STANDING AT a crowded window and shouting for your groceries may not appeal to you.
Though the prices might be better downtown, some persons cannot be bothered with the hassle or the possibility of having to dodge gunshots.
Michelle and David Smith* spend approximately $25,000 monthly on groceries. They shop at PriceSmart and MegaMart, both in St. Andrew. They have two children to feed and
sometimes if they can, will spend an additional $5,000.
The Smiths are aware that the grocery bill is expensive, however it is more convenient to shop uptown. David's mother shops downtown monthly and they give her $1,000 for
ground provisions.
"Grocery shopping is scary. By the time you pick up a few items its $10,000," said Mrs. Smith.
*Names changed
Breakdown of basic food items:
AT PRICESMART:
Laundry items: soap powder, bleach, fabric softener
Fruits: grapes and apples
A large bag of Tang or Fresh Start drink mix
Ziploc bags for packing children's lunches
Snacks: juices, and assorted bags of chips
Canned foods: corned beef, sardines, tuna, mackerel
3 bags of chicken
Cornflakes
A case of spray starch
Toiletries: tissue, toothpaste
Macaroni and cheese
AT MEGAMART
Snacks: cheese crunches, animal biscuits (3 of each)
Rice, flour, sugar, cornmeal
Items for lunch box: frozen food, waffles, buns, cheese, muffin and pancake mix
Milk: (canned and boxed)
Deodorants
Pastries: bread, bulla
