Safeway gas

What absolute fucking nightmare that is the parking situation at the Safeway off 19th Street. A toddler could have done a better job designing it. It's like they designed it to be the most infuriating experience imaginable. Finding a parking spot? Good fucking luck! There are neer enough spaces, and the ones they do have are so ridiculously cramped that it's a miracle if you can fit your car without scraping the sides. If you have a truck, forget about it. You are not parking here.
And the layout? It's a disaster waiting to happen. The lanes are a confusing mess with barely visibe markings. Pretty sure they are never maintained. You're constantly doging cars, trying not to scrape your vehicle or hit some oblivious shopper wandering aimlessly. Which a majority are . And don't even get me stated on the shopping carts. They don't exist. Good luck. It's like they've vanished into thin air, leaving you to wander around the chaotic parking lot, praying you stumble upon one. Probably all stolen.
This place has become a magnet for homeless tweakers ad thieves. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people huddled around, openly using drugs and leaving their needles lying around. It's not only disgusting but also a serious safety concern. I mean, who wants to worry about their kidbeing exposed to such dangerous behavior while simply trying to buy groceries? It's fucking disgusting.
Almost every month you see articles of people getting stabbed at this store and I just absolutely refuse to go there now. It's not worth the risk to my life just to get groceries.
It sucks bcause I like Safeway as a brand and they tend to carry good quality stuff at okay prices and I like the gas benefits
And no, I can't afford the co-op so don't even offer it as an option
Why did it get so bad?

Hi all, been lurking for a while and I recently saw a similar post that was very similar to my situation, inspiring me to post. I'm looking to get 1-2 new cards. Much like the earlier poster, my highest priority is a non-Amex, no FTF card. I saw several options recommended and could be interested in WF Autograph, Amazon Visa (not a Prime member), or Citi Costco (though don't have a membership right now).
I do prefer to fly Delta and have considered switching from my strategy of always using the Citi DC to attempting to chase status a bit more with the Amex Delta card. I fly a decent amount across the country every year - I'm on one coast and my family all lives on the other coast (everyone is at Delta hubs). I've considered trying to lean a bit more into the Amex rewards to maximize Skymiles & status and would be interested in how people might recommend doing this? The caveat is that I really do prefer simplicity, and I'd rather not regularly need to use more than 2 cards. I'm ok with having 3-4 cards (eg., if I need to keep a no AF, no FTF, non-Amex for those international trips, that's totally fine), but would prefer that my standard rotation require no more than 2.
I've considered a few different strategies --

1. Use Delta Amex for everything. Maybe not the most lucrative, but easiest way to get status and regularly earn Skymiles.
2. Balance spending between Delta Amex and 1 other non-Amex card to get a little bit more value out of rewards while still accruing miles and status. For example, getting the Amazon Visa and using that for all of my Amazon purchases, local transit, and international (non-Amex accepting) spend while putting everything else on the Amex. Open to other card recommendations for this, too?
3. Open a different Amex and balance the rewards between two Amex cards that gives me more value. With this, can open an easy no AF, no FTF, non-Amex to have as a backup.
4. Upgrade to the Delta Reserve card & use that plus one other card (which one?)?
5. Something else?

