Back in 2018, my husband and I were broke-broke. We had a newborn at home, and a huge majority of our single-income budget went to our mortgage, medical bills, and baby necessities. That didn’t leave much for us in the way of menial things like, you know, food.
It was suppertime, and I believe we had two days to go until payday. I opened up our cupboards, and a big ol’ slab of absolutely nothing greeted me. It was the same story in the fridge. Our bank account was close enough to $0, and we couldn’t afford to risk an overdraft. But do you know what we did have? Spare change—specifically, quarters.
We dumped out our whole jar and started counting. I wish you could’ve seen the joy in our home when we counted up enough to buy a pizza! My husband took our bundle of coins to Pizza Hut, counted them out on the counter, and brought home the best mix of dough, sauce, and cheese I’ve ever tasted. It lasted us until payday, when we likely splurged on some store-brand bread, peanut butter, and jelly.
While our financial situation improved over the years, one thing hasn’t changed—food is still expensive. Or at least, it can be. In today’s lead story, we’re sharing some tips and tricks to help lower your grocery bill, while still enjoying the flavors you love. Bon appetit, and I’m so glad you’re here.
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If you’re a Virginian looking to lower your grocery bills, this article is for you. (Amigo Mobility/Unsplash)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: Going to the grocery store can be expensive, and all signs point to prices soaring even higher in the coming months. Luckily, many grocery stores in Virginia offer great deals that can help keep your grocery bill low.
Our top tips:
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Shop local at Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market and rest assured you won’t miss out on a good deal, because its sales flyer is valid all month long. You may also consider becoming a member, which grants you access to monthly discounts, flash sales, and VIP club savings. The market has been serving the Carytown community since 1989.
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The Fredericksburg Food Co-Op is a community-owned grocery store that focuses on selling local, natural, and organic products. It offers plenty of ways to save while still supporting the community. Check out the weekly flyer to see what’s on sale. A variety of buy-one-get-one-free deals are available.
Ready to shop? We’ve got more grocery store tips at the link below.
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Amie and Colton Knowles enjoy a day at the Hillsville Flea Market. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)
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By Amie Knowles
Last weekend, Colton (age 8) and I ventured out to the Hillsville Flea Market. It wasn’t his first time there ever, but he hadn’t been for several years. Me? I’ve trained my calf muscles by power walking up and down those hills twice a year for the past two decades.
Personally, I bought a cast-iron bell for the shed we’re building this summer, a Victorian photo album complete with letters and pictures, and a couple of large portraits from the late 1800s. Colton’s the one who racked up this year. He made quick friends with several of the vendors selling Pokémon cards, and how can you not give a good deal to a kid who collects? He also bought a skateboard, which he’s very excited to ride.
When we were packing up our car to leave, Colton proclaimed that it was “the best day ever.” He’s already begging me to bring him back in the fall for the larger Labor Day weekend show.
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Join COURIER and 3.14 Action on June 11 for Facts vs. Fiction: The Fight for Science in American Democracy.
Misinformation isn’t just noise. It’s shaping policy decisions that determine who can afford care, which communities are protected, and how our government responds to real-world risks.
This live conversation will examine what’s at stake when facts are ignored and how science-informed leadership has shaped policy on healthcare, climate, agriculture, and public health. At a moment when institutions and public trust are under attack, we’ll explore what happens when decision-making is driven by evidence, what it takes to rebuild trust, and why scientific integrity is essential to democracy.
Stay tuned for more speaker announcements, and don’t miss this conversation.
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Since we didn’t send a newsletter on Memorial Day, we don’t have a Question of the Week to discuss today. Instead, let’s chat about 5/29 Day, shall we?
Yep, that’s today, May 29—and it’s all about saving for future opportunities.
National Day Calendar notes that “529s can be used for 4-year or community colleges, career and technical schools, and registered apprenticeships. In addition to tuition and fees, they can cover those expenses that add up, such as room and board, fees, books, computers. They also can be used for qualified institutions abroad.”
According to Invest529, from now until May 31, all new accounts will receive a $25 contribution to jumpstart education savings. Just enter the code 529DAY2026 as a gift card payment option in the Invest529 application. I set up an account for my son in less than an hour.
To apply, you’ll need some noteworthy information—namely, your Social Security Number (SSN) and the child’s SSN, your primary residence and the child’s, and both your and the child’s date of birth. In addition, you’ll also need to know the same information for a designated survivor of the account, which differs from yourself or the child.
You can pick from several investment options, factoring in the investment timeframe, risk vs. conservative flexibility, and even funding opportunities. Besides, through the weekend, it’s free—so what do you have to lose?
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By Amie Knowles
Cheap, easy, and legit delicious? These campfire cookers understood the assignment—and so did we.
Over the past few weeks, Dogwood readers have told us again and again that affordability is a major concern. We’re leaning into that topic to try to help (or at the very least, commiserate).
That brings us to our newest project: Beauty and the Budget. Once a week, I’ll head to the grocery store to feed my family of three a full meal for under $10.
You’ll see exactly what I’m purchasing, how to prepare it, and most importantly, how much it costs. The first episode’s already on social media. Want to take a look?
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Want to get politically engaged this week? You can protest in Farmville, BBQ in Arlington, or get crafty in Fairfax. Here’s our weekly roundup of upcoming events and actions. (Read more)
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Watch as State Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling (D-Henrico) explains her anger over Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s collective bargaining veto. LeVere Bolling is also the communications director for the Virginia AFL-CIO. (Watch here)
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Virginia recently joined a lawsuit against a Trump administration Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rollback tied to a cancer-linked chemical. The EPA will now review public comments submitted earlier this month before deciding whether to finalize the rollback nationwide. (See post)
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Would you share this newsletter with a friend?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd, Ava Edwards, Michael O’Connor, and Dogwood’s breaking news team. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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