Discussions

My complaint is not about the overall increases it’s about why certain stores are way out of whack in comparison to others . You can’t always blame it on transportation costs when in some cases the food for different stores is coming on the same truck. Then, when these giant grocery companies say they recorded record profits it’s more than enough to ask questions! I too, am using coupons and watching the flyers but is this what we have to do for the rest of our lives to be able to eat properly? When a bag of groceries is over $100 and all you have for meat is a package of discounted wieners and baloney then it’s time that something needs to change! People on fixed incomes, or making minimum wage can’t do it anymore. Theft is on the rise for food products, and is it any wonder? Political leaders it’s time to step in here.

"I too, am using coupons and watching the flyers but is this what we have to do for the rest of our lives to be able to eat properly?"  
 
I'm confused. Isn't this what most people do as a norm? I've more or less done it my whole adult life, because why would I spend more than I have to on groceries?  
 
Or am I out to lunch (but only because I have a coupon)?

This is a problem so many across Canada are facing. I feel its just going to get worse unless we can do something about it. Maybe this is it...  
 
https://www.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol

Is coupon shopping the norm you ask? My neighbours never ever use coupons. They are wealthy and can afford to buy it at those ridiculous prices. I, however, cannot and I know I’m not alone. Why does the consumer always lose and the big guy always win?

Unfortunately that's generally how our economy works. The rich get richer, and they have more influence over policies which allow them to stay rich.

For what it's worth here is our main meal list for last week. There are two of us as retirees.  
Sunday, Roast Lamb: Monday, Beef stew: Tuesday, Mince and pasta: Wednesday, Meatballs, mash, baked beans: Thursday, Chicken, rice, mixed veg: Friday, Baked fish, beans, leek, broccoli: Saturday, Stuffed chicken, mash and wax beans.  
Much of the vegetables have been self grown, though getting into last of spuds now, but lots of onions and some squash left.  
Short leg of lamb was $38, but enough for 7 meals for two. All the way from Australia, where is the Manitoba lamb?  
Beef was home canned eye of round $34 for 3 kilos, a jar holds around 1lb, enough for the stew.  
Mince was co-op bought as bulk on sale, divided into 1lb. lots and frozen.  
Meatballs were a bag from co-op, enough for 4-5 meals at 8 meatballs apiece. (under$20?)  
Chicken breasts were from 4 kilo box when on sale at $45.  
Baked fish, frozen fillets with leek (82c), broccoli, 2.46 and canned dried Lima beans.  
Stuffed chicken was from co-op at 5 for $10. Used to be 10 for 10! together with mash and wax beans.  
Breakfast is a choice of Weetabix, shredded wheat, bought at 2 boxes for $7, porridge made with milk ($6.50 for 4 litres), or toast with home made raspberry or blackcurrant jam.  
Lunch is a choice of sandwich, bread at $4 loaf, (sometimes home made) with tuna, bought when on special at around $1.19-1.30 tin. spam, corned beef, cheese, egg or sometimes left over baked beans and scrambled or poached egg on toast. Winter days also see home made frozen soups, (carrot and ginger, squash leek and potato, bean, ham, leek and potato).  
Dessert was an home made carrot cake, 13x9 pan. Fruit is bought as bananas or oranges and soft fruit when 2 for 5 bucks.  
Drink is tea, Typhoo 216 bags for around $11, Walmart, a box lasts around 3-4 weeks.  
All meals are for two and much of the veg is home grown, canned, frozen and dried or cool stored. I appreciate not everyone is able to do this, I'm just getting to the end of the potatoes (sprouting) but lots of onions and squash left.  
I understand that not everyone is able to purchase large joints or bulk boxes.  
These are meals for two, pasta sauce is either home made or bought as large tin when on sale at Safeways for $1 a tin.  
My biggest gripe with the stores is that they sell their own labels at almost the same price as big brand items. The secondary market goods seem to be unknown in Canada as opposed to Europe.  
Whilst meat is comparable priced in Europe and Uk, other items are much cheaper. An example is 800 gram, wholemeal bread at the equivalent of just under 80 cents. https://groceries.aldi.co.uk/en-GB/Search?keywords=:bread  
Considering we are in wheat growing country maybe the store owners can explain the difference.  
I find the most expensive items come from the sides, butter, marge, salad cream, pickles. I never buy the supposedly fresh fruit like peaches, nectarines plums, pears, strawberries. I would love to be able to buy greengages, decent apricots and some russet apples , guess that will have to wait for a European holiday.  
Hopefully this post will give food for thought and may help some folks with menu planning.  
Lastly, I do not own a mobile 'phone, restaurant meals are only about 3-4 times a year. and we have not had a holiday in 6 years.  
 
Edited by vegimite, 2024-03-27 13:27:39