Tough times spell big changes at dinner table

We hear so much bad news day-in and day-out about the economy that it’s easy to get distracted by the big numbers and miss the many tiny ways that people are hurting.  But a new study by Princeton, N.J.-based Opinion Research Corp illustrates how many consumers are making substantial changes in the way they eat and shop for groceries as a result of higher food prices.

According to the study, commissioned by Hormel Foods to gauge Americans’ experiences and views on hunger, around six of 10 of those surveyed said they have had to cut back on the quantity or quality of food they buy. People are opting for less expensive cuts of meat and stocking up more on inexpensive commodities like rice and potatoes, all because of increasing prices.

Sixty-seven percent thought that food prices have increased a lot since last year, and nearly half said they’re having more trouble paying their bills. When gas prices were peaking earlier this year, one in five respondents said they’d been forced to choose between buying food or gas.

More than half of the 800 respondents, chosen at random nationwide, said the now buy more store brands; purchase products only when they’re on sale; cut the number of meals they buy away from home; and buy in bulk when it’s less expensive.

Has the economy forced you to alter your buying and eating habits? Love to hear any suggestions for how to economize (we give free Tightwad T-shirts to those we publish). Write to tightwad at cro dot consumer dot org.

Comments

[Damsel]

It has definitely changed our habits. I teach, and used to purchase a baked potato and small salad from the cafeteria nearly everyday for lunch. I thought paying $3.75 for lunch was pretty good, compared to my corporate friends who often went out for $10-15 everyday. Now, though, I bake a bunch of potatoes and make a big salad on Sundays and take them for lunch.

I spend more time planning and shopping for meals to eat at home in the evenings... It not only saves money, but my family enjoys it more than driving through or eating out. I'm buying less expensive cuts of meat and have made a best friend out of my slow cooker.

My husband and I drive my car everywhere for family errands now (my car is economy, his is a mid-size SUV).

Probably one of the best things we've done, though, is taken the time to explain a little to our son (even though he's only four) about why we aren't spending money on certain things like we used to, or things that he wants. The economy has forced us to really analyze our spending habits and lifestyle, and we think it's really not too early to begin teaching those lessons to our son.

[Carolina]

I have been a 'brown-bagger' most of my life. Not only does it save money, but I can be assured that my lunch contains healthy foods and I know every component of my meals. That being said, I still find great buys at Trader Joe's. The prices for healthy foods there often compete well with the prices for the less-healthy items at most regular grocery stores. I hope everyone is lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's close to them. If you compare prices, you will see the great bargains to be had there, and most of their food is organic. I bless them each and every time I shop there. No, I am not associated with them in any way, I just feel that most people think that they are high-priced, when the truth is they are not. If you love cheese, for instance, you will never find great cheese at cheaper prices than there. Ditto on organic fresh fruits and veggies. I do shop at farmer's markets too, and between the two I am able to eat healthy and well. I also take the bus to work, and limit my 'recreational spending' to once a month. I wish it were different, but we each must do whatever it takes to survive with savings intact. Hopefully we will soon see an upswing in the economy. We just can't lose all hope.

[KC]

As the wife of an endocrinologist and a member of a family with high diabetes rates this cannot be good for the general population that is already struggling with obesity. Starches (that come from pastas, potatoes, rice and other cheaper, filling foods) are just the types of foods that those with or with a risk of diabetes need to avoid. I, too, fell the pinch as I enjoy these foods and I enjoy their still low prices even more. But I know my family history and I have to buy the more expensive non-starchy foods in higher quantities. I know the costs of diabetes in the long run will be far more expensive than a tighter budget in the short run. I know that's a tough decision when the household budget isn't balancing, but I hope people will try to balance their diets with other foods (or maybe less food) and with exercise.

TOD REPLIES: Great comment. Incidentally, my colleagues Nancy Metcalf and Jamie Hirsh are working on an article for an upcoming issue of Consumer Reports on how to eat a healthy diet on a budget. They've already asked for ideas from the staff on low-cost healthy eating, and I'd be happy to pass along to them good comments from the Tightwad group. You can either post them here (KC, I'll send this on already & thanks) or send them to tightwad at cro dot consumer dot org. Thanks!

[Momma]

Here's how one person's eating and grocery inventory habits have changed. You might be surprised at how much "free food" you find ..."

See the details at http://engineeradebtfreelife.blogspot.com/2008/10/super-frugal-tip-full-pantry-inventory.html

TOD SAYS: Momma, I checked out the site, and it's chock full of good ideas. Thanks for passing it along.

[Jill]

I have done several things to keep my grocery bill low. I have a family of 8, but did this when it was 4 of us, too.

The first thing is to have a grocery list, & stick to it. Making menus & having a plan is paramount. (You can even buy subscriptions to lists, that mail you the recipes & the lists to buy everything for the recipes"

The second thing I do is I mainly shop at the discount grocery chains (& also restaurant grocers & warehouse chains). If I ever shop at the more expensive Brand name grocery stores, it will be a legitimate sale item (sometimes their "sales" are the discount grocer's regular price...know your prices.) Also, when you buy in bulk, you get a better deal. (I seldom buy those chewy, almost candy, fruit snacks....I just buy fruit snacks/candy in bulk, & put them in individual bags for school lunches)

The third thing I do is whenever I find a good sale, I stock up & get 3-6 months worth, or more if I have the room.

The fourth thing I do is I make a lot of food from scratch; ie. I seldom buy muffins, I just make them. The same goes for Chili, soup, spaghetti sauce & other commerciall prepared foods. It does take more time & effort to make, but you pay more for those convenience foods. If there are leftovers, I use them for lunches the next day.

The fifth thing I do is when I make a meal, I double or triple it, & freeze them.

This is a start of some of the things I do. It makes me tired just thinking about all of it :).....but it really has become a habit, so it doesn't seem like so much effort to me. People need to pick & choose what they are willing to do. I can't say I do this 100% of the time. Sometimes, I am willing to buy the convenience food (muffins, or whatever) to save time & effort; when it lets me spend my time doing something more important. Anyways, just thought I would share a few ideas, in case it could help someone.

TOD SAYS: Thanks Jill! Great list.