Grocery Auctions and Overstocks: Helping Survive in Middle Class America

We make just enough money not to qualify for any government program. I don't like hand outs. I think it sends the wrong message to our kids. Nothing is ever truly free. Somebody, somewhere eventually will have to pay the tab. It may be this generation or several generations to come, but a freebie is never what it appears.

That's a good thing. That's a bad thing. I am a firm believer that the government wants a substantial portion of its citizens to be dependent on it developing Job security for a faceless entity, so to speak. I am also confident that my family will continue to climb the income ladder to a level that will at the very least, be comfortable. And this to me that means having the ability to buy quality clothing, nutritious food, quality health care, and a reasonable dwelling to live in without government assistance.

Every day we look for deals. Frugal sounds a little better than cheap, but cheap is what we have become. Necessity forces creativity in the practical sense.

The harsh reality is that we can't afford Wal-Mart. When I first realized this, I was scared. Very scared. I imagined a life of cutoffs as formal wear and macaroni and cheese eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I needed answers fast. I have always been aware of a secondary market. Most of our clothes come from garage sales and Goodwill stores. Sometimes we splurge and go to consignment shops for special occasions. My three kids can be dressed for one year for three hundred dollars total and that includes a couple of sets of dress clothes and all of their shoes. I have been doing this for years.

But what about that nutritious food I spoke of earlier? Where does the overstock or damaged items go? Sometimes items wind up at grocery auctions. Items that are close to expiration or overstock are sold for pennies on the dollar. Name brand candy is ten for a buck. Big watermelons sell for two dollars a piece. Everything from orange juice and cereal to salmon and beef are sold at these auctions. Sometimes a box or can is slightly crushed but we don't eat the boxes and cans at our house.

Not everything is a bargain. After all, it's still an auction and sometimes people get carried away with their bidding in the excitement of the moment. Everything is guaranteed so if you do buy something that's not quite right you can get a refund.

You can find these places in local penny pincher ad newspaper you can google grocery auctions but don't expect these establishments to have a website. These auctions usually occur in small towns or industrial areas in bigger cities.

Anther option is grocery warehouses that buy overstock and damaged canned and packaged goods. Again be aware of the expiration dates. Check your items carefully. These places are excellent for picking up canned goods in cases. Look for lunch-ables, frozen chicken, olive oil, sirloin steak, shrimp, pork tenderloin, pork ribs, pasta, cookies, spices, Jell-O and shampoo to name just a few. Many of these types of stores also carry casual clothes, hardware, cleaning compounds and back to school supplies. Sometimes a variety of gift items are available. That makes for a great time to pick up those little gifts the kids will need throughout the year. Selection varies and once again, these items are guaranteed.

Don't forget your local bread store outlet. Items here run about 50-75% off the regular grocery store price. Wheat, white sourdough and many others are available at substantial savings. Many also carry jelly, condiments, gravy mixes and snacks.

One of the major differences besides price is customer service. It is tremendous! At most stores, employees are available if you need assistance and they still take your groceries out to your vehicle with a smile on their face. Not like your local discount or typical chain grocery store.

Bottom line is I can feed a family of five quality meals three times a day for a fewer than three hundred fifty dollars a month. Could I do better? Maybe, But not at Wal-Mart or the local chain grocery.