by Laura Everage

Before I head into this shopping adventure, I think it is important to provide a little insight into why I shop where I shop – Whole Foods. Yes, I can hear many of you let out a collective groan. Whole Foods has been a favorite for many to complain about: Often referred to as “Whole Paycheck,” for its high prices; others claim employees have a nose-up attitude about the products they offer compared to conventional supermarkets; others have challenged the company on its lack of buying local, still others may question the company’s stance on health care.

Bottom line, Whole Foods has been pretty good to me. And, due to lack of convenient alternatives here, it is now my choice for shopping. 

(Although, I may change my mind as I experiment with all the different shopping optins available to me.)

Price

Keeping our grocery bill at a reasonable level is important to us. Some may wonder how we can do that shopping at Whole Foods, but I have reined in my spending, and have consistently spent between $200 and $250 a week for our family of six. That number used to reach much higher, but through careful menu planning, and creating a list for shopping (a list that I stick to), I have been able to hit my range week in and week out, without feeling as if we are running out of food.