life, and I still can't usually drink
> a half gallon before it starts to go bad, even with it mostly
> going to my cat.

There's another thing wrong. Organic doesnt last longer and you are
getting a larger container than you can use at organic markups. Cut to
a smaller size and dump the fancy 'organic' since it's apt to not
really be organic anyways.

Quit wasting food by getting larger than you can use and know it's
larger than you can use.

> > What the heck on your potato prices? Its 2.97 for 8lbs here. Maybe
> > look around a bit better?
>
> THAT was the price today, up almost double what it was a few months
> ago.


I suggest not looking at the pretty ones on the eye level and look for
the bags that have potatoes just as nice inside. Shopping 101. The mot
espensive version of any product will be at eye level or in open bins.

Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:

>
> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
> ... >On Sun, 24 May
> 2015 15:08:41 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:
> >
> > > We do indeed spend wisely and fit the 30$ range per person. I
> > > hit 100$ a month per person usually and yes, we have steak,
> > > shrimp, and other goodies.
> >
> > The cheapest steak here is $6 a pound, and an edible steak is
> > substantially more. I don't eat shrimp so can't say on that,
> > but a loaf of decent (NOT fancy) bread is $5 when not on sale.
> > Milk is $6 a half gallon. Potatoes were on sale today at 5
> > pounds for $5. Green seedless grapes were $3 a pound, and
> > tomatoes were $2.50 a pound on sale, usually $3 recently.
>
> I have to go buy more bread. Woke up really wanting toast but the
> bread had green spots on it. Sticker on it was for today. The
> loaves I buy are small. One usually lasts a week if I time it right
> when I buy it. Sometimes I buy one and it is only good for three
> days. No preservatives in this bread. Costs $5.49 to $5.99
> depending on where I buy it. I did buy some other kind at Walmart
> yesterday for 98 cents. I can't eat it though.

I've seen that 98cent bread. Pretty disgusting stuff.

Fresh made doesn't last real long either outside the fridge but we make
it in amounts we can use up andif we lose a roll or so, it's 5 cents
worth of bread.

--

On Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 3:08:44 PM UTC-5, cshenk wrote:
> Brooklyn1 wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
> > On Sun, 24 May 2015 08:52:54 -0400, Gary > wrote:
> >
> > > Julie Bove wrote:
> > >>
> > >> "Christopher Helms" wrote:
> > >> > It's a lot easier to spend a hundred dollars on groceries than
> > it used to >> > be. I try to stay under thirty dollars per trip and
> > it seems to require a >> > little more creativity every month.
> > >>
> > >> $30 would only buy maybe one meal here.
> > >
> > > No way, Julie. I also spend about $30 per week or a little bit
> > > more. That's just for me though. There's no way you are spending
> > > $30 per MEAL for your family of 3 that don't like most foods.
> >
> > I can get 2-3 days for $30 but that's really scrimping, and my cats
> > wouldn't eat. I think the people who claim they can eat all week on
> > $30 don't eat very well, or they're lousy at math, or they lie. Maybe
> > some people don't include condiments, snacks, fresh fruit and
> > vegetables, beverages, and they live on $1/lb tube steak... yes there
> > are $1/lb 'meat' tube steaks in the flyer this week, one can only
> > imagine. Top round beef (not a pricey cut) runs minimally $5/lb
> > nowadays, feeding two adults a four pound roast lasts three days here,
> > plus there are salads, sides, snacks, beverages, etc. A 4 pound roast
> > barely yields two pounds of edible meat, I don't consider that a lot
> > for six adult meals... and that's just dinner, what about food for th
> > erest of the day? I think those with small grocery bills don't do
> > much cooking, they eat out and do take out a lot. I know people who
> > don't even have coffee in their house, not even a coffee pot, they buy
> > lots of coffee out but don't include that in their grocery bill, not
> > the donuts either... they can drop $30 a week at Dunkin Donuts easy,
> > that's $30 per person. I shop often, I've yet to see anyone with a
> > weeks worth of groceries in their cart for $30, what do your think a
> > pound of bacon, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, a jar of grape jelly, a
> > jar of peanut butter, a gallon of milk, and three pounds of apples
> > costs, about $30 and that's not eating very well. The way many here
> > drool over bacon, fresh seafood, real maple syrup, premium ice cream,
> > polish butcher kielbasa, stinkin' lamb, ribeyes and the like no way
> > can they get by on less than $30 a day. I won't mention how many are
> > always boasting about their $30+ bottles of wine... I buy Crystal
> > Palace vodka and diet Coke and still my booze bill runs $20/wk. Only
> > way people can grocerey shop for $30/wk is they ain't mentioning their
> > food stamps.
>
> Oh Sheldon lay off.
>
> Most people who use the roughly 30$ a week rule are buying staples and
> cooking them for real.


I can't speak for anyone else, but I try to make each $30 trip last as long as possible, which is never for an entire week. It's just a general rule I like to go by.