Are rising food costs affecting how YOU eat?
I was at my local grocery store yesterday and I am definitely seeing the change in food prices - bread, flour, vegetables, some dairy were all up substantially, with signs displayed indicating that the price of petrol is one of the contributing factors.
I feed a large family of mainly teenagers - so a signficant hike in food prices means a change in diet for us - less meat, more beans, shopping the sales, eating seasonally (living in Canada, vegetables are definitely seasonal if locally grown!).
What about you - are the prices changing your food habits? How much would things have to go up before you felt the pinch? Who has some good "frugal" family-friendly recipes?
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29 Comments:
I don't think it has changed much for us, since it's just the two of us, even though we're down to one income now. Having been in the grocery business for well over 10 years, my husband has, after nearly 10 years of marriage, reprogrammed me to buy generics on quite a number of items and to stock up on commonly used items when nongenerics go on sale. Of course, there is no replacement for certain items so we buy w/o looking at price.
We also buy meat in bulk sizes, buying 3+ lb instead of just buying
If we do stop in at the farmer's market very close to where we live, which is pretty uncommon, we get meat and veggies pretty cheap. Since it closes before I get off work, we only have Saturday to shop there. I HATE people touching, bumping, stepping on me, so I avoid it unless we go late enough in the morning to avoid the push-and-shove shoppers and early enough to avoid the meandering families of 5 lost in Oz with baby strollers running over my feet.
My husband has a tendency to cook for 10-12 people too, so we have a lot of leftovers, ranging from stirfry, pastitsio, enchiladas, etc. Easy to separate and freeze.
Cassaendra at 7:55AM on 04/23/08
I feed a large family of mainly teenagers...
In some belief systems, I think that qualifies you for sainthood.
I suggest you get as much in bulk as you can. I imagine you have either a Costco or Sam's membership (or some other warehouse store in CA). "Locally" grown/manufactured food will certainly be less expensive as you don't have mileage tacked on for delivery. Any CSAs where you live?
The whole gas/energy crunch will certainly provide us with aftershocks for a long time so any "preservation" habits you can develop will help make it less painful.
chiff0nade at 8:26AM on 04/23/08
Oh I buy in bulk, let me assure you! Our nearest Costco is about 100 kms away (a bit of a pain), so we actually shop over the border in the US and find we save hugely especially on meat (three of five kids are carnivores, one is fussy, and one is pseudo-vegetarian), diary, paper products. Meat and dairy particularly are priced a tad artificially high in Canada due to the marketing boards (that's a political discussion for another time). I shop sales voraciously, and haunt our local "Bulk Barn" for dried beans, pasta, and dried fruit.
Maureen at 8:48AM on 04/23/08
The price of my standard groceries was definitely shooting up, and even though we have to start cutting back generally on our spending, the quality of our food wasn't an area where we would compromise (this was also amidst a flurry of recalls and the downer cattle). We are only 2, but we are really on a limited budget, and we eat nearly every meal--breakfast, lunch, and dinner--from home-cooked foods, having cut out processed stuff (also, my husband's in the industry, so going to restaurants isn't his idea of a treat).
I noticed that organic produce and responsibly raised meat was much more stable in price. Then I finally dragged myself out of bed early enough to make it to the farmer's market, and it was a steal. With produce getting more expensive than beef at the conventional store, the farmer's market had excellent prices on all kinds of veggies (not so much fruit), and even the meats were much more reasonable than I expected. And the taste, don't get me started...
On the meat front, I'm only buying grass-fed/local/etc. now, and I can pay $4-6/lb for lamb or pork. But I do buy the cheaper cuts, as steaks can get really pricey at the market. And I also try some of the nasty bits, which we like. The beef heart was a huge success, and things like lambs' liver and tongue, they are practically giving them away.
On the other hand, we have also drastically cut down our total consumption of meat, which is probably one of the best ideas for a teen-heavy family, given its impact on the total bill (and also the planet). Out of the 10-12 meals that I cook each week, at least 4-5 of them are now meat-free.
