Question about food budget in Fairfax. (Springfield, Merrifield: to buy, school, allergy)

[Abraham Walker]

We will be relocating to the Kingstown area in August. I would like to get some ideas on food budget for a family of four. Here's some information about us:
We cook 7 days a week.
We don't use any processed foods.
We don't shop at whole foods and eat at a restaurant once or twice a month.
I bring my lunch to work.

Thanks on advance for your assistance.

[Candicem]

we are a family of 4 and we spend between $150 to $200 per week. Now, I know that might seem high to some, but my daughter has an allergy to wheat so she has to have all her food gluten free, which is more expensive to buy. So, there are times when I do have to make a quick run to whole foods. I can get most of the gluten free stuff at wegmans though which is great. We make all our meals and only eat out maybe once a month. We also pack our lunches for school and work.

[Abraham Walker]

Thanks for the input.

We currently spend $125 pet week in New Orleans.

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[Jlyles]

I'm not from that area, but it would be wise to find an International grocery, especially for veggies and fresh fruits. Hard to find spices too!

Originally Posted by Abraham Walker

We will be relocating to the Kingstown area in August. I would like to get some ideas on food budget for a family of four. Here's some information about us:
We cook 7 days a week.
We don't use any processed foods.
We don't shop at whole foods and eat at a restaurant once or twice a month.
I bring my lunch to work.

Thanks on advance for your assistance.

[weezycom]

There's a farmer's market once a week in the afternoons/early evenings in one of the parking lots at Kingstowne shopping center. There's also a Wal-Mart there which will help keep down prices on your staple goods, and a Wegman's is coming. Virginia has price controls on milk, so you won't find a bargain there; prices will be about the same no matter which store you shop.

Up at 395/Duke Street is one of the international supermarkets and they typically have good prices and variety in their produce department.

[CAVA1990]

Depends if your diet is heavy on cheaper carbs or more expensive proteins and produce. To eat healthfully around here be prepared to spend closer to $200 including non-consumables.

[michgc]

If you're on a strict food budget, you can do well if you shop at Aldi's. They have very low prices on many foods. I don't know if there is one near Kingstowne. If not, you also need to be prepared to shop the specials. There are several grocery stores, so it's wise to look at each circular and pick out the best one(s) for the week for fruits and veggies. Trader Joe's has good prices on frozen veggies and fruit and many other items.

We are a family of 5, and we usually spent about $150 per week on groceries when we lived in NoVA. But we eat mostly vegetarian, so we don't have a high meat cost. Farmer's markets are good but not necessarily cheaper, although there might be deals at the end of the day. I think you'll have no problem sticking with your budget, but there might be a learning curve as you get to know the supermarkets in NoVA and their pricing strategies.

[farplaner]

We do our grocery shopping at freshworld at Springfield, VA if we don't feel like going to Merrifield (Great Wall supermarket)

FRESH WORLD - INTERNATIONAL SUPERMARKET

They have pretty low prices.

[slduvall]

You have the options of 2 giants (one on either end of Kingstowne - one larger and more crowded, the other more like a local market) Though I imagine Wegmans will be putting the smaller one out of business. You also have the Walmart and a Saveway as well as a Shoppers. All within 2 -3 miles of all of Kingstowne. I find the prices at the smaller Giant to be the best. As well as the ease in shopping there and parking etc. Get a Giant Card, and you can save on gas points. There is also another international market over off of Commerce in Springfield, though Fresh World is nicer. I think the abundance of stores keeps the prices pretty competative.

Welcome to Kingstowne.

[farplaner]

Originally Posted by slduvall

There is also another international market over off of Commerce in Springfield, though Fresh World is nicer.

Oh yeah, it's called "LA Mart" (I don't think there's a website): LA Mart - Springfield, VA

It's a bit small for us which is why we prefer Fresh World. I had completely forgotten about this place lol.