When bulk buying won't work: Waste, cost hurdle for some

Are you going to eat those 48 individually wrapped granola bars?

What about those three dozen eggs?

They might languish in your pantry or refrigerator until well past their expiration date.

It's easy to go overboard, and get overwhelmed, when you're faced with the lure of bulk pricing.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 30 percent of the food in our homes is wasted.

That food in the trash can isn't saving you money. Buying in bulk only makes sense if you use the food.

With five growing children and two adults in their household, it's rare that Amy Hinkle of Palmerton throws food away.

"We never waste," she said. "We freeze the chicken and meats that we buy in bulk, and are careful to eat the food that we've purchased."

As part of its ongoing "U.S. Food Waste Challenge," the USDA recommends that consumers only buy what they can reasonably expect to use, and to shop with a list and meal plan to ensure that you'll have plans to use the foods that you do purchase.

Freezing, drying and otherwise preserving bulk foods is also a good way to reduce food waste, especially when you're faced with lots of low-priced seasonal produce.

The Hinkles have a second freezer to hold their bulk purchases.

Shoppers might also be intimidated by the startup costs of bulk buying in a club store. There's the membership fee, plus the cost of buying a month's worth (or more) of groceries and toiletries at one time.

"The upfront cost can be a big deal," said Hinkle. "But it's like cloth diapering. You might spend $500 to get started, but when you break it down over time you'll save money."

And keep in mind that a club membership won't keep you out of local stores completely.

Despite her monthly trips to Sam's Club, Hinkle makes a trip to local grocery stores about once a week to buy produce and some dairy items.