I agree with the argument that the rising prices are essentially reflecting the real cost of food (is it even an argument?), and I can't believe I lived 2 years in this city before hitting the farmer's market. Cutting out the middle man is awesome, and now even the produce at Whole Foods looks a bit fake. But I still eat bananas.
renzata at 8:49AM on 04/23/08
Other than buying generics, which I have always done, my best suggestion is to cut out soda & other pre-made drinks ("juice boxes", etc.). These drinks bring a lot of extra packaging (read: "cost & waste") & usually have no nutritional value. If your children are soda drinkers, this could be a difficult process, but it could also save you a small fortune over a year, as even 2-liter soda bottles are $1.50+/each.
KitchenHawk at 9:03AM on 04/23/08
I think they're affecting everyone, if only vicariously.
As much as I'd like to say that eating well is too important to let prices get in the way, for most people that statement is a luxury. I find myself compromising, whether it be from switching to generic brands instead of my favorites, limiting grocery trips because of the gas, or deciding to hold that new recipe off until next week because I don't really need that ingredient right away.
Scariest part is, a Costco I used to live nearby has apparently started limiting the amount of rice a customer can buy - I think there was an article about it this week. I'm not scared about grain shortage just yet, but if we need to ration rice maybe I should stock up or something...
jazzinx at 9:56AM on 04/23/08
I've definitely noticed. It's not a huge deal since my husband and I eat a lot of vegetarian meals and we're just 2 people. It's especially hard since I try to buy all organic meat, produce and dairy - some of which is shockingly expensive. Basically, it means we're eating a lot of beans, lentils, grains and pasta instead of steak, pork and lamb.
bitchincamero at 10:22AM on 04/23/08
@renzata---where can you get lamb's liver? My husband has been hunting for it ever since he moved here from the UK.
jcrisco at 10:43AM on 04/23/08
Anyone remember the first scene in Ghostbusters where Dr. Venkman is at the university, running tests on a cute coed and some dude? The dude asks what exactly is being tested (after receiving numerous electric shocks).
Venkman: I'm studying the effects of negative reinforcement on ESP ability
Dude: The effect? I'll tell you what the effect is, it's pissing me off!
And...scene.
The effect of rising food prices on kerosena? It's pissing me off!
I can't remember the last time I went out to eat in a restaurant. I can't remember EVER feeling so insecure that I'd be able to cover all my bills each month. The cat is also pissed off because instead of yummy, nutritious, Natural Choice cat food, she now has to eat Rice Krispies. (ok, that's actually not true, but I need to vent).
I'm doing a lot of pasta and rice dishes. I always buy rice in bulk, so I'm working my way through a big bag and have not yet seen the new price increases.
Pasta dishes end up with some cut up veggies and on special occasions, one or two strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled. This is part of the "using meat as an accent" theory.
Eggs work well in rice and pasta dishes as well. They bring some protein to the party without being super expensive.
Kerosena at 11:28AM on 04/23/08
Jcrisco, the lamb guy at the farmer's market carried it; you might check at your nearest. It was $1/lb. I'm sure you could special order it frozen from any number of farms, though.
Any recommended tips? Everything I see is about veal liver, but I just planned to do the same.
renzata at 12:20PM on 04/23/08
I'm buying more dried spices instead of fresh. And I'm buying them from the discount store. I'm not eating out as much as I did before either, and am using cheaper cuts of meat. Frankly, I am afraid.
BITTER at 12:44PM on 04/23/08
Since it's just me and my husband, buying in bulk doesn't make sense. We don't go through it that quickly and have no place to store excess foodstuffs.
The one thing I do is buy protein on sale and then plan my menu around whatever meat is cheapest that week. It's cool because I can save money and it gives me a reason to learn new recipes.
unarata at 12:57PM on 04/23/08
I'm buying more local, growing more in the garden this year, planning on canning more this year, and cooking even more from scratch than I did before. I'm planning on baking bread more often (as opposed to not at all right now...lol). This year we invested in a large freezer for the basement, and bought our first 1/4 cow...it worked out to $2.45/lb....and that included t-bone & delmonico steaks in addition to cheaper cuts & lots of ground beef. We're getting 1/2 pig next.
