Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
I typically am not allowed to grocery shop. My spouse does this chore, which is thoughtful. Truth be told, however, it is not so much thoughtful as frugality. It is a much cheaper excursion if I am not present. With food costs so high, and me having to try everything, especially if on special, for instance two bags of cookies for $5, it is easier on the household budget if I remain at home.
Given this admission, it may seem strange that I am giving advice on saving money at the
supermarket. Rest assured, I know how to save money. I’ve done the research. I just have limited self-control. But enough about me. I am sure you will fare much better than I at the grocery store and will save money the next time you shop.
The National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, has an informative article that can help you navigate the supermarket. “What’s On Your Plate? Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging” offers some smart advice on saving money at the checkout counter.
Here are ideas to try from nia.nih.gov/health.
- Inquire about senior discounts or loyalty cards, like the kind that can be attached to a key ring. Sometimes these cards come with continuous coupons and special deals for card holders. A particular pharmacy frequently offers a “buy one, get one” for card holders. And if you don’t want to keep track of all these little cards, the cashiers can find you by your phone number.
- And speaking of coupons, keep your scissors handy and clip away. They are a great way to save cash, especially if the store will double them. My mother is a master at working the coupon system and saves a bundle on groceries. However, coupons will only save you money if you use them on things you were to buy anyway. The temptation can be strong to buy unintended items because of the money-off offer. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree here. Just watch prices. The store brand may be cheaper than the name brand even after the coupon is deducted.
- Single serving packs are very convenient however that convenience does not come free. If
you’re willing to do the prep, you can save. Think about shredding a block of cheese, which actually melts better than the pre-shredded because a caking agent has not been added, and buying a head of lettuce and cutting it up yourself instead of purchasing bagged produce. The same goes for baby carrots. It doesn’t take much to cut them up to store in a plastic dish in the fridge and the cost is much lower.
- A good blender will make delicious smoothies. Just combine Greek yogurt for protein, and
various frozen fruit, which is just as nutritious as fresh without the fear of spoilage. Experiment and find the flavors you love. These smoothies have calcium and vitamins from the yogurt and loads of antioxidants from the fruit, particularly if you choose brightly colored berries. They are also easy to eat for seniors who struggle with solid food.
- Bulk shopping can be great if you have storage space and if you can freeze or consume an item before it goes bad. You may have the best of intentions but you won’t save money if you’re not realistic about how much you can actually eat in that “freshness window.” I speak from experience on this one.
- No doubt about it: produce is pricy. A great alternative to fresh is to buy frozen. Canned is an
option too, but be careful of the sodium.
For seniors on a limited income being a little creative and doing some extra work, can make a
dent in the food budget. Clearly a case of “do as I say, not as I do” since I am a marketer’s dream when it comes to impulse purchases, but I’m just looking out for you.
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in Bangor. Email her at seniorbeat@gmail.com