Best Kept Secret in Colorado Springs

Bruce and I do a magazine route on Thursdays. One day, several months ago, while we were over by the distribution warehouse, we noticed a little store on Stone Avenue called Extreme Bargains. We decided after we were done with our route, that we would stop in to see what it was all about. We have been back every two weeks since then. The place is nothing beautiful to look at, but there are some terrific bargains to be had. It is a great way to stock up on pantry items for your food storage. The grocery items are brand names or Safeway or Albertson brands. A few things you should know:

• Be sure to check the expiration dates on the labels
• Compare the prices to what you would normally pay at a discount store
• There are no returns on food items
• Ask about discounts on case lots-sometimes you'll get a discount, sometimes you won't
• Check for damaged cans or packages

Items that are available include groceries, household items and toiletries, toys, and a few miscellaneous items. One time they had a table full of children's books for $1-$3. We grabbed several of those for gifts...they went really fast. Some other bargains that we have found in the past:

• A large totebag with 3 boxes of Triscuits for $5
• Crystal Light On the Go Packets-buy 1, get 3 free
• Name brand salad dressings for 69 cents-buy one, get one free
• Diaper Genie II refills for $3.99
• Rice Chex for $1.19 
• Rice-a-Roni for 69 cents 
• Ocean Spray cranberry juice for $1.99
• Guittard Chocolate candy melts for $1.49
• Stove Top Stuffing for 79 cents
• Kraft BBQ sauce for 69 cents

These are just a few examples of the terrific bargains that can be found. There are 3 locations. The location on Platte carries office supplies and electronics. To read more about Extreme Bargains, click here.

All of this stuff cost a little over $50...

A New Look at Food Storage

About a week ago, our ward had a preparedness carnival. Since I am our ward's home and food storage specialist, I was asked to put together a booth about food storage. As I was talking to people, I was surprised to know that very few were aware of the new food storage program, as suggested by our church. The old program suggested that members begin their food storage by purchasing long term food items and gradually purchase enough for a year's supply of food. The new guidelines recommend a simplified, four-step approach.

1. Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for three months.
2. Store drinking water.
3. Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.
4. Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.

For more information about the new guidelines, visit www.providentliving.org.