While the current economic conditions have changed and we have inflated prices to deal with of certain commodities, shopping defensibly for bargains that can be found is possible. Smart shoppers always have this in mind no matter what the economic conditions. Shop store brands, skip highly priced items till sales and consider delivery for time and energy savings now that transportation can be expensive. Delivery services will typically add a delivery fee and a service fee but some stores will vary the delivery cost to less expensive time slots later in the day. Shopping early and scheduling a delivery later in the evening can save a few dollars. Some have a loyalty program accumulating points etc. Some delivery shopping services will give promotions like free delivery or dollar amounts off your next order.
Here are some recent prices including the local store which now has it”s own delivery service. In the past I have used Instacart for this market but Instacart will add a markup usually about 10% to each item . The store also honors the sale prices in it’s flyer for delivery. We still use instacart and online order delivery services for non perishable items delivered within 2 days. Even deals are found on eBay etc for bulk items like toilet paper from institutional supplies.
Using a ride service, incorporate a drop off from an appointment for instance, to the local market within the return route on the way home. It may only add a few more dollars (most people are now valuing cost to the price of a gallon of gasoline) to the total return trip.
Prices are generally more expensive across the board for groceries but bargains can be found.
 Green Giant Fresh Celery (1 ct)1 x $1.99Replaced item price:$1.99   Wellsley Farms Wellsley Farms Celery Sticks 2.5 Lb (2.5 lb bag)1 x $5.49$5.49 |
| Items found (BJ’s Wholesale Club) | 6 |
|---|---|
| Household | |
 Berkley Jensen Facial Tissue (8 x 8 ct)1 x $16.19$16.19 | |
| Wellsley Farms | |
 Wellsley Farms Ground Italian Sausage (32 oz)1 x $7.49$7.49 | |
| Dairy & Eggs | |
 Wellsley Farms Whole Milk, 1 Gallon (1 gal)1 x $3.29$3.29 | |
| Produce | |
 Dole Iceberg Lettuce (1 count bag)1 x $1.89$1.89 | |
 Yellow Onion Bag (3 lb bag)1 x $2.39$2.39 | |
| Canned Goods | |
 Hunt’s Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes (14.5 oz)1 x $8.69$8.69 | |
| on replacements you approved and what was available. |
 Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (16 oz)1 x $4.39Replaced item price:$4.39  Happy Farms Shredded Italian Blend Cheese (12 oz)1 x $3.75$3.75 |
| Items found (ALDI) | 9 |
|---|---|
| Dairy & Eggs | |
 Happy Farms Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese (32 oz)1 x $8.35$8.35 | |
| Produce | |
 Iceberg Lettuce (each)1 x $1.65$1.65 | |
 Broccoli Crowns (~ 1.33 lb)1.52 lb x $1.55$2.36 | |
 Little Salad Bar Spinach Flat Leaf (8 oz bag)1 x $2.19$2.19 | |
| Snacks | |
 Clancy’s Corn Chips (9.25 oz)1 x $1.29$1.29 | |
| Dry Goods & Pasta | |
 Specially Selected White Basmati Rice (32 oz)1 x $3.29$3.29 | |
| Dairy & Eggs | |
 Goldhen Grade A Large Eggs (12 ct)2 x $1.45$2.90 | |
| Produce | |
 Crimini (Brown) Mushroom Package (8 oz container)1 x $1.75$1.75 | |
 Celery Package (1 lb container)1 x $1.49$1.49 | |
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