As a result of my husband being a perpetual student for our entire 15 year marriage and my decision to stay home with my kiddos, finding deals and pinching pennies has been the name of this game. Now that I've stated that, you probably are eager to learn the tricks to saving tons of money. Sorry, although I'm buying in bulk, avoiding name brands, and shopping the sales -- I'm really not very good at it. My friends croak when they see my grocery bill. As a result my husband moonlights nights regularly to support my grocery spending habits. Thanks, my darling.
However, if/when I come across some tricks of eating clean and eating cheap, I will definitely pass them on. Here's a winner:
When I moved to Texas I eagerly asked my new mom friends at playgroup, "So" - rubbing my hands together. "Where do you all get your cheap produce?"
They looked at me with a blank stare.
"Um, Costo. H-E-B." (H-E-B is literally the only grocery store in San Antonio, minus Super Walmart. However, I've given up on Wal-Mart's produce.)
In other words, no deals. I was so used to cheap farmers markets or Sprouts in Arizona where I'd get 10 oranges for $.50. It has taken me several years to get over the lack of reasonably priced produce and the lack of a Trader Joe's here in San Antonio. I need therapy, I know.
Enter the Produce Co-op.
Aaaahhhh!
Angels are singing down from heaven.
There are a few women from my church who have organized a produce co-op. These lovely ladies email me an order form of what is available from the wholesalers that week, then I call in my order. These two angelic friends of mine drive down in the wee, dark hours on Saturday morning and pick up my fruits and vegetables for me. Then, after a great sleep, I just drive my car to their house at a reasonable hour on Saturday and pick up my order.
This is not fiction. I cannot believe they do this. They are now officially in my will and I'm leaving -- um -- I'm looking around and cannot see anything they'd want around here. A decapitated Barbie? A broken vacuum? My dog? Don't worry, I'll figure out something.
The produce is UNMATCHED and the prices are killer. I walk away with boxes of fresh, seasonal produce and only $20 or so lighter. I love the surprises that come -- Blueberries! Mangos! Pineapple! Zucchini! I have yet to be disappointed, our fridge stays stocked with fresh produce and momma is happy.
We fill our own orders using the most delicious antique scale. My Grandma would give her right arm for this beauty. You think I'm kidding about that, but I'm not.
There are other names for this... I did a Community Supported Agriculture or CSA when I lived in Phoenix (thanks, Jen!). It was similar, but we paid a set price, dropped off a basket, and picked it up a day later and it was filled with produce. It rocked.
There may be these types of opportunities in your community, neighborhood, church, or heck! Organize your own in your neck of the woods.
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