I do like to travel, and I hope to travel more in the coming years, but I have no loyalties aside from preferring Delta. I do tend to get enough value from the Delta Amex just through the companion pass, so the AF isn't too big of a deal.
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CREDIT PROFILE
• Current credit cards you are the primary account holder of: (list cards, limits, opening date): American Express Delta Platinum (~2019, $14k), Citi DC (~2013, $9k)• FICO Scores with source (see note on FICO score sources below): Equifax 802• Oldest credit card account age with you as primary name on the account: ~9 years• * Number of personal credit cards approved for in the past 6 months: 0• * Number of personal credit cards approved for in the past 12 months: 0• * Number of personal credit cards approved for in the past 24 months: 1 (AMEX Gold, cancelled about 2 years ago)• * Annual income $: $85,000
CATEGORIES
• OK with category-specific cards?: Yes but preferred maximum 2 cards (with exception of occasional travel abroad)• OK with rotating category cards?: No• Estimate average monthly spend in the categories below. Only include what you can pay by credit card: over last 2 years, have had about $35k/year in CC spending broken down monthly as about --• * Dining: $500 (including things like breweries/cafes ideally)• * Groceries: $500 (usually Safeway & local specialty grocery chain PCC)• * Gas: <1 tank per month (~$20)• * Travel: $350 (overall probably underestimated as I had multiple Delta flights paid for with a big backlog of Skymiles, now depleted; this is mostly airfare and lodging; rare car rentals only when absolutely necessary but prefer to use public transit, walk, rideshare, or transit by bike when available)• * Do you plan on using this card abroad for a significant length of time: At least 1, but often 2-3 international trips per year (1-4 weeks total)• * Any other categories: $400 Amazon, $65 internet; have some streaming services but those are on my partner's card• * Any other significant, regular credit card spend you didn't include above?: Majority of other spending is ancillary merchandise, healthcare expenses, one-off entertainment services like lift tickets or concerts (things that go in my travel budget but don't tend to get counted as travel categories because they're activities, gear rentals, etc.)• * Can you pay rent by credit card? If yes, list rent amount and if there's a fee for paying by credit card: No
MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS (delete lines that don't apply)
• Current member of Amazon Prime?: No (partner is Prime member; I am grandfathered into my parent's prime account and have the shipping benefit but am not considered a Prime member by Amazon)• Current Verizon postpaid customer?: No• Current member of Costco or Sam's Club? No (not against joining though...probably would use it a fair bit -- I hear they have great travel deals?)• Currently paying $13.99/month or more for Disney Bundle (Disney+ / Hulu / EPSN+) or other Hulu services? No; partner pays for Spotify + NYT, on other family/friend's streaming accounts• Current member of Chase, US Bank or any other big bank?: Ally, USAA• Active US military?: No• Are you open to Business Cards?: (these are an option if you have any kind of side gig, such as selling on eBay or Etsy) No
PURPOSE
• What's the purpose of your next card (choose ONE)?: travel rewards• If you answered "travel rewards", do you have a preferred airline and/or hotel chain? Delta; no preferred hotel• Do you have any cards you've been looking at? So many...AMEX green/gold/plat/reserve, CSP/CSR; also now considering amazon visa, WF autograph, Citi Costco? I probably wouldn't prefer to pay for any of the top tier cards (plat, delta reserve, CSR) AND the current one I have.
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Thanks!

Recently got the Amazon Prime rewards card and thought I'd test it out on some purchases.
It states I'll get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases, 2% cashback for gas or commuter expenses, 1% cashback on everything else.
So, I try Amazon purchase...I get 5% cash back.I try gas...I get, 5% cash back
I try a commuter expense, I get 5% cash back
I try grocery shopping at Safeway (the other category)...I get 5% cash back.
When I go to the redemption page it all shows up but for example for groceries for $100 purchase it basically says 1% reward so $1 then another line saying +Additional earn on 1% Back which gives me another $4, bringing it up to $5 or 5%.
Same for gas. It says its a 2% reward so $100 gives me $2. But another line says +Additional earn on 2% Back which gives me another $3, bringing it to $5 or 5%.
I've looked all over the site for an explanation for this and googled the "additional earn on 1% back" "Amazon prime card" to find mention of this somewhere and I can't find anything.
I mean that is great but I assume this is some sort of temporary promotional period right after you get the card? Anyone know?

