Community Conversations: Frugal Eating

Written by Carla, Halifax Public Libraries' Community Specialist

One cold February night, a group of Dartmouth residents came together to have a community conversation on the topic of “Tips for Saving Money” at the Alderney Gate Public Library. Hosted by Halifax Public Libraries in partnership with the Dartmouth Community Health Team, opens a new window, the conversation was entirely open-ended and community members talked about a range of topics, from groceries, budgeting tips, trip planning, rebates, taxes, and more.   

The following recommendations came directly from participants. Many households are experiencing the crunch of inflation—our hope is that their money-saving tips will help others, encourage new conversations, and more info-sharing.   

This week: we're highlighting community tips and tricks for frugal eating.

Grocery Shopping Tips

• Buy in bulk for non-perishable items when they are on sale. Use coupons for items that are on sale. Unfortunately, you cannot stack coupons like you can in the United States, but there is no rule against using them on sale items.  
• Google search for coupons for items that you use regularly.   
• The North Grove and the Mobile Food Market each offer amazing deals on produce at their weekly community markets. 
• Gateway Meat Market also has amazing deals. Coordinated or carpool Gateway runs with neighbours and friends. 
• A few places offer price matching, including Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, and No Frills. It must be on the exact same product. Sign up for free flyers from Saltwire, and bring the flyers to the stores. 
• Download the free app Flipp, opens a new window on your cellphone and use it to automatically shop around for the best deals. On the app, create a recurring weekly grocery cart for items you get consistently. Each week the app populates the list and tells you where items are on sale. 
• Keep a close eye on items as they are being scanned at stores. The Scanner Price Accuracy Code, opens a new window states if there is a scanning error you may get the item for free (up to $10). 
• The Flashfood, opens a new window app lets you search for massively discounted foods that grocery stores are trying to offload. 
• Be sure to always load your points when you go shopping (i.e. PC Optimum points, etc.). 
• Halifax Public Libraries offers food calendars that direct community members to food banks, free meals, and free programming that offers food. 
• Sign up to Proctor & Gamble, opens a new window for dibs on coupons and free samples. 
• Most stores offer rain checks for sale items—just ask at the customer service desk. On top of rain checks No Frills, opens a new window also offers 10% back in PC Optimum points if item isn’t available. 
• Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank will deliver to Dartmouth for a $5 fee, but community members must show doctor’s note indicating the need. 
• Shoppers Drug Mart has amazing weekend deals—especially on staples such as eggs and milk. 
• Dollarama now offers grocery items such as bread, and vitamins. 
• At Costco, you don’t need a membership for the pharmacy items, and they can be significantly cheaper than elsewhere. 

General Food Tips

• Make a grocery list and stick to it. Meal planning can be a lifesaver.   
• Do all your meal prep for the week on one day, and then either freeze or store it in the fridge, ready to go. 
• Save $5 to $10 per day by limiting going out for coffee, and instead making it at home. If you are going out, bring a large, insulated thermos of pre-made coffee instead.  
• Try not to use apps like Skip the Dishes, and just call places directly to order takeout. Consumers and local businesses save money because there are no service charges. 
• Vegetables that are about to turn bad can be used for soup broth. If you don’t think you are going to use something in time before it spoils, freeze it! 
• There is a high price for convenience foods. For example, you can make a salad from scratch at a fraction of the cost of a pre-made salad kit. Pre-shredded cheese is way more expensive than purchasing the block.