Interview with a South Asian Mom: How I Save $ at Jewel Every Week
A real-life look at how a South Asian mom in Chicago saves money on groceries every week.
Interview with a South Asian Mom: How I Save $ at Jewel Every Week
In the bustling city of Chicago, families are constantly looking for ways to stretch their budgets, especially when it comes to groceries. For many South Asian households, balancing authentic flavors with rising costs can be a challenge. We sat down with Priya Sharma, a busy mom of two from Schaumburg, who has mastered the art of saving money at Jewel-Osco while still putting delicious, traditional meals on the table every week.
Meet Priya Sharma
Q: Priya, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a little bit about your family and your grocery shopping routine?
A: Of course! I’m a mom to two wonderful kids, aged 8 and 12, and my husband works long hours. Our weeks are pretty hectic, so efficient grocery shopping is key. I try to do one big shop at Jewel-Osco every week, usually on a Wednesday or Thursday, and then maybe a quick top-up at a local Indian store for specific fresh produce or spices.
Priya’s Top Jewel-Osco Saving Strategies
Q: Many South Asian families shop at Jewel-Osco. What are your top tips for saving money there?
A: My absolute number one tip is the Jewel-Osco “for U” app. It’s a game-changer! Before I even make my list, I go through the app and clip every digital coupon that’s relevant to what I usually buy. They also have personalized deals based on your past purchases, which are often fantastic. I also always check the weekly ad and try to plan my meals around what’s on sale. For example, if chicken thighs are on a great deal, I’ll plan a chicken curry or a tandoori chicken dish for that week.
Q: How do you balance shopping at Jewel-Osco with specialty Indian/South Asian grocery stores, especially for specific ingredients?
A: That’s a great question. For everyday staples like milk, eggs, bread, and most fresh produce like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, Jewel-Osco is usually more convenient and often cheaper, especially with coupons. But for very specific Indian spices, certain types of lentils (like whole urad dal), fresh curry leaves, or unique snacks, I’ll go to a local Indian grocery store on Devon Avenue or in Schaumburg. I try to make that a less frequent trip, maybe once or twice a month, and stock up on those specialty items.
Q: Do you plan your meals in advance? How does that help with your budget?
A: Oh, absolutely! Meal planning is essential. I usually sit down on Sunday and plan out our dinners for the week. This helps me create a precise grocery list, which means I buy only what I need and avoid impulse purchases. It also helps me use up ingredients efficiently, so there’s less food waste. Less waste equals more savings!
Q: Do you buy certain items in bulk? What are your go-to bulk items?
A: Yes, definitely. For South Asian cooking, rice is a huge one. I always buy large bags of basmati rice when they’re on sale at either Jewel-Osco or an Indian grocery store. Cooking oils, like vegetable or mustard oil, are another. And certain spices that I use a lot, like cumin seeds or turmeric powder, I’ll buy in larger containers if the price per ounce is better.
Q: How much do you cook from scratch versus buying pre-made items? Does that help with savings?
A: I try to cook from scratch as much as possible. It’s healthier, and it’s definitely cheaper. For example, making dal from dried lentils is far more economical than buying canned or pre-cooked versions. Even making fresh rotis or parathas from scratch, if you have the time, is cheaper than buying them ready-made. I do buy some convenience items, like frozen parathas or samosas, when they’re on a good sale and I know I’ll be short on time.
Q: Diwali and other holidays involve a lot of special foods. How do you manage your budget during these times?
A: Holiday planning starts early! I look for sales on nuts, dried fruits, and baking ingredients months in advance. For example, if I know I’ll be making a lot of sweets for Diwali, I’ll buy sugar and ghee when they’re discounted. I also try to make most of the sweets at home, as store-bought Indian sweets can be very expensive. It’s a labor of love, but it’s worth it for the savings and the authentic taste.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other South Asian moms in Chicago looking to save money on groceries?
A: Don’t be afraid to mix and match your shopping. Jewel-Osco is fantastic for many things, especially with their app. But don’t forget your local ethnic markets for specialty items. And always, always check the sales flyers and clip those digital coupons! Every dollar saved adds up.
Thank you, Priya, for sharing your invaluable insights! Your tips will surely help many Chicago families navigate their grocery budgets more effectively.