NEW YORK – There is no doubt that the effects of inflation are being felt in many areas, including finances, especially when it comes to buying food.
After the coronavirus pandemic forced millions of New Yorkers to work from home, many are returning to the office to face a new moment of uncertainty: the lunch break.
Despite a recent drop in gasoline prices, rising food costs helped fuel inflation in August in the US, further straining household balance sheets.
According to the latest data from the Consumer Price Index, the Home Food Index, which measures the change in food prices in grocery stores, has increased by 13.5% year-over-year, the highest in the past. 43 years old. The Food Away Index wasn’t bad, but it was still up 8% year-over-year.
With tight family budgets and skyrocketing costs for rent, food and other bills, here’s how New Yorkers can save money at lunch when they get back to work in the office.
Bring lunch to work from home
While making a home lunch may be the most practical way to save money when midday hunger hits the office, there are a couple of things to consider.
- When you go to the supermarket, buy items in bulk.
The unit price of many everyday pantry items may be more expensive today than it was a year ago. Consumers can often find better deals and cheaper unit prices when shopping at wholesale stores like Costco’s, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s.
- Plan Your Lunches: When weekday meals are planned, shoppers are more likely to stick to items on their list than wander the aisles of the grocery store throwing random items into carts. This way you can also choose healthy foods at a good price without filling your shopping cart with items that can harm your health. A recent study found that American shoppers now spend an average of $ 314 per month on impulse purchases, compared to $ 276 in 2021 and $ 183 in 2020.
Eat like a New Yorker
New York City wineries and pizzerias are always an option when the budget isn’t high.
However, many small businesses, including wineries, are also suffering from inflation.
“Bacon, eggs and cheese – you can’t take that sandwich away,” Francisco Marte said earlier this year as inflation crushed the cellar he owns in the Bronx.
Mars said he had to raise the price of BEC sandwiches in his store from $ 2.50 to $ 4.50, as well as raise the prices of many other items on his store shelves.
Prices for chopped cheese sandwiches have also risen in bodegas, but they can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.
While a $ 1 slice of pizza may be a thing of the past in most New York City, cheesy ones can be found for under $ 5 at many pizza places around the city.
Browse apps for lunchtime deals
Eating out can sometimes be less expensive than cooking. Using apps like Yelp, Uber Eats, and DoorDash can help workers find nearby restaurants that offer lunchtime deals.
Yelp Tip: Make sure both “Offer a Deal” and “$” are checked.
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