Like everything else, the price of food has been going up. Rice is estimated to have doubled over the past four months. There is a wheat shortage that is causing the price of that commodity to also double over the past year or so. This could effect everything from cereal to pasta to bread—staples in the American diet. Other frequently consumed foods that have become more expensive include milk, eggs, flour, and even fruit like apples. With prices rising in every other area of life, including gas, oil, and shipping, while paychecks stay the same and the dollar suffering, what is the average American consumer to do?
Food outlets are coming to the rescue in some areas. These outlets sell the same food that you find in your neighborhood grocery store, only they may 1) be a little older, 2) have different packaging, or 3) be not so popular brands. It is the same idea as you see with clothing outlets—they sell products that have been “salvaged” or resold from major grocery stores, and sold at 50-70% off the original retail price.
Now don’t think you’re going to the dollar store here, with all kinds of weird brands, or some store where they’re selling old expired food. That’s not the case. I recently took a trip to Amelia’s Grocery Outlet, a chain of outlet food stores that is located in southeastern Pennsylvania. I originally thought that the store was a high end grocery store, due to its fresh, clean appearance, but when I stepped inside and saw yellow signs everywhere—one that said $1.99 for a box of fruity Cheerios—I became very interested in what they had to offer.
Some great deals I noticed:
- a bag of frozen pre-cut and cooked chicken (the kind you can put on a salad) for 99cents.
- Bertoli’s frozen dinners in a bag (you know, the good ones that go for about $7 usually) for just $2.99 a bag
- Three pack of Wishbone salad spritzers (including Balsamic Breeze® Vinaigrette and Italian Vinaigrette) 2 for $5
- Five pounds of ground beef $8.99
- Various name brand frozen dinners for just $1 - $2
Not to mention that I found a fresh loaf of white bread for 89 cents. I haven’t seen that price on bread for months.
Price conscious shoppers will definitely find the value in shopping at these grocery outlets. They will become more popular, and probably grow in numbers as consumers start to realize how the increases in food prices are directly affecting their pocket books.
Some popular food outlets: Amelia’s Grocery Outlet, Sav-A-Lot, and the Grocery Outlet.
