Using Community Resources, by Em

I've tried to be general enough with my information that anyone could use it, but this entry, by it's nature is going to get more location-specific. There are a lot of resources in your community that can be used to cut the cost of food.  Ask around to find opportunities close to you.  Try talking to your local food pantry.  Chances are, if anybody is going to know about other local cost-cutting food opportunities, it's going to be someone who is already involved in that scene.

Buying Locally

Farmer's Markets:

Farmer's markets aren't always going to be cheaper, but if you buy in-season food directly from the source, chances are that you will be saving some money on overhead.

Food Coops:

Food cooperatives tend to focus on locally grown, high-quality items.  Once again, locally-grown items bought in season can be a great bargain.  Coops also provide access to fair-trade and organic products, among other things.

Coops don't have to be organized into a formal, grocery store-like set up.  My mother started a coop with some people in my home town and they ordered food together once a month in bulk.  Buying in bulk also costs less when compared to purchasing individual units in a store.  Consider going together with some friends and acquaintances to order grocery items.

Pay attention to sales and coupons

This is something I'm am not good at doing, but it is definitely worth while.  Check a local newspaper for weekly coupons.  Some stores also have coupons that you can print out on their website.

Coupons are good, but you can also find other, hidden bargains.  Products that have been discontinued or produce that is near it's expiration date are often greatly discounted.  This is why it's always good to go shopping when you have some time to browse.  A couple weeks ago, I got some chopped mushrooms for less that it would have cost me to buy bulk, which was awesome because it also saved me having to chop everything myself!

Buying generic or store brands

A lot of times store brands are cheaper even if the other brand is on sale.  Even if a mainstream brand is more flavorful, you'll save money by purchasing a generic brand and adding your own spices.  This is especially true of discount grocery chains such as Aldi, Save-A-Lot, or Food 4 Less.

Other resources in the Chambana area

• Common Ground Food Coop has started a "feed 4 for under $10" program.  The ingredients for each recipe can all be purchased at the coop (thanks to R for that info!).
• Share Food is "a non profit food buying club that offers good nutritious products at a reduced cost through a volunteer-run, community-based distribution system."  Basically what it amounts to is that anybody who wants to can volunteer for a few hours and then order food from SHARE at a 30-50% discount.  The deals change from time to time and they deliver food a couple times a month.  For more information on this, please use the contact info on the website.
  
• Here's another useful blog about coupons useful to people in Champaign County, Champaign County Couponing.