Trying my best here! I am 21 trying to figure the world out. Recently bought my first home a few months ago, reddit and youtube have helped me achieve so much. It's just me against the world and the only thing on my mind is financial independence.
- Current Credit Cards: Discover IT Secured, Home Depot Consumer
- Fico Score: 720 Experian
- Oldest Credit Card: 1 Year 2 Months (Discover IT)
- Annual Income: 50,000
- Monthly Spending: Utilities 295$ , Gas 300$ , Mortgage 880$ , Groceries 600$ , Home and Car insurance 175$ , Other: 500$
I bank with Charles Schwab for Brokering and Checking, Chase for Checking and Bill Paying, AMEX for savings
I work at Walmart and hence shop there when items are better priced than other stores near me due to a miniscule small discount I receive and 10 cents off a gallon at select gas stations. Only 1 near me I use which is a Mobil 1 station. With fuel prices fluctuating I sometimes have to gas up at Safeway because it's cheaper than Mobil 1 even after the gas discount. I live with my girlfriend and she makes the same income I do hence the high grocery bill. I'm wanting to propose to her in the following year or two coming- are there any incentives for credit or advantages you can grab after you're married?
Currently approved for the following cards and the categories i'm looking to pay for with credit are: GAS, Groceries, Bills ( Property Taxes, Gas and Electric bill, Phone bills, etc. ) i'm currently fixing my foundation and will be purchasing a lot of equipment, tools, toys, concrete bags and a mixer. Are there any 3 card methods I can follow, any recommendations on anything I can read up on, tips and tricks? We've got our Roth IRA' , two savings accounts, when one house payment goes in we also put another house payment into a separate account. This is our only debt and for better income I am currently pursuing my real estate license working with a broker. Thank you.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: $2000 ($200 Bonus)
Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5000 (80k Bonus Point Offer)
Chase Slate Edge: $2000
Chase Freedom Flex: $2000 ($200 + 5% Cash Back Quarterly bonus)

CREDIT PROFILE

• Current credit cards you are the primary account holder of:
  • CSP - $30k Limit - Opened in 2018
  • BoA Customized Cash Rewards - $20k Limit - Opened in 2012
• FICO Scores with source (see note on FICO score sources below):
  • 796
• Oldest credit card account age with you as primary name on the account: 10 years
  • Number of personal credit cards approved for in the past 6 months: 0
  • Number of personal credit cards approved for in the past 12 months: 0
  • Number of personal credit cards approved for in the past 24 months: 0
• Annual income $: $250k

CATEGORIES

• OK with category-specific cards?: Yes
• OK with rotating category cards?: No
• Estimate average monthly spend in the categories below. Only include what you can pay by credit card.
  • Dining $: $600
  • Groceries $: $800 (Most groceries are done at TJ and Safeway)
  • Gas $: $200
  • Travel $:
    • Flights: $800
    • Hotels: $600
    • UbeLyft: $100
• Do you plan on using this card abroad for a significant length of time (study abroad, digital nomad, expat, extended travel)?: No
• Any other significant, regular credit card spend you didn't include above?: $1000 (Shopping, including Amazon)
• Can you pay rent by credit card? No

MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS (delete lines that don't apply)

• Current member of Amazon Prime?: Yes
• Current member of Costco? Yes
• Current member of Chase, US Bank or any other big bank?: Chase and BoA
• Are you open to Business Cards?: No

PURPOSE

• What's the purpose of your next card (choose ONE)?: SUB and Cashback
• Do you have any cards you've been looking at? Amex Blue Cash Preferred for Groceries, Chase Trifecta, Citi Premier

I have been living under a rock and finally catching up on how to best utilize credit cards. I'm looking to get at least 2 more in the near future and start building from there to maximize cashback and rewards. I will have a significant purchase in the near future ~$10k (In the next 2 months probably) so I would like to maximize the rewards. I also read that I could downgrade my CSP and then re-open it to get the SUB. Will I lose any of my UR points if I do that?

