Kitchen Table Squeeze Zone

I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal recently about how the economy is impact grocery shopping.

It seems, according to the WSJ report that consumers are cutting spending on some food products in the grocery store. Milk, eggs and vegetables are up. However, items like beef, cereals, alcoholic beverages and even pet foods are down.

In the article, it says that the economy is hitting Americans in the wallets - and their stomachs. From the 3rd quarter to the 4th quarter last year, consumers spent 3.7% less of food, splurging less and digging into their pantries more, this according to data from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis. The figures marked the steepest decline in the 62 years which the bureau has compiled the data.

Below is the rundown:

• Eggs: +3%
• Fresh vegetables: + 2.3%
• Milk: +1%
• Poultry: - 3.2%
• Beef, veal: - 3.4%
• Cereals: - 4.3%
• Sugar/sweets: - 5.1%
• Pet foods: -5.1%
• Alcoholic beverages: - 10.9%

It may be so, but for me, I'm shopping as usual. I like my steak, burgers, chicken and the like. I am trying to eat healthy and I'm cutting back on fatty foods; I drink skim milk now more than ever. And I also get the cheaper brand of cold cereal - that stuff is high.

But for the most part, it's business as usual on my trips to the supermarket. I get the stuff I like for me and my family, or my wife does. We do go to the store with a budget, too.