heartattack america

[mr_e]

I'm going to have to do an impromptu survey, if I remember, when I next go shopping, to see if the price thing is true. I still think it just comes down to convenience or lack of time from the parent's point of view. Pretty much the same way the loose vegetables are always cheaper by weight than the pre-packed stuff.

I really don't like the way something as important as school food can be so easily sold off to private companies. Then again, it happened with public transport, and may yet happen with parts of the civil service. Yay!

[Andy]

I still think it just comes down to convenience or lack of time from the parent's point of view.

I think in the majority of cases you are wholly correct. I do agree with you on that one - especially potatoes/most veg, apart from leeks. The leeks with the ends cut off are much better value because you aren't paying for 1/3 that you would just cut off anyway. The way that I interpreted it was that Lizzie was refering to the Value/SmartPrice ranges that are significantly cheaper but significantly worse for your health.

Overall, me and Rowenna have found that when you make something from fresh it actually costs about the same price as it would do when frozen - but the taste is sooooo much better it is worth the extra 50p.

The one thing that we have found that is significantly more expensive in the supermarket is meat and fish. However, we do go to Bolton market every month and stock up and this significantly reduces the amount we spend - here you get more more quality meat for your money and the fish is gorgeous as well and they have much more variety. Our local butcher is a good source of food as well, especially mince with him because his contains no fat - 70p more per pound but that is worth it for the taste.