If you’re looking to save on groceries, natural or organic food stores might not be first on your list. But at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, the store’s wellness and nutrition expert says it’s important to look at the bigger picture. “More meals cooked at home means less doctor visits, less consequences later,” said Jolie Laudicina.She added shoppers can save on healthy foods by shopping the perimeter of the store. “Produce, bulk, dairy and the meat department … rather than shopping in the middle of your store where you’re getting more processed foods,” Laudicina said. Laudicina also said anything shoppers can find in their bulk section is going to beat the price of packaged foods. She recommends buying things like honey, soy sauce, olive oil and vinegar in bulk- especially if you’re trying a new recipe. That way, you can only buy the small amount you need, and there won’t be much left over.A benefit of the co-op model is that the store works out deals with local farmers on in-season foods. Then they’re able to offer those products at a sale price. Laudacina said there are more sales for members who buy in, “We’re a co-op, so we’re owned by over ten thousand of our community members.”The co-op also offers discounts for members who volunteer as part of their food bank partnership.
If you’re looking to save on groceries, natural or organic food stores might not be first on your list. But at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, the store’s wellness and nutrition expert says it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
“More meals cooked at home means less doctor visits, less consequences later,” said Jolie Laudicina.
She added shoppers can save on healthy foods by shopping the perimeter of the store.
“Produce, bulk, dairy and the meat department … rather than shopping in the middle of your store where you’re getting more processed foods,” Laudicina said.
Laudicina also said anything shoppers can find in their bulk section is going to beat the price of packaged foods.
She recommends buying things like honey, soy sauce, olive oil and vinegar in bulk- especially if you’re trying a new recipe. That way, you can only buy the small amount you need, and there won’t be much left over.
A benefit of the co-op model is that the store works out deals with local farmers on in-season foods. Then they’re able to offer those products at a sale price.
Laudacina said there are more sales for members who buy in, “We’re a co-op, so we’re owned by over ten thousand of our community members.”
The co-op also offers discounts for members who volunteer as part of their food bank partnership.
Read More: Money Matters: How to spend less at natural food stores
