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C4A: How To Save On Groceries

POSTED: 4:12 pm EST December 27, 2005
UPDATED: 11:18 am EST December 28, 2005

The following report by Call 4 Action reporter Meghan Jones first aired on Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2005.

Many consumers know the effect oil prices have had on the cost of gas, but did you know it's affecting you at the grocery store?

The shrink wrap on products is the reason.

But there are still ways you can save.

It's probably not a surprise the oil industry impacts the entire economy.

Kraft recently announced a 3.9 percent increase in some product prices, blaming an increase of $200 million in energy and commodity costs.

Although they did not identify specific products, they do blame packaging that comes from petroleum.

"Shrink wrap -- things like construction materials -- go up," said Sarah Banazak of the American Petroleum Institute. "So, it (price) filters through. So, it is hard -- it has an economic impact."

Banazak says the increase should be short term.

"It's a moderate impact. And where we go in the long run depends mostly on crude prices," said Banazak.

But you are doing your shopping now. So how do you save?

Tip No. 1: Check the end of the aisle -- that's where you normally find weekly specials.

Tip No. 2: You're more likely to find the specials if you go shopping on Tuesday. Stores have time to replenish products from the weekend and statistically, it's less crowded on Tuesdays.

Tip No. 3: If you can't find your discounted product, ask for a rain check on the item at the discounted price.

Tip No. 4: If you're looking for low prices -- look low. Most specially priced or discounted items are below eye level, which means you should look down here for the best deal.

Tip No. 5: Try sundaysaver.com. Find your grocery store and put in your ZIP code to see all the weekly specials.

On some sites, like Giant Eagle, you can make a shopping list and print it out.

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