Panicking about food prices

[maddie]

I'm agrophobic, so I felt really brave heading to the supermarket today. Bit anxious as I got my trolley and headed inside, but OK. Until I saw the prices of things.

I was horrified how the price of staple foods - bread, chicken, eggs, potatoes, fish fingers - has risen. Of course, the horror brought on a panic attack. I managed to cling to my trolley and make my way round, looking for all the bargains and cheap offers. My heart was pounding & my vision blurred.

This might sound silly, but I like to keep a well-stocked food cupboard. It's a security blanket for me. I know I can feed my family for some days should anything untoward happen. I couldn't afford the basics today, let alone things to restock the cupboard.

I was badly frightened, shocked and depressed. I felt like a pauper going round. I started to think of my daughter who is expecting my first grandchild. How are they going to manage? I've been on the internet all afternoon collecting coupons and offers. It's 2am in the morning now and I can't sleep. I'm still on the edge of panic.

What are we going to do? I don't have the ability to shop around. My partner
usually shops for me. This has really set me back in my efforts to get some normality back in our lives. And it looks like an issue that's going to be here a long time. I don't need this pressure. It's too much.

[LucyR]

I could not agree with you more, prices are horrific nowadays, plus, if you own a car, you will know that petrol and diesel are increasing practically every day, or so it seems. I don't know if you have a Tesco 24 hr near you? If you do, if you head down there say 7pm or after, there are quite a few bargains some days like loaf for 65p instead of £1.30, and meals for just a few pence some times. Thats really all you can do, keep your eyes peeled for the bargains. Coupons can be worth it if you remember to use them by the date, and are wanting to buy it anyway!!

[MommyKC]

well i guess prices are really rising everywhere, im from the US and i couldnt agree with you more on the prices of food. i have my basment stocked well with canned food, dry noodles and water..its a supply we have had for a few months and dont touch it so its their for an emergancy. id also like to get a deep freezer so i can stock up even more. the price of food, gas, diapers, formula, and medical is breaking us we are coming up short every month now. and our medical bills are threating to sue us *rolling my eyes* and i also have a lot of anxiety about that.

[kellie]

First of all, a big well done to you hun for going out there and braving the shops XX hugs XX.
Second, yes omg the price of food is terrible i shop at sainsburys as my hubbie carnt drive out to far due to panic attacks so i cant shop for the bargains either in other places.
example on the price change
2 wks ago a large chicken was 4.50 / 5.00 and this saturday they are all up to 6.50 / 7.50
Thats an increase of 2 pounds or more
milk has gone up so has bread and lots of other stuff.

kellie.xxxxxxxx

[maddie]

I'm still panicky and very jumpy today. Usually I have panic attacks for pretty much no reason as I'm mostly at home. This time there is a very valid reason and it's really made me scared to go out again. Maybe it is avoidance, but I don't want to see the way things are going. We're about to retire with only Gov. pension. My daughter's having the baby. I'm frightened.

Anyone any ideas how I can deal with this please?

[samc100]

Hi Maddie - I have stopped getting the fruit and veggies at the supermarket and I use my local greengrocer. If I buy seasonal stuff then it is cheaper. And cos' I am a regular now the grocer often sticks abit of free fruit into my bag for my little boy !


Get your recipe books out and look on the internet for cheap easy recipes.

We are not big meat eaters in our house so that helps reducing cost of shopping. I do cook in bulk and freeze portions so we can have a week where it costs little, e.g spag bol and chilli so I only have to add rice or pasta.

I was reading in the newspapers that Aldi supermarkets who I think are at the cheaper end in cost (we don't have one near us so I am not sure) are looking at opening new branches and expanding cos' customers are going to them. So if you have one near you might be worth shopping there?

Regarding your daughter. She will manage because people do - it is amazing how inventive you can be! If she is on a low income she will be entitled to Family Tax Credits. She will also get Family Allowance which may not be a massive amount but it certainly helps cover nappy costs.

If you are worried about baby equipment because that can be costly you'll be amazed how many people suddenly empty their collection of baby stuff out of their lofts when they hear of someone having a baby. And look on Freecycle websites cos' people give stuff away.

[Tom_M]

We go to a "job lot" shop, where almost everything is out of date, but it's very cheap. Mind you, I draw the line at some of the items they sell. I picked up something the other day that was three years out of date . But so far I ain't been poisoned .

[marie1974]

to save money i usually go greengrocers and buy fresh stuff as u can make so much with veg salad potatoes etc and also i stock up on rice and pasta. i try to keep away from ready meals as this is where u end up spending a fortune and they are not filling either and full of rubbish

[jellybean43]

Hi
Aww Maddie I know how worried you must feel
What i would suggest is having a look on the Martin Lewis website. It is fab!!So much info and help on there and the community is great!!
I am not sure if i can post the link here but if you google(u are allowed to google this LOL!!) it you will find it no probs.
Also, how about shopping at tesco on the internet.
I do and it really does reduce your bill cos u cant impulse buy.
Your daughter will be fine. I managed on my own with two kids for many years ----it was hard work but we all survived.
Take care xxx

[samc100]

to save money i usually go greengrocers and buy fresh stuff as u can make so much with veg salad potatoes etc and also i stock up on rice and pasta. i try to keep away from ready meals as this is where u end up spending a fortune and they are not filling either and full of rubbish

homemade soups !!!! Yummy yum.

I have even been buying bread mix recently cos' it is cheaper than a loaf and nicer ( well most of the time it is nicer though had a few disasters)