I read another dashers report based off what happened to them last year, advising to stay away from any flower deliveries for how little they pay and how difficult it is to deliver. They were right. I was offered 10$ and i assumed it was one order of flowers, it was two large arrangements for two different people… I don’t understand why door dash thinks people can just carry two full vases in one go. I picked up the orders from the desk begrudgingly, and waddled over to my car parked at the other end of the parking lot (safeway was very packed and busy at the moment). Barely hanging onto each vase, one bump away from slipping and dropping them. I got to my car and thought to myself that these arrangements were 100% going to spill. I did the only reasonable idea, dump the water out. After that i loaded it into my car and i was on my way.
First customer, the delivery says to call them to arrange a drop off as the order may be a gift for the recipient. I call him, explain why im calling, and now hes upset with me. Telling me just to leave it at the front door. 5$ no tip, whole ass house near San Jose.
Second customer, 5 miles away from the first and up the some of the steepest residential neighborhoods with rolling hills. My 6 speed manual is fighting for its life. I get DEEP into the richest part of the neighborhood and find out im delivering to a mansion while they also have their driveway being repaved. I get there and call and they immediately hung up on me, i call a second time and they agree to come to the door. We exchanged a brief but nice conversation and i leave.
5$ no tip, no cell service. Great.
Waste of time and effort for it all to be spent in gas just getting there. Dont be like me and fall for these orders.