I think for me, it's all about getting back to basics, and investing the time to become more self sufficient.
mepolo at 1:16PM on 04/23/08
Mr. Boyfriend has just moved in and is looking for work. Due to this we're doing quite a bit of economy cooking, and I think I'm eating better even though we're spending less. I've cut out a lot of processed stuff, and we're eating simple roasts that provide lots of leftovers.
MsLadyness at 1:19PM on 04/23/08
My husband's father used to work at a feedyard (I think that's what they are called) raising cows and pigs for slaughter.
For Christmas, they used to get an entire cow and a pig cut any and every way specified. That floored me. Imagine the savings!
Also, on another parcel of land, the company had potatoes that they grew for a major potato chip company. The potatoes that were too small would be left for people to have for free...until people started to get stupid (greedy), and started to sell them. Now the potatoes are destroyed.
Cassaendra at 1:23PM on 04/23/08
@renzata...I have no clue what to do with it. I've never actually cooked liver. He said he pan fries it in bacon fat with onions. I can't imagine it to be too bad. Let me know if you come up with anything!
jcrisco at 3:24PM on 04/23/08
In a Country where overweight and obesity are huge problems, especially in children, this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise by forcing people to think about howm they're spending their food dollars?
srhcb at 10:34PM on 04/23/08
@srhcb
Or it could be the opposite. I know a lot of people who have discussed forgoing fresh produce, meat and healthier alternatives for the still relatively cheap junk food or those 2 for $3 fast food breakfast specials. As this is already evidenced in lower income areas, I wouldn't be surprised to see a rise in this type of consumption either.
souldawg at 12:48PM on 04/24/08
Well, there are three of us, all with an income. However, because of prices rising so rapidly we are shopping like we are living on unemployment. We only eat meat once or twice a week now. There are a lot more eggs in our diet because they are still reasonable and a good source of protein. Lunch boxes tend to be egg salad or tuna salad sandwiches. There are lots of pastas, beans, rice dishes and lots of meatless Mexican foods.
Calichef at 9:18PM on 04/24/08
It's a shame that people think that junk food is cheaper. Two pieces of toast with peanut butter, an apple, and a cup of tea (my usual breakfast) is much, much cheaper than anything at a fast-food restaurant. And much healthier! And tastier!
PeanutButter at 9:27PM on 04/24/08
Unlike rising tides, which lift all boats, rising prices will not lift all consciousness. None the less, economic realities should drown false impressions over the long run and force people to act in their own real self interest?
Or, we can only hope.
srhcb at 10:37PM on 04/24/08
It's depressing how much the rising cost of food is affecting the way I eat. As if I wasn't struggling enough with the price of produce in Los Angeles, now EVERYTHING is more expensive. The other day I spent a hundred dollars at the grocery store and came home with barely six bags of groceries. I'm going to be hitting the farmer's markets and the sales hard for the next couple of months.
PumpkinBear at 2:54AM on 04/25/08
I have noticed the prices starting to spike for quite awhile now. Recently it has become depressing the amount of food that I walk away from the supermarket with.
There are only 2 of us, but we are red meat eaters, at least twice a week normally. Now I am buying more chicken, buying bone in meats and removing bones and skin myself to save even a few cents. Shopping sales helps, but we live in an apartment and stocking up isn't always an option. Now I look for recipes with few ingredients, try to utilize the things that I have on hand on any given day instead of going out to buy more food.
I will be making weekly trips to the farmers market in the summer and changing our diets to more veggies, grains and pasta in the summer so that we can at least save on food in the summer. It is scary to think about where this is all heading, and if you watch the news it's in your face every day that this all wont get better any time soon.
allakarasik at 12:18PM on 04/25/08
We do Costco as much as possible. We actually eat the leftovers now. And last, but not least, my mom started a garden for me...I am seriously thinking about how NOT to kill it.
wookie at 2:56PM on 04/25/08
I will be taking advantage of my large freezer in the garage more now, to buy "big packs" of meat. Luckily I already have a Food Saver vacuum thing which really makes a big difference in the quality of frozen stuff.
