Local Favorites

I've been asked where I shop. I think everyone has their favorites but I feel I get the best prices at Winco, two locations in Kennewick on Clearwater Ave. & in Richland off of George Washington Way; Costco behind Columbia Center is also a favorite; and the Cash & Carry off of Columbia Blvd. is where I usually find the best buys on meat. I buy the whole boneless beef shoulders, cut them up into roasts & stew meat; also whole top sirloins and slice them into steaks. I also usually pick up pork shoulders and pork tenderloins there, cut them into roasts & 'chops', package and freeze.

Andy's in College Place (by Walla Walla) has a large selection of bulk foods. No need to drive there just to check it out - they have a web site where you can view their products and prices at http://andysmarket.com/ You can even order thru the web and then drive over there for "local pick up." Keep in mind that it is a Seven Day Adventist town and the market is closed on Saturdays. Winco also has a decent bulk foods section and Highland Health Foods  (Kennewick & Richland) has a variety of beans & grains available in 25# & 50# sacks although I find their prices high. They usually prepackage some of their product in small bags ~1#, 2#, 5# etc. so if I want to try a new grain that I can't find elsewhere in town I see if they have it.

Coupon shopping. Sometimes I get all excited about this and other times it just strikes me as too much trouble. I do rely on a gal named Karrie who has a blog/website at http://happymoneysaver.com/ She combs the local ads and posts those, notes freebies and coupons and tells you how to use them & where. If you follow her blog you can find some great deals to stretch your budget.

Of course I always take advantage of the basics provided by the Church Cannery. I have scheduled dates every other month this year. I always try for the 1st Tuesday of the month. Time & date is posted in the ward bulletin & a sign up sheet is passed around Primary, Young Women's & Relief Society. Sorry guys - I haven't been giving you one as you all wait for the women to sign up! Next dates are in Oct. & Dec.  Order forms are available at: http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8133-1-4352-1,00.html

If you become aware of great deals, good prices or gleaning opportunities please feel free to share!