I thought i just start with a newsletter showing the most recent news i found here
Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/prices-may-be-up-but-fewer-shoppers-are-cutting-down-on-grocery-purchases/648051/
While the share of shoppers who said they bought fewer groceries dropped to 32% in February from 41% in October 2022, the data indicates that people have nevertheless been taking active steps to mitigate the impact food costs are having on their finances.
Sixty-eight percent of shoppers in the survey said their grocery spending was more than it was a year ago, up from 59% in 2022, and the vast majority of those people (85%) blamed that additional spending on rising prices.
Although grocery inflation has been slowing, it remains sharply elevated, according to U.S. government statistics.
More than half of respondents (52%) to the survey said they are looking for deals more than they did in the past, an increase of 5 percentage points since last October. Notably, 31% buy items only when they are on special, up from 27%. Thirteen percent of respondents said they have stopped buying organic products, and 14% have reduced their purchases of fresh produce, although both of those figures were below their levels in October.
In addition, the percentage of people who buy less fresh meat or seafood than they did before has trended downward, while the proportion who buy more of those items frozen has increased, suggesting that shoppers are looking at myriad strategies to manage costs while keeping their homes stocked with food.
Shoppers have also been buying more items in bulk in person, increased their purchases of products carrying store brands, and stepped up their use of loyalty programs, according to the research.
Some 15% of shoppers said they eat out less often, a behavior shift the report pointed out generally pushes people to buy more groceries. Still, spending on food in restaurants outpaces grocery spending by a margin of 53% to 47%, according to the report.
The poll, part of FMI’s ongoing U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends survey, was conducted from Feb. 1-14 by The Hartman Group and reflects responses from 2,105 shoppers.
The survey also found that people visited an average of 5.2 grocery stores in February, up slightly from 4.9 during the same period in 2022. In addition, consumers are placing greater importance on quality perimeter goods — especially produce — and accurate pricing information in choosing where to shop.
The report noted that although worry about COVID has fallen to its lowest level since the early days of the pandemic, a third of shoppers remain “extremely” or “very” concerned about the disease.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/h-e-b-central-market-unveil-credit-cards-with-new-perks/648008/
While the cashback feature is the main one that H-E-B is spotlighting, the grocer also noted that the cards have additional benefits, including instant access to a virtual version of their card; personalized travel and lifestyle specials; and, for eligible participants, no impact to their credit score.
The announcement noted that neither card has an annual fee and that customers get the 1.5% cashback not only by shopping at H-E-B but also for all other Visa-eligible purchases at other vendors like movie theaters, gas stations online retailers and more.
H-E-B Group Vice President of Marketing Ashwin Nathan said in the announcement that the new credit cards are part of the Texas grocery company’s efforts to offer “innovative, quality programs” that help shoppers save.
“With the H-E-B and Central Market credit cards, we’re offering Texans a more rewarding shopping experience that provides savings wherever they shop and gives H-E-B and Central Market fans a premium benefit on their favorite products,” Nathan said.
Along with the two new Visa Signature Credit Cards, H-E-B launched last September its H-E-B Debit Card account, which lets customers access several benefits and perks such as 5% cashback on H-E-B private label items.
That same month, DoorDash and Chase announced plans to launch a DoorDash and Mastercard credit card — a first for the e-commerce service provider.
Chase also partnered with Instacart to launch a co-branded credit card last month.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/wakefern-boosts-executive-ranks/647919/
Less than a month after naming its next president, Wakefern Food Corp. has announced additional updates to its executive ranks.
The retailer-owned cooperative said Monday that Elena Kabasinskas has been named group vice president of strategy, planning and transformation. In the role, she will oversee key business processes and future-focused strategies like the deployment of new technologies.
Kabasinskas has worked for the past two years as an industry consultant, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, she worked at The Estée Lauder Companies, where she was most recently senior vice president in the company’s Global Transformation Office and Special Projects — a role in which she “led strategic initiatives that drove growth, efficiency, and transformational change,” according to Wakefern’s announcement.
Kabasinskas also led financial and business operations for the cosmetics maker as senior vice president of strategy, finance and business services in North America. In all, she spent more than 25 years at The Estée Lauder Companies, according to her profile.
“[Kabasinskas] will play an important role as we look to further fuel growth across our entire business. Her deep experience in process improvement and business transformation will be pivotal as we look internally to strengthen our own operations and meet the challenges presented by a new digital world,” Joe Sheridan, Wakefern’s president, said in a statement.
Wakefern also announced that Michael Day, who joined the company in 1999, has been promoted to senior vice president of strategy, business development and architecture. In that role, Day will lead strategic planning across numerous business units and will oversee information technology, real estate, business development, member services and strategic transformation strategies.
Kabasinskas will report to Day, Wakefern noted.
Last month, Wakefern announced that Mike Stigers, who formerly headed United Natural Food, Inc.’s retail division, will become its next president, effective June 1. He will fill the role currently held by Sheridan, who announced his retirement last year after nearly five decades with the company.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/lunds-byerlys-artificial-intelligence-computer-vision-phood-food-waste/648031/
