I don't think they have any here. Dollar Tree most items are $1.50, a few at $1.25, but also now many $5.

Spent the Great Recession in Ollies. It's food selection locally has gone downhill. 15% is June and Nov if you get on their list.

I still find value at Marshall's, but the good stuff disappears fast. All cotton socks for example.

Grocery Outlet has been good, has replaced ALDI and Walmart for me on many weeks.

I figure they're having trouble getting stock.

Another thing about Dollar General. They have clearance sales, especially seasonal. You can shop online for shipping or delivery, but most of the times I tried, their website was wonky.

I like the smaller stores. You don't have to buy in bulk if you don't want to.

In the Great Recession Ollies would carry the same brands as the regional supermarket that has since closed.

Now, food banks accept or purchase items from supermarket overstock or expiration. Perishables are fair game for soup kitchens.

There are something like 75+ food banks in my county. Many a church has established one since 2024, and many offer a hot meal or two each week.

Some economic forecasters still insist we will see food shortages over the course of the next several years. Supply chains won't bounce from this Iran mess very quickly. Possible 30% drop in global food production, with far less trade of food stuffs. Or so they say. We'll be supporting the UK just like WWII.

but all have become another plus or minus on the balance sheet, regardless of the human suffering each item represents. Churches and other organizations associated with charity aren't going to be able to handle the need indefinitely. I have family members living in larger cities, who will make peanut butter sandwiches, use a loaf or 2 of bread, wrap them, and pass them out on their way to work. The kindness probably does more than the nutrition. The worry about food shortages reminds me of the 70s, and the inflation in that era. Our extended family lived nearby. We had potluck meals together, passed along job opportunities, shared what we had with those that needed it. We got thru the 70s and bounced back from the economic punishment laid on Americans because of the price of oil.

We have 2 main food banks in this county, and many of the churches are offering free meals. The church my daughter attends helps man and operate one of the food banks. They also have a free breakfast every Saturday. I've been dropping off things at the homeless warming center. Ollie's has some good prices on some individually wrapped bulk food items. Last time anyone checked, there were 168 homeless people in the county, and over half of them were women
over 60.

Esp for women's clothes. They were always super cheap for nice stuff, some name brands. Women's shoes, too. I think they get discontinued styles in many cases.

DG for dish sponges - 10 for $1

Dollar Tree for shampoo, shower gel, q-tips, band aids, toothbrushes & toothpaste, de9derant, ink pens, spiral notebooks, clear packing tape, etc. Loads of kitchen utensils, too - all for $1.25 or thereabouts. For those who use Instacart, they do deliver from Dollar Tree.

Ty for the thread.

I carry it with me, and if I'm in any of the stores, check the list to see if I need anything from the store I'm in. Right now, not much I am looking for.

I used to love shopping at Dollar Tree, but since they are raising prices, I don't go in very often.

Colgate at kroger $6.99/tube. Dollar Tree $1.25-1.50. Still a much better value, imo.

Great idea to keep list!