I saw my first case of $4/gallon gasoline today! YIKES
mrsadm at 4:23PM on 04/25/08
We have always been a family of limited means, 2 adults and 2 kids. We have always had a limited budget for food, usually $40-80/week. It's insulting and glib to imply that the rise in food prices will force low-income families to stop wasting their food stamps on junk food. In many urban neighborhoods, there is very little fresh food available. It takes hard work and planning to eat better, and many families don't have the skills or transportation. Fortunately, we do have a car, although it is not a late-model high-mileage vehicle. The price of gas hurts. We plan our trips carefully - we can't just drive out into the boondocks to visit the cute lil' organic boutique farm every weekend.
Our two "farmer's" markets are mostly not producer-markets - so often the supermarket has cheaper produce sales. "Eat local" is hard when most of your area's produce is shipped to a larger regional Northeastern city to be sold in trendy urban neighborhoods at a premium we local schmucks can't match. But I do score organic chicken backs at $5 for a 2-lb bag, to make stock for soup, sauces, grits, rice, beans, etc. Smoked ham shanks are one of my favorite budget-stretchers.
The Food Network is fun food-porn, but what I have really been studying is peasant food from various cultures. Notice, there is no cooking show aimed at poor people. You have any idea what that meat costs for those trendy grilling shows?
We do buy bulk - the Hispanic stores have the best bean and rice prices. I make my own stock, sauces, soup, etc. We buy almost nothing name-brand. We braise and slow cook a lot - I am planning to build a solar oven to try slow-cooking in it. We don't drink soda or coffee; we brew our own herbal tea. We have as large a vegetable/herb garden as we can in a small city yard. We bake our own snacks and desserts. We buy day-old bread to make bread pudding. I've tried to justify paying $7.99/gal for raw milk, but I cannot when commercial milk is half the price. I barter for pastured eggs, and go to pick-your-own orchards - fruit is harder to find and more expensive than veggies.
There is no slack in our budget. I admit to stockpiling rice, cornmeal, dried beans, spices, sugar, honey, and flour - I buy an extra bag as often as I can. I watch yard sales for working manual old-timey tools - meat grinder, grain mill, apple peeler, etc. I have not been able to stand canning in an airless city kitchen with no air-conditioning in the middle of summer - which is when the food wants canning - but I will try again this summer.
The global food news is scaring me - my family does not have the means to adapt as fast as the world can crush us.
matriarchy at 6:05PM on 04/25/08
Wow matriarchy, it sounds like you are doing a phenomenal job of feeding your family with scarce resources. I am truly impressed. The difficulties you described finding fresh, high quality produce make me realize how very lucky I have it in Austin.
Can you get smoked turkey legs where you are? I started to like them for the flavor they bring, but also because they seem to have a lot more meat on them vs the ham. They are 1.69/lb. in my local Mexican market. Simmered with some collards a la Alton Brown and served over rice, it's very good stuff.
On a frivolous note, you should keep an eye out for Dave Lieberman on the Food Network, if you want some more accessible food porn. Maybe you're already familiar with him, but he always has an eye to the budget, and in a sincere way (vs., eg. Michael Chiarello's budget dinner that featured boneless chicken cutlets).
renzata at 6:48PM on 04/25/08
Thanks for the smoked turkey idea - I will need to find a good local source. I have had "straight" smoked turkey legs and I love it right off the bone - I feel like a Henry the 8th skit when I eat them. They are a bit of work, to remove the meat from the connective tissue in a leg, but they could be a nice ham alternative.
Making my own bread and pasta are the next frontiers for us. I have carpel tunnel and can't knead, but I am looking for a decent used bread machine and a pasta machine at this summer's yard sales - someone must have gotten one for Christmas a few years ago, and has now accepted that they are not going give it a try. I want to get rid of the high fructose corn syrup we get in most commercial bread (even whole grain), and artisan bread can be a budget killer.
matriarchy at 7:21PM on 04/27/08
Matriarchy, you have got to jump on the no-knead bread bandwagon. No special equipment required, just a lidded pot that can take high heat in the oven.
Also, the great thing about using the turkey legs in soups/stews is that the long simmering times makes the meat just slide off the bones and tendons behind.
renzata at 8:12PM on 04/27/08