Thrifty Shoppers: It's Aisle Or Nothing

Published: May 9, 2008

BRANDON - Tampa Bay area residents are coping with rising grocery prices in a variety of ways - some tried and true and some with an innovative, frugal twist.

Leslie Kinnard of Riverview is buying in bulk for her family of four at a local warehouse store and cutting back on dining out and serving prepared foods. During a trip to Costco off Causeway Boulevard in Brandon, she pointed to a package of plastic containers with lids and a large, restaurant-size can of peaches in her cart.

"Instead of buying those little snack sizes of fruit, I buy the big can for $3 and store it in the big container, filling smaller containers as my family needs them," she said.

Faith Lister of Valrico has reluctantly turned to store brands and generics.

"I buy the cheaper versions, especially with paper towels, napkins and toilet paper," Lister said, wincing a bit at the thought. "I miss my Charmin."

Gloria and Rolph Wetjen of Dade City drive to the Brandon Costco to shop. Even though the ride guzzles gas, they save money buying groceries in bulk.

Gloria Wetjen said she's pinching her grocery pennies by using kitchen staples to make meals from scratch instead of relying on expensive prepared foods.

Liz Bleau, Laura Frazier