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Smart shopping to stretch food budgets

by Maria Downey
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Higher fuel prices are hitting consumers hard across the board.

Increased shipping and manufacturing costs are driving up food prices.

The pinch is being felt everywhere by people like Randy Rowe, the purchasing manager for Alaska Children's Services, a residential treatment center. Rowe buys a lot of food. 

"We're kind of pulling our hair out trying to figure what to budget for next year," he said. "It's getting scary."

No one has to tell even the individual household shopper how scary it is.

Every time Susan Wolverton opens her wallet, she seems to go through more money faster.

"Where as before I could make a good shopping trip $100 or $200 now it's more like $200 to $300 dollars for average, everyday foods," she said.

At warehouse stores like Costco they're seeing more business but according to management it's tough to tell if it's because more people are trying to save money by buying in bulk or because of the usual seasonal increase.

"We certainly see people coming in here and buying in bulk and sharing the goods with each other you know families, friends neighbors," Costco Warehouse Manager Dick Snyder said. "We see it everyday particularly with perishable items like produce and that sort of thing."

It's a way for on person households to save while not wasting more than they can use.

But consumer advocates also warn when buying in bulk to avoid

the many "mega sized" impulse items. While you may save on the

essential food products you can also spend on what your family doesn't need.

They say planning is key.

Leslie Shallcross is an assistant professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Cooperative Extension Service.

It's her job to show lower-income households how to stay healthy through good nutrition and save money at the same time.

"You have to make it fun and you have to make it a challenge for yourself," Shallcross said. "Start out with a plan. Make sure you're going to the grocery store not hungry or in a big hurry."

They say consumers should take time to check out the unit price to compare the price per-pound of different brands. The pair says store brands are also a good option, offering the same quality as name brands at a lower price.

They also suggest planning a weekly menu based on the store's specials before even going to the store and planning bigger meals and reaping the leftovers.

"With the coupons and savings published that week in mind get to the store, shop carefully, stick to your plan," Shallcross said.

Contact Maria Downey at mdowney@ktuu.com