“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it” (Luke 14 vs 28)?
In recent times Jamaicans have demonstrated an increase propensity for increased grocery shopping stocking up on supplies and food. According to data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, the cost of food in Jamaica increased 5.40 % in May of 2021 over the same month in the previous year 2020.
Several questions arise; What are the reason for you spending more? Are we eating more? Are people buying more out of fear/ panic buying? A lot of persons visit the supermarket and as you walk the aisles and look at the shelves a small voice in your head starts saying “Buy one more bread, just in case” or “You really can’t have enough paper towel”. Whether we realize it or not, many of us overspend at the supermarket because of a survival stockpiling mentality. While it’s true we should have food to last for about two weeks, here are a few ways to help you manage and save on your food bill.
Make a list: Before venturing out, walk through your kitchen and look at what you are running low on and what you need for the week. Also consider how much space you have. Knowing you already have bread and bun will help keep your “Just one more” small voice quiet. If you can, make the list organized by area of store. This will also help minimize time spent at the supermarket.
Plan out your dinners for the week. This helps you determine exactly what you need at the supermarket and can then include these ingredients on the list. This will help reduce buying food that may go to waste.
Shop at the market: Buying some items at the market versus supermarket may be more economical and even much fresher.
Buying in Bulk – dos and don’ts: Be aware of what you buy in bulk and stock up on. How much toilet paper and dishwashing liquid do you really need? This is especially true if you’re looking at items like milk, yogurt, and bread. Anything that has a use by date, and you do not plan to freeze, you’re more likely to waste that food by letting it go bad. This does not mean that you should not have a supply of non-perishables but keep it within reason. Two weeks is an adequate amount of food and supplies to have, made up of mainly non-perishables.
Loyalty Cards and Promotional Deals: When looking to accrue some benefit on purchases; the use of merchant loyalty cards and buying items discounted are always a plus. Two for one deals and cash back based on your spending e.g., magna rewards points that can be translated into future cash back.
Use what you have first: Regularly check your fridge and cupboards for items that are about to go bad and use it, Get creative. Now is the time to use that rice that has been sitting in your cupboard for months.
Reduce Fast Food Purchase. If you often calculate the money spent on fast-food consumption monthly, you will notice that it is a significant part of your food bill. Yes, it is easy to just grab and go, not requiring time to prepare. However, it also adds up and in the long run not ideal for your proper dietary intake.
Check the prices at cash register. In these times it requires us to be very vigilant. Take that extra minute to double check your purchase to be sure there are no mistakes and that you are not being overbilled.