Phood’s technology and feedback will give Lunds & Byerlys employees the ability to scan and weigh food as it is added to the grocer’s deli food bars and then again before food is thrown away, according to the press release. With this data, the grocer can make changes to ensure less food is wasted by providing shoppers with the proper food offerings at the right time.
Phood’s solution is a combination of hardware and software that automates food waste tracking for food retailers, according to the announcement.
Aaron Daly, vice president of strategic development at Ecology Action and previously principal at the Ratio Institute, noted in a recent interview that Phood’s system informs store employees and managers of what was bought for different departments, where it’s all going and what it’s costing the grocer. This in turn makes it easier for grocers to know what to order less of, said Daly, who is familiar with Phood from the Ratio Institute’s work with the company.
“It’s a real-time management tool that’s very powerful, saves money [and] reduces food waste,” said Daly, who was also a former director of energy management at Whole Foods Market.
The Monday press release credits Lunds & Byerlys with being the first retailer in the Twin Cities to adopt Phood’s food waste management solution. Along with the food waste reductions estimated with the company’s technology, Lunds & Byerlys has a partnership with Second Harvest Heartland’s Food Rescue Program and also donates food to local pig farms. The grocer said it is stopping nearly 6 million pounds of food from becoming waste annually, the press release notes.
In Coresight Research findings released last June, 90% of surveyed grocers considered food waste reduction to be key to meeting corporate sustainability targets. However, 51% of surveyed retailers said they do not have the technology needed to prioritize this sustainability initiative while 52% said they lacked management support for effective food waste reduction.
“The gap right now, I think, is that grocers need guidance on how to find the best tools and how to integrate them into their businesses,” Daly said.
Grocers often rely on partnerships with companies like Too Good To Go and Flashfood, which sell food that would otherwise go to landfills for a discounted price, to bolster food waste efforts. But more food retailers are beginning to integrate technology, like artificial intelligence, that will help with management and better limit food waste.
For example, SpartanNash at the end of last year began piloting Afresh Technologies’ predictive ordering and inventory management system at 10 Family Fare stores in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area with the goal of improving forecasting, procurement, inventory control and food handling to decrease food waste.
Catherine Douglas Moran contributed to this report.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/giant-eagle-resumes-printed-flyers-cleveland/647923/
The announcement that Giant Eagle is adopting what is essentially a hybrid approach to notifying Cleveland customers of promotions comes several months after the supermarket chain reportedly stopped sending printing circulars to customers in the Midwestern city.
Giant Eagle did not provide specifics about why it elected to again send a paper version of its weekly flyer to shoppers in Cleveland.
​​​“We are committed to putting our customers at the center of everything we do to ensure we provide what is most important to them, and what they want most right now is high-quality products at a good price,” Brian Ferrier, senior vice president of merchandising for Giant Eagle, said in a statement.
The grocer also did not indicate if its decision would affect other markets where it operates, but local media reports in Pittsburgh, where Giant Eagle is based, said the chain plans to start distributing printed circulars to homes in that region in May. The retailer ceased sending paper circulars to households in Pittsburgh in March, according to a report by WTAE.
In that city, Giant Eagle is facing stiffer competition: Walmart recently surpassed Giant Eagle as the top grocer in Pittsburgh as measured by market share, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported this month.
Data indicates that shoppers have been showing declining interest in purchasing groceries online as they continue to deal with inflation, suggesting printed circulars could resonate with shoppers looking to connect with supermarkets without having to head online. Consumer rights advocates have urged retailers to find ways other than digital channels to deliver promotions to the millions of people who do not have internet access or are not comfortable using online tools.
Giant Eagle’s move back to printed circulars follows its appointment of a new CEO last month, when the retailer summarily ousted its longtime leader, Laura Shapira Karet, without saying why it had decided to part ways with the executive.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocers-sustainability-bottom-line-investors-analysts/646069/
This story is the first in a three-part series on how sustainability ties into grocers' bottom lines.
Kroger has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into its Zero Hunger, Zero Waste sustainability initiative, yet when the supermarket company’s leaders answer questions from industry analysts about its financial results, the expansive environment-focused program doesn’t typically come up.
Top managers of other publicly traded food retailers that also highlight their sustainability programs, such as Ahold Delhaize and Sprouts Farmers Market, also don’t often field questions during earnings calls about their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, even as metrics like same-store sales and earnings per share are top topics of discussion.
That disconnect stems from the fact that while paying attention to the planet might be laudable, demonstrating the connection between sustainability and the bottom line remains a substantial challenge for the supermarket industry, according to analysts.
