I commute for work to several a lower income towns known for poverty and social issues.

I’m a single parent struggling to keep it together financially. Some months are better then others.

Today, I went to pick up some groceries for a coworker and was shocked at the price differences between here and my city. Somehow, it never clicked I should check out the stores in the area. Being further from the city, I thought food would actually be more expensive. I’m happy to be wrong!

First, the grocery store had stellar prices for meat (which was also probably due to the town being surrounded by farms). I rarely eat meat because I can’t afford it (I do buy it for my kid, though). The potatoes, onions, carrots, eggs and dairy products are also incredibly low priced. Certain things are more expensive (pre made snacks and exotic fresh fruit but I rarely buy them).

The local Dollarstore had a ton of shelf stable goods I’m not used to seeing either!

In lower income areas of my city, you‘ll find more foods than at other Dollarstores in more affluent areas. But, it’s mainly candy and snacks with some canned goods, maybe some tomato sauce, condiments, spices, baking ingredients, canned seafood and canned meats… not really a whole lot.

Here was a HUGE variety of food! I found so much more than I’m used to; medium packages of various dried legumes like mung, chickpea, lentils, white beans, black beans and navy bean for $1.50, a large assortment of full sized cereal and noodles (including udon!) bread, oatmeal, different kinds of white and brown rices (and not just small sizes, either) huge jars of pickled vegetables… (We don’t eat cereal but it’s interesting to see 6 brands on the shelf here).

I am so excited, it’s ridiculous. Food has been the biggest challenge in my budget since I want to give my kid a lot of variety and nutrition. I really see shopping in these areas as making a massive difference for us (and it’s supporting local farmers if I shop more at the grocery stores here too!)

EDIT: As much as commuting sucks, I do have incredible health and dental (full coverage on almost everything for me and my kid), as well as a good pension.