Reply #17: I've got a great example! [View All]

[slampoet]

I'm relatively poor but employed. I try to shop at discount groceries but I can't find produce that lasts more than a day and doesn't have bugs. So i have tried shopping at the farmer's market near my house in Rhode Island. Damn it is expensive and the bread i buy there gets bugs 2 days after I bring it home (without removing it from the airtight packaging!!! ew!!)

However! If i simply drive 40 miles to the north and go to Worcester, MA i can get all sorts of wonderful organic and CHEAP produce and other foods.

I did an experiment. I priced food at the local regular and discount grocery chain in RI. Priced it out at the farmer's market in RI. And then I went up to Worcester and bought the same things.

The result? Grocery chain - $38
Discount Chain - about $30 but there really weren't enough fresh items available to compare.
Farmer's Market - $45
Worcester Produce stand - $16

If anybody thinks that it is just a matter of Worcester being closer to the farms also know that Seafood and Fish are also cheaper in landlocked Worcester, MA than in Rhode Island.

And again remember that Worcester is only 40 miles away!! The fact is that certain areas are dead zones for decent food. If you don't have a car then you have no chance of getting access to good quality food.