“You hope companies are doing the right things, but I don’t think as of right now people are going to go, ‘Oh, your sales and earnings were not good and they look ugly, but you're doing good things in sustainability, so we're going to reward you for that,’” said Brian Yarbrough, a consumer research analyst for financial services firm Edward Jones. “We're just not in an environment where that is today, and I don't see that in the foreseeable future.”
Many investors are also skeptical about claims companies make about their sustainability-related goals, in part because of a lack of standards governing the way they measure and report that information, Yarbrough said. That means that aside from fund managers who are specifically focused on putting money into companies based on what they can discern about their ESG progress, there is relatively little interest in using programs related to taking care of the environment as a way to judge a firm’s performance, at least for the time being, he said.
“There’s nothing there like GAAP data or accounting where it says, ‘OK, this seems believable, this is how they’re going to get there,’” said Yarbrough, who tracks retailers including Target, Walmart, Costco, Amazon and Dollar General.
Scott Mushkin, CEO of R5 Capital, shared a similar view. “It’s hard to delineate between the companies that … are looking at ESG through the lens as you would look at any investment in a business, and those that are just doing it to dress the company up to satisfy the latest trend” instead of as a way to improve underlying business fundamentals, Mushkin said.
The fact that companies track and report their progress toward sustainability-related goals differently is a central reason why analysts are paying relatively little attention to that information, said Arun Sundaram, a senior equity research analyst for CFRA Research who tracks the grocery sector.
“In the financial statement universe, you have standards, and then auditors make sure that every company is following the standards,” Sundaram said. “But there’s not something like that right now for ESG. The criteria are different, and there’s no standardization. We’re still very much in the early stages of ESG reporting.”
Efforts are underway to develop standards for how companies report aspects of their performance related to the environment.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into ways to standardize how companies describe climate-related risks that could materially affect their performance to investors in regulatory filings and other documents. As part of that initiative, the agency has proposed laying out specific requirements for how companies disclose details about their greenhouse gas emissions to investors — potentially paving the way for companies to include metrics about sustainability in their earnings statements.
Private-sector groups like the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation are also working to harmonize the way companies communicate with investors about sustainability-related financial information.
“As a CEO, you have to care and want to do better for the environment and do things that will help the environment, but you also can’t just be throwing a bunch of money at it without any type of return, because you will get penalized for that by investors.”
Brian Yarbrough
Consumer research analyst, Edward Jones
Sundaram and Yarbrough said while their firms have taken steps to guide investors who want to take sustainability and other aspects of ESG into account when making decisions, they remain focused on using basic accounting principles to make recommendations.
Sundaram noted that his firm relies on an automated scorecard developed by in-house quantitative specialists to benchmark companies on their progress relating to ESG, adding that he doesn’t usually touch on sustainability in writing reports about retailers he follows.
Yarbrough said Edward Jones subscribes to an ESG-scoring service so it can provide guidance to investors who ask for it. But he emphasized that most investors are much more concerned with traditional financial measures when they decide where to deploy their funds — and expect company executives to focus on those metrics, too.
“As a CEO, you have to care and want to do better for the environment and do things that will help the environment, but you also can’t just be throwing a bunch of money at it without any type of return, because you will get penalized for that by investors,” said Yarbrough.
While traditional investors might not be ready to use ESG metrics as a way to judge companies’ performance, sustainability and marketing experts said firms that demonstrate a commitment to the environment nevertheless stand to benefit because shoppers are increasingly paying attention and climate change is directly impacting their operations. Investors are taking notice of that dynamic in the relationship between consumers and grocers.
“Understanding the importance of embracing sustainability … is really the next wave of total quality management,” said Chisara Ehiemere, senior research lead of return on sustainability investment at the Center for Sustainable Business at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Ehiemere continued: “If you're going to be thinking long term, if you’re going to be making sound business decisions, you're thinking about sustainability opportunities. You're thinking about the benefits from the consumer lens, you're looking at the risks, you're thinking about resiliency.”
The connection between a retailer’s commitment to sustainability and its prospects as a business also plays out in the types of goods it offers to shoppers, data the NYU sustainable business center recently collected in conjunction with consumer behavior analysis firm Circana suggests. Circana was formed in 2022 through the merger of Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) and The NPD Group.
Shoppers have been gravitating toward sustainability-marked products more quickly than conventional goods, and these products’ market share grew to 17.3% of purchases in 2022 despite the high inflation pressuring consumers, according to NYU and Circana’s Sustainable Market Share Index, which takes into account sales of products in 36 categories.
Rising interest among shoppers in buying sustainable products emphasizes the key position grocers play in helping people demonstrate their commitment to the environment through their buying decisions, said Randi Kronthal-Sacco, a senior scholar of marketing and corporate outreach at the Stern School who helped direct the research.
