St. Michael-Albertville Savers Can Pay it Forward

So, what do you do after you start getting food and toiletries for free, and you have no more room in your Stockpile?

You can donate!

There are two main reasons that I use coupons. To gain financial independence with saving thousands of dollars each year, and to give back to my community. I am constantly giving away items from my stock pile to family, friends, and even co-workers. When my stockpile gets a little too unbearable, I donate to a local food shelf. The food shelf I donate to accepts all food and non-food items, so I can bring all my toiletries there.

I usually donate to the food bank about once per quarter. I will go thru all of my items and think about what my household is going to use. For instance, if I’ve been able to find toothpaste for free or pennies and I see that I have over 20 tubes in my stockpile I will donate half of them. Because I know that my brand of toothpaste will be free, again, at CVS within the next 6 weeks!

I like to donate locally, because I know that lots of families in our area are still in need. Even though a lot of us have recovered from the economic downturn, there is still a threat of job loss for many workers in our area. People in our community will often turn to a food bank for everyday necessities to help them through this difficult time.

 I donated all of my items to a local food shelf in the area. The Patch did an article on this organization about a week ago. They are currently in need of school supplies to hand out to the families they serve. They take all food and non-food items. Here is their contact info and how to donate.  

11024 Church Street

Hanover, MN 55341

763.498.8311

Hours:

First and third Monday 5 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday noon to 1 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday noon to 2 p.m.

If you are wondering, I had four large paper grocery bags full of items to give! The ladies at the food bank were so appreciative of all the items I brought them. There was over a $300 retail value of what I gave away, and I paid a little less that $20 out of my own pocket for it! It feels great to give back to our community, and help families in need.

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Deal of the week:

NO COUPONS REQUIRED!

I got a ton of great produce at the Albertville Farmers Market this past Thursday. These prices are very comparable, if not cheaper, than our area supermarkets. I like shopping at farmers markets because all the produce is typically fresher than the big box stores. Also it’s a great way to stimulate your local economy by getting produce directly from the farmer. There is no middle man mark up!

The runs until the end of September and is held each Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. They are right off Main Avenue just south of Albertville City Hall.

*Note: Make sure to bring cash to the Albertville Farmers Market*

Here is a break down of what I got a the Farmers Market…

Cucumbers x 4 - $3

Green Beans x 2 lbs - $3

Watermelon - $3

Red Potatoes x 3lbs - $2.50

Tomatoes x 7 - $2.50

Jalapeños x 15 - $3

Broccoli x 5 stalks - $3

Honey Bear - $5

Total Paid $24