Food Acquistion

Hmm, when it comes to food acquisition you have a multitude of choices.  There's growing, hunting, trapping, fishing and foraging for the ultimate DIY.  Moving up we have direct from the farmer/grower, equally ultimate.  Then we have farm stands move up to farmer's markets, ethnic stores, grocery stores, super centers and online,  Ideally, your food acquisition will involve a combination of the aforementioned with a stronger reliance on DIY and farmers/growers.

Complicating food acquisition at this time is the price of gas.  We buy directing from farmers/growers which means a bit of rural travel but cost and quality is worth it for where we are.  If you live in a city, that may not be the case.  BUT, you will pay gas regardless of where you shop and it may be a deterrent to multiple stops shopping the sales.  Sorry but my time is money so I don't do this even in our very small community.  If you order online, the price of gas is reflected in higher shipping rates.  IMO, the price of gas may be the biggest factor for food acquisition for many.

However, there is a price point consumers will not cross unless absolutely necessary.  That's where a very well stocked pantry can help.  Alternative resource help too.  For example, a 3 oz bottle of  mustard seed will cost $5.99 in the grocery store but 1 kg will cost $8.99 online and might be cheaper at an ethnic store.  It very much becomes a game of knowing your price and where to get that item cheaper.

Here's a few ways to save a bit:

1. keep a list and only shop when absolutely necessary UNLESS it is a great sale

2. always shop sales then buy a couple extra

3. shop with cash for farmers/growers and bring bags or boxes [yes, they will reward you]

4. create an informal co-op especially for warehouse stores/farmers/growers - can you pick up this for me your next trip, I will pick up that for you

5. stay out of grocery stores unless cherry picking sales

6. shop unit prices - dollar stores are actually more expensive for food than grocery stores

7. in general, buy the largest size possible from growers/producers

8. shop farmers/growers early in the morning

9. buy local, if hunting/fishing/trapping stay local

10. forage as much as possible - everything from edible/medicinal plants >free, easy, fun and great exercise

 

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