How to save on groceries without clipping coupons

Ashlyn Boland and her fiance are expecting their very first child. They’re trying to save money wherever they can to make sure they’re ready for their baby to come into this world.

“We switched insurances, we coupon, I make masks and sell them,” Boland explained. They’re trying to maximize their income.

That’s why they stopped by the Sunflower Discount Market on Hancock Bridge Parkway in North Fort Myers, across from Marinatown. It’s a discount grocery store that offers up to half-off of name brand items.

Kashi bars, for example, are $1.29 at Sunflower Discount Market. At Target, the price is more than $3.

“A lot of cool name brand stuff, Betty Crocker, and we love the ginger ale section because that’s all I’ve been drinking recently,” Boland added.

Food ends up at Sunflower for many reasons, such as out of season packaging, dents and past due “best by” dates.

“We are working to educate people that that isn’t one day and time when that product all of a sudden goes bad,” said Lisa Crawford, owner of Sunflower Discount Market.

Crawford said that the manufacturer sets those dates you see, not the USDA. If not for stores like hers, perfectly good food would go to the landfill.

“We buy those products at a huge discount and then we’re able to offer them to consumers at a great price,” Crawford said.

Prices that help people like Ashlyn Boland save money for their future.

Crawford said they are opening a second discount market in Englewood on Indiana Street in the fall.

Nature’s Own and Tasty also have a discounted bakery store located on Metro Parkway, where they sell bread and buns for under a dollar.