Why I Still Shop For Two People

 

I still grocery shop as if I’m feeding two people for a multitude of reasons.  By doing so I can have company over for a meal anytime I want to, whether it be one person or a small group.  I always have something on hand at all times so I rarely need to dash out to the supermarket to pick things up.  Maybe a fresh head of lettuce or a bag of tortilla chips, but that’s about it.  Having guests over never becomes a financial hardship.  Also, if I’m invited to a potluck or BBQ I usually have whatever I need to bring on hand as well.

 

Shelf stable items for donating

I am able to donate food or help someone in need.  Last month was the mail carriers food drive and I was able to fill a bag with shelf stable food and set it out to be picked up.  I donate to food pantries and food drives quite often.  I also have food on hand if a friend needs something.  Feeding people is my love language.

 

In the past four years, shopping for two has also allowed me to be able to establish and maintain a two year long term food storage (LTFS).  As someone who is retired, lives in a state that can have rough icy winters and lives on a fixed income having a well stocked LTFS gives me great peace of mind knowing that I will always have something to eat without having to go shopping.  This is especially helpful in the winter time when the electric bill is highest because of heating the house.  I can pay the bill and not worry about having extra money available for groceries.

 

Shopping for two people has allowed me the flexibility of shopping or not.  I can do a pantry challenge if I want or need to use my grocery budget on something else.  It allows me to try various food shopping strategies like the 5-4-3-2-1 Method.  It has saved me money overall because I am able to stock up on sales items and buy in bulk.  The less I spend, the more I have to invest in my future to maintain my financial stability.  For me, shopping for two is cheaper than just shopping for one.