“For a retailer in particular who's interested in growth, which is sustainable products, and the future consumer, they should be gravitating towards sustainability in a big way,” Kronthal-Sacco said.
Doug Yolen, Circana’s vice president for center of store, said the data is a sign for retailers that their public commitment to sustainability will play a growing role in attracting shoppers in the years to come.
“Knowing the channel and the audience who the grocer is talking to is critical for them to be successful,” Yolen said. Whether they are shopping in a store or online, shoppers “really do get into the nitty-gritty when it comes to looking at grocers as a sustainable shopping in-store experience.”
Increasing shopper interest in buying sustainable food from retailers that make environmental stewardship a priority — combined with the savings retailers can realize by taking steps to use natural resources more efficiently and cut waste — underscores the importance for retailers of focusing on the environment and taking concrete steps to broadcast their achievements, said Sandeep Patnaik, a professor of marketing at the University of Maryland Global Campus School of Business.
“If companies, including grocery stores, are to survive and to be sustainable themselves in terms of the bottom line, then they have to have this conversation” about their commitment to sustainability, he said.
The efforts retailers make to position themselves as the sources of environmentally friendly products shoppers want, build sustainable supply chains and cut waste from their operations, Patnaik added, are “music to the investors’ ears.”
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/wegmans-self-serve-coffee-pilot/647906/
Wegmans’ is looking to brew up new coffee options after recording a decrease in morning traffic at its in-store Buzz Coffee Shops, which are staffed by the grocer’s workers, according to local reports.
In a statement to News10NBC, a Wegmans spokesperson said that coffee-brewing technology “has come a long way” and noted that the new self-serve machines use “our same high-quality coffee beans and offer a similar menu” to what customers can find at Buzz.
It’s unclear when the pilot started and how long it will last. Wegmans did not respond to media inquiries from Grocery Dive by publication time.
“As always, we’ll monitor the success of this new program, and continue to evaluate the future of our coffee shops as we move forward,” the Wegmans spokesperson told News10NBC.
The grocery industry has seen foot traffic rise as pandemic restrictions and concerns have eased, though high gas prices have cut into some of those trip gains. The grocery sector saw a 3.1% drop in foot traffic in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, according to Placer.ai.
The self-serve coffee pilot comes at a time when grocers are figuring out how to balance automation with their workforces in areas like checkout, service departments and e-commerce fulfillment.
Wegmans has a history of innovation and trying out new concepts to bolster its business, with stores around its headquarters in Rochester often serving as testing grounds. Earlier this year, the grocer started piloting smart carts from Shopic at two New York stores — one in Amherst and another in Rochester. The grocer also recently launched an online tool called “Feel Your Best” to help shoppers plan balanced meals and build healthy eating habits.
Wegmans has also not shied away from making tough choices to benefit its bottom line. Last year, it decided to end the use of its scan-and-go shopping app three years after launching it at a Rochester store.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocers-launch-new-snap-benefits/647927/
The regional grocer’s new benefit launched on Monday and is accessible to SNAP participants via Giant’s pickup and delivery services orders, according to the press release. The grocer noted the program is tapping funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Nearly 150,000 of our Baltimore neighbors are impacted by the hunger cliff. This is an important step to help address the effects of the loss of SNAP Emergency Allotments and support families’ nutritional needs,” Michael J. Wilson, the director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, said in a statement. “Making sure our residents have access to healthy, affordable food is a step toward combating food insecurity.”
Eligible Baltimore shoppers who want to take advantage of the program through Giant Pickup have nine stores to choose from, according to the press release. Orders placed from Tuesday through Thursday do not have a delivery fee, while shoppers will be charged $3.95 per order at other points in the week.
The Harvest Market project is overseen by the nonprofit San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, the announcement notes, and the instant rebates are provided to participants who earn matching dollars when they buy California-grown fruits and vegetables. Shoppers can earn up to $60 in rebates per month at the grocer’s Fort Bragg and Mendocino, California, stores.
The grocer began participating in the incentive in early March and will continue to do so until the CalFresh pilot project ends in December, according to Harvest Market’s press release.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/coborns-to-buy-sullivans-foods/647827/
Coborn’s has agreed to acquire Illinois grocery chain Sullivan’s Foods in a deal that will add 11 stores to the Minneapolis-based retailer’s operations and mark its expansion to a sixth state, according to a Thursday press release sent by email.
Terms of the deal, which is on track to close in early May, were not disclosed.
Coborn's said it plans to continue operating the locations it is absorbing under the Sullivan’s Foods banner and intends to hire all of the approximately 800 people employed by the family owned company. Corborn’s also intends to continue Sullivan Foods’ relationship with Associated Wholesale Grocers, according to the announcement.
In addition to the 11 grocery stores Sullivan’s Foods in northern and central Illinois, the company runs three Ace Hardware Stores, a warehouse and a convenience store that includes a fuel center.
“The Sullivan family has run their family of stores with great care and is a highly respected retailer,” Chris Coborn, chairman and CEO of Coborn’s, said in a statement. “We look