And no, we aren’t talking about the market chain (also known as Whole paycheck). After you read this post, you’ll (likely) save some money on your next grocery store bill. Assuming you’re buying fresh fruits and veggies, and not potato chips and donuts!
Have you been to the supermarket lately? It seems like a guy can’t buy a case of beans and some fruits and veggies without needing to take out a loan. It reminds me of medical school but with better food -those ultra-processed cafeteria meals were bad for my plumbing (my intestines) and the schools!
Here are a couple ways to reduce your food bill, feed your community and make some friends in the process.
Plant a garden
Do you find that you run out of a specific veggie or fruit often? For example, I find myself running out of scallions and red pearl onions. I decided to plant them in a large pot out in my backyard. Just make sure you choose a pot with drains, watering it plenty and putting it in a place that gets plenty of sunshine.
Consider starting your own backyard (or balcony garden). This depends on the climate of where you live, and how good your soil quality is. But, instead of rushing to the supermarket to restock on food, imagine the convenience (and satisfaction) of growing your own food at home.
Starting your own garden also helps build (and strengthen existing) social relationships[1]
Trade with locals
Take the fruits (or veggies) of your labor and trade it with locals. You can search for “urban gardens” or go on social media and trade with other backyard gardeners or even producers and makers of other things. I knew a guy that traded a couple pounds of tomatoes for a cat (smart move), so the sky is truly the limit.
Who knows, you might even decide to scale up your food production and start your own farmers market stall.
Buy local
Yes, we know that purchasing produce from the farmers market or privately can cost more. But you are supporting a local business and keeping the money in the community.
Also, you are reducing your carbon footprint, which positively impacts the effects of global warming[2]. You also save on gas, and keep that “perfect parking space” you’re afraid to move your car from (maybe thats just a NYC thing).