Save BIG on groceries: Aussie shopper reveals stunning $15 vs $70 fresh food haul
- Replies 10
We all know the cost of living is getting higher by the day, and as seniors, we know you’re always on the lookout for tips and tricks to get more bang for your buck. That's why here at Seniors Discount Club, we're always eager to share any amazing money-saving discoveries we come across! This time, we're in for an incredible fresh food hack.
One delighted shopper has shared their secret to buying a large amount of fresh produce for the unbelievable price of $15, a stark contrast to the approximate $60 - $70 one would spend buying the same items at Coles or Woolworths.
This thrifty Australian found the jackpot at the local markets in Toowoomba, Queensland. These markets are hosted by the non-profit organisation Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), where fresh fruits and vegetables are sold at amazingly affordable prices.
'$15 bucks at the PCYC markets. Big bag of ginger for 3 bucks (supermarket is around $29/kg), 1 kg of garlic for 5 bucks (supermarket $35/kg), 4 Capsicums, 3 broccoli, bag of onions, 5 bananas,' the excited shopper posted on Reddit.
The stunned response of fellow Reddit users included praises for the PCYC market's freshness and affordability, which caught the attention of those who were amazed by this wonderful alternative.
'Far out that garlic looks amazing,' one person commented. 'Insane. Yeah, I'll have to check out the PCYC! Wow,' said another.
One comment that resonated with many of us was, 'I don't understand why ginger is ever expensive. We grow a sh*t ton of it in QLD. This is the correct price.'
But why aren't supermarket prices similar to those at farmers' markets? Consumer expert, Gary Mortimer, explains that it's due to 'food-price inflation' and the complex process required to bring fresh produce to supermarket shelves.
'The reason prices are often lower at a farmers market is that you're dealing with stallholders that might be open for four or five hours, aren't running air conditioning like fully functioning supermarkets with refrigeration, aren't paying leasing costs, don't have lots of staff, don't have receiving dock areas. It's more of a simplified operation,' he told Yahoo News Australia.
Gary Mortimer suggests some savvy shopping tips to help us save on fresh produce. Among those tips were going 'direct to the source’, such as farmers' markets, roadside stalls, and even hobby farms.
Another great tip was to 'shop across multiple supermarkets for one shopping trip’. Comparing and considering the unit price and special offers per store will give you the best deal on your groceries. Don't forget to also 'consider discounters' like The Reject Shop and BIG W, which may carry a variety of affordable products including toiletries, confectionery, soaps, and more.
Now, you can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables on a budget, thanks to the power of community markets and local sellers! Not to mention, you’ll also be supporting local, Aussie farmers which is always a huge plus.
So, members, our advice to you is keep a lookout for local markets, farmers' markets, and direct sellers in your area. You never know what incredible deals might be just around the corner! Plus, shopping locally supports your community, and that's something we can all feel good about.
Do you have a local farmers market that sells fresh produce at a cheaper rate than your supermarket? Or maybe you have another way of buying fresh produce? Whether that be avoiding it altogether, or growing it yourself. We’d love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions in the comments below.
One delighted shopper has shared their secret to buying a large amount of fresh produce for the unbelievable price of $15, a stark contrast to the approximate $60 - $70 one would spend buying the same items at Coles or Woolworths.
This thrifty Australian found the jackpot at the local markets in Toowoomba, Queensland. These markets are hosted by the non-profit organisation Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), where fresh fruits and vegetables are sold at amazingly affordable prices.
'$15 bucks at the PCYC markets. Big bag of ginger for 3 bucks (supermarket is around $29/kg), 1 kg of garlic for 5 bucks (supermarket $35/kg), 4 Capsicums, 3 broccoli, bag of onions, 5 bananas,' the excited shopper posted on Reddit.
The fresh produce haul the Reddit user bought from the PCYC markets. Image source: Reddit.
The stunned response of fellow Reddit users included praises for the PCYC market's freshness and affordability, which caught the attention of those who were amazed by this wonderful alternative.
'Far out that garlic looks amazing,' one person commented. 'Insane. Yeah, I'll have to check out the PCYC! Wow,' said another.
One comment that resonated with many of us was, 'I don't understand why ginger is ever expensive. We grow a sh*t ton of it in QLD. This is the correct price.'
But why aren't supermarket prices similar to those at farmers' markets? Consumer expert, Gary Mortimer, explains that it's due to 'food-price inflation' and the complex process required to bring fresh produce to supermarket shelves.
The price of fresh ginger at Coles and Woolworths are significantly higher than the PCYC markets. Image source: Yahoo News Australia.
'The reason prices are often lower at a farmers market is that you're dealing with stallholders that might be open for four or five hours, aren't running air conditioning like fully functioning supermarkets with refrigeration, aren't paying leasing costs, don't have lots of staff, don't have receiving dock areas. It's more of a simplified operation,' he told Yahoo News Australia.
Gary Mortimer suggests some savvy shopping tips to help us save on fresh produce. Among those tips were going 'direct to the source’, such as farmers' markets, roadside stalls, and even hobby farms.
Another great tip was to 'shop across multiple supermarkets for one shopping trip’. Comparing and considering the unit price and special offers per store will give you the best deal on your groceries. Don't forget to also 'consider discounters' like The Reject Shop and BIG W, which may carry a variety of affordable products including toiletries, confectionery, soaps, and more.
Now, you can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables on a budget, thanks to the power of community markets and local sellers! Not to mention, you’ll also be supporting local, Aussie farmers which is always a huge plus.
So, members, our advice to you is keep a lookout for local markets, farmers' markets, and direct sellers in your area. You never know what incredible deals might be just around the corner! Plus, shopping locally supports your community, and that's something we can all feel good about.
Do you have a local farmers market that sells fresh produce at a cheaper rate than your supermarket? Or maybe you have another way of buying fresh produce? Whether that be avoiding it altogether, or growing it yourself. We’d love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions in the comments below.
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I love garlic and we use loads of it. My husband grows it in the garden. if you don’t have access to lots of fresh garlic, a bag this size is fantastic, because it freezes well. I would guess that’s what the people who bought such big bags were planning to do with it. Either that or they own a restaurant!
