We shop 2-3 times per week at Safeway and they have really started getting aggressive about dairy, meat and bread clearance markdowns. Since we're a fmaily of four, we can go through stuff quickly and we save a ton. For example:
On the last couple of days before the "sell-by" date they mark down the hot dogs, deli meats (prepackaged), bacon and such at least 50%. Many times this is 50% off the sale price. Last week, I got 4 lbs of bacon for $1.25 each, Oscar Mayer beef hot dogs for $1, and Smithfield Cheddar sausages for $0.50 each (They had a coupon for them over in the beer aisle).
I then got pork country ribs for $0.75/lb for a big 5lb pack and a package of stew meat for $1.25/lb. We threw everything in the freezer and will use it over the next week or two.
In the Dairy area, we got Dannon yogurts for 0.20 each (only bought a few - I'll be back in a few days and they'll have something else). I picked up a huge block of Tillamook sharp cheddar for $2 (Heellooo! it's cheese- I don't care what the date is. If it's not moldy, it's still cheese!) Then I picked up a loaf of day old french bread that became toasted garlic bread (for $0.50).
Plus, I do collect some coupons. Many times, that clearanced stuff becomes free!
We have reduced our grocery bill from about $500/month to $300/month for our family of four. Instead of planning our meals ahead of shopping, we plan our meals around our shopping. We have found we've eaten a LOT better for less money.
antibacterial wipes. Put a couple in a baggie and into the lunchbox to use before snack and lunch @school. They are told to return the baggy(not the used wipes) back to lunchbox to reuse.
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