During these difficult economic times, there is no social shame, just good shopping etiquette

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Food prices have surged since 2020. It’s not your imagination. Egg prices rose by 28.9%, with beef chuck roast well over 38%, sugar by 13.5%. Milk prices have gone up by approximately 7.1% and coffee (a staple for me) a whopping 12.8% and climbing.

The grocery stores we buy from have no good news for us, just price hikes making our daily lives more difficult to bear. We can argue whether those retail grocery chains we shop at are affected by supply chain cost increases, or because of the pandemic’s effect upon staffing levels, or that these retailers see an opportunity and excellent excuse to increase prices and profits.

I have spoken to several different meat purveyors and assistant store managers who have told me that some items in their departments are artificially made scarce, difficult to find and therefore more expensive, or that they are given schedules that increase the price of meat just like the price of gas.

Talking about petroleum, have you seen the circus that is known as your local gas station? Like the stock market the prices usually go up, drop in the middle of the week, usually late in the day. I once saw the price in a local station change three times within two hours. Well those of us who travel for work, having been called back by our employers, have and will continue to suffer fuel costs that may increase a further 25% before the summer arrives. Between the taxes applied, and the profiteering of the industry we will all re-evaluate our summer holidays, day trips and vacations.

Those of us, who are not independently wealthy, are being forced to return to an older tradition, one our parents and grandparents wanted to pass onto us, but we were flush with money at the time. Glad I listened.

Now, it is about planning your day. Using coupons, seeking out sales and discounted products. Researching and planning like never before. I know where I go to shop every two weeks, and this routine is set in stone.

In Canada I visit No Frills, Food Basics followed by many Asian based retailers. At these locations, I can get my fresh produce, green veggies and meat prices that do not require a mortgage. In the US I prefer Wegmans (like Canada’s Metro) and we visit many local meat and grocery purveyors. You can talk to them; ask for specific items and when the prices may reflect your budgets. Relationships count especially these days of austerity.

Opt for store brands, which are usually 25-33% cheaper than national brand products. Also, have you noticed that national brand products charge you the same or more for products that are lighter, thinner and often missing ingredients?

Look for inflationary proof foods like macaroni and spaghetti, white flour, local cheeses, local pastries, and frozen foods. Are fresh veggies getting too costly? Go to the frozen food section and purchase in bulk bags of veggies, meats and other produce that only need to be unfrozen and cooked. These are often less costly than fresh products.

When the summer arrives, may I suggest you go to your local farmers, and start developing a relationship with them. You can get your fresh products right out of the pen or fields. Get to know your food intimately by perhaps picking it. Fresh veggies and fruits abound; you will just need to look for them. Local is always better when available.

There is no shame using coupons, or seeking out discounted products. No social shame, just good shopping etiquette. Happy shopping.