Grocery Auctions: Bidding on Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Grocery auctions, which sell leftover or damaged goods from supermarkets, distribution centers and restaurant suppliers , are gaining in popularity across the United States, as people look for creative ways to save money at the supermarket.  The peculiar phenomenon offers people some relief from the economic recession and rising food prices, but is bidding on cereal that's past the sell-by date the best choice for consumers?  Supposedly the past-date food is fine to eat, and difficult times call for desperate measures, but I would rather see people steering clear of unhealthy processed food in general.  I suppose that until we can implement a more sustainable food system, people still have to eat.  And I have to admit, a grocery auction sounds like it could be fun.  Where else would you hear this:

Who wants the cheese curls?" Williams says. "Down there, No. 17 wants two. No. 7 wants one. No. 33 takes two. Guys, who else? These are so good. Anybody else on the cheese curls? Anybody, anybody, anybody else? All fresh and in date.

That said, the auctioneers suggest an increase in food stamps and credit card payments indicate that more people are showing up out of neccesity, not just for the thrill of bargin hunting.  Ideally, we need to find ways to make farmer's markets more appealling and accessible to those in need.  Many markets are now accepting food stamps, and new ones are popping up all over the place.  Ultimately though, federal subsidies need to be redirected  from comodity crops, which make processed supermarket fare so cheap, to farms that produce a wider diversity of crops, so that people can afford the healthier alternatives.takepart by finding sustainable food in your area with the Eat Well Guide, and check the upcoming film Food Inc., which will really open your eyes to to the reality behind industrial food.