Can you really stockpile food?

[Mrs H]

I sent you a private email-- hopefully it will give you some help.

Thanks much~
Kelly ( aka MrsH)

[jeni_fini]

One thing I ask myself when stocking up on edible goods is "what is my stock up price for this item?" for example the pouch of bumble bee tuna I won't pay more than .05 each if I can't get them for free; or ketchup I won't pay more than .15 if I can't get it for free; or cereal I won't pay more than .50 per box depending on my stock in my cabinet. depending on how often we eat the product or how much I already have will determine how much I am willing to actually spend for more.

It does seem that you will tend to pay more oop to get started on the food side of stockpiling. Funny how the HBA and laundry stuff is the cheapest most times. but like I said, if it's cheap for you, then get some.

I try to get at least enough of a good deal to last 6 to 8 weeks. that seems to be the cycle that the coupons and sales roll in, so I plan ahead. But when it comes to clearance be mindful of sell by/expiration dates. some items are good well past the date, but make sure you plan to use it in time. It's no fun to toss food that you lose track of.

Also there are certain times of the year that you stock up on certain things. like spring and summer is the time to stock up on Condiments and the like, because of grilling and picnic season in full swing there are coupons and sales every month for really good deals. around the holidays is more baking ingredients on sale. once you get familiar with the sale cycles it will be way easier to plan on stocking up for the year.

hope that helps!

For a newbie....This is really great info. Thanks for the sharing. I do use coupons, but it seems like they expire before i can use them due to the fact when I do get the coupon, i wait until I need the product before using the coupon, hence, expired. It does help to know the when and how to buy using coupons.

[~~Who,Me?~~]

If you shop at Albertson's, are they doing the Conagra deal this week too? Acme is, and I think they're the same company. Lots of freebies to be had, even without coupons. Lots of people are gaga over this deal this week, check the Acme board--------------->over here----------->

[Blues Kate]

What kind of salad dressing has the longest shelf life for stockpiling? Seems like maybe an oil & vinegar base would last longer than creamy varieties. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Shadowchasy]

What kind of salad dressing has the longest shelf life for stockpiling? Seems like maybe an oil & vinegar base would last longer than creamy varieties. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

When I go to buy Salad Dressings, I usually buy the oil and vinegar bases mostly but I will buy the creamy ones depending on the shelf life of them. Always check the expiration dates and get the ones with the longer shelf life. Usually in the back of the shelf.

[coupon diva sunday]

i'm new here. What does q's and mm's mean?

[momsangels]

q= coupon and mm is for money maker.. means making a bit of money from a good deal using coupons and/or rebate. Such things like that. Welcome to HCW

[angeliainwonderland]

Best stocking up price is going to be different for everyone. Different in different regions and different if you live in a small town vs a big city.
I live in a small town with 1 grocery store and they hate taking coupons. They argue about everyting, even the ones they issue.Ticks me off cuz I know I am using them correctly and they alwaays refuse at least 3 or more. And that is on a small shoping trip.(10-15 coupons)
In a pp .50 was top price for cereal. Unless I wanna drive 30 miles (and spend money on gas so defeats purpose of saving) My best average price for cereal is $1.50 (I know "gasp' I really do pay that much) best price I have ever gotten locally was .79. That doesn't happen very often.
So the price you will end up being willing to pay is going to depend on a lot of different factors.