Seeing the grocery bill climb higher every day is getting pretty stressful, and it’s about to get even worse. This is especially true for folks with lower incomes who can’t easily get to discount supermarkets.
According to the United Nations, global food prices hit an all-time high in February, driven up by rising gas prices and importers hoarding supplies. This has greatly affected the volatile cereal markets. Over the past six months, prices for wheat, corn, sugar, and edible oils have shot up the most, with rice seeing a smaller increase. Prices for produce are already high and are expected to rise by about 25-33% over the next year.
These price increases are contributing to extreme poverty, which has partly fueled public uprisings that recently ousted leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and sparked further unrest across North Africa and the Middle East.
So, what can American shoppers do to cope with rising food costs? Here are ten strategies:
1. **Consider Warehouse Stores**: Membership stores might not always offer the best prices, especially if you tend to buy more than you need, but you can find some great deals. Look for bargains on perishable items at the end of the day when managers want to clear out stock.
2. **Use Coupons**: Embrace extreme couponing with the many options available. You can find online coupons, as well as printable and mobile ones. Check out sources like CellFire for grocery discounts, and don’t forget the coupons printed with your till receipt.
3. **Shop at Dollar Stores**: Stores like Dollar General can offer significant savings on various products, but always check the expiry dates on items.
4. **Use Grocery Store Rewards Cards**: These cards are essential for store sales. You can also download coupons directly to your card for instant savings at checkout. Some programs even offer gas savings when you buy groceries.
5. **Go for Generic Products**: Store-brand generics are often much cheaper than branded items without sacrificing quality.
6. **Buy Discounted Gift Cards**: Websites like GiftCardGranny offer discounted gift cards for major chains, providing immediate savings on groceries.
7. **Stick to a Shopping List**: Prevent impulsive buying and avoid getting duplicate items by preparing a shopping list in advance and sticking to it.
8. **Plan Your Meals**: A weekly meal plan helps make list-making easier and reduces costly, last-minute supermarket trips. Look for discounted meats, produce, and other items for last-minute gourmet meals.
9. **Shop at a One-Stop Store**: Stores like Target can save you time, money, and gas by allowing you to buy everything you need in one trip.
10. **Avoid Out-of-Season Produce**: Every fruit and vegetable has a season when it’s cheaper. Plan meals around seasonal produce to save money.
About the Author:
Andrea Woroch is a consumer savings expert who shares tips on managing rising food costs. She has appeared on ABC News NOW, NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, and MSNBC, and has been quoted in publications like SmartMoney and Kiplinger Personal Finance. Andrea is dedicated to helping people achieve financial freedom by teaching them how to live frugally without making drastic lifestyle changes, offering smart spending, personal finance, and savings advice.