Buying Bulk

Buying bulk is smart for several reasons:

#1 It saves you money. When eating lots of organic produce, and whole foods on a budget, buying bulk really helps.

#2 In these uncertain economic times, it's just plain smart. You can buy 50 pounds of brown rice for $42.

#3 It is one of the easiest ways to go green & save money at the same time. When you buy in bulk the manufacturers use less packaging materials and in turn you produce less waste. Plus, because you buy more product at once you then make less trips to the store in the future which can save you time, money and fuel.

Here are some examples of bulk items I have.

Wheat (for grinding into fresh bread), oatmeal, white and brown rice, pasta, peanut butter, pinto beans, red and green lentils, split peas, black beans, farina, honey, evap. cane juice crystals (sugar), baking supplies (baking powder, soda, yeast, sea salt), apple cider vinegar, nuts, raisins, dried fruit, coconut, and popcorn.

All of these store nicely in 3-5 gallon food grade buckets. Buckets are easy access and keep the bugs out. Be sure to label, and date.

I have found bulk food the cheapest through my locals co-ops. Warehouse stores (Sam's, COSTCO) also have excellent bulk prices.

And, if you have adequate freezer space, it is very economical to buy fresh fruit when it is in season, for example strawberries, peaches, and blueberries. Freeze them for smoothies and baking. I always buy enough to last until the following summer.

Having bulk food storage makes weekly shopping much easier, and meal and dessert planning a breeze!