Okay, we need to find a more economical way to buy meat. And despite sales, it just doesn't save us that much. So, onto bigger savigns by buying big I guess. We'd love to find a butcher that sells whole cows or something of that nature. I knew back down east where my hsuband was from they'd sell a side of beef and costs would be much less. We use 5 lbs of hamburger meat in a meal typically. I've managed to do 2.5 lbs meals if they have other stuff in them. Getting creative--LOL. Anyone know of a place that sells larger quantities? We have 1 fridge/freezer combo; chest freezer; and getting ready to get another large fridge/freezer combo. I think there'd be plenty of room for the meat. Has anyone done this kind of thing before? If so, how long does the meat last and what are typical costs? Thanks in advance. Also, since fruit typically isn't on sale much in the grocery stores or veggies for that matter, any suggestions on that? Tried contacting Porter farms and no one ever called/ emailed me back. Tried L & G and they will try to work but the one guy got hurt a few weeks back. Goign to try and contact them again. We go through roughly a bag of apples a day/ case of peaches and plums a week/ too many grapes to count/ 3 to 4 bags of oranges, etc. LOTS of fruit and veggies even more as our family has cut out almost all processed foods. (okay, so I still cheat on cereal in the hurry-up kind of days). I've tried the coupon cutting thing but notice it is for almost all boxed or canned stuff and we don't do that really much anymore. So, any great suggestions or money saving tips, please do send them my way. Thanks a bunch. Stephanie--mom to 7
I found a grass-fed farm in Wendell (not far from Knightdale). Cows are on pasture all the time. Here is the website: mohriafarm.com The price for a 1/2 cow is $3.50 per pound. About 220 lbs (actual meat, not hanging weight) total. ($3.50 a pounds sounds high for some cuts but averages out ok, I think?) The website breaks it down very nicely as to what you get with the 1/2 of a cow. I'm sure there is some flexibility as to how the meat is cut, but it is a nice starting point. I have not ordered from them but would like to after we move etc... Not sure what to tell you about fruit, it kills us too... I do farmers market, but probably is not the best bet. What about the bulk place in the back of the market? I know a group that buys from there to co-op it...
There's a local slaughterhouse that we have used before that is a lot cheaper than buying at the store. It's McLamb's Abbatoir. Don't have the number but it's a Benson address. I wish I had prices for you, but I remember seeing them posted when I went in to pick up a few steaks. Their prices looked pretty good to me but you'd have to get details from them. Others here have mentioned using them too so probably have more info than I do. (They also dress deer.)
Great! Gives me 2 good places to start from. I'm sure between the two, we can find something to work for our family. Thanks. stephanie--mom to 7
