As the author of "Poor Richard's TIPS from the Great Depression," I particularly appreciate The Star's tips about careful shopping and wise use of resources.
Because I tend to buy extra of bargain-items we expect to need, we try to keep an eye on the use-by dates. To make that information more visible, my wife, Anita, recently started writing the dates with a black and bold Sharpie on the more-visible sides of the jar, can or package.
If we have overstocked, we donate to the food-service program at our church, or we pass along bargain items that exceed the needs of the two of us.
-- Richard Londgren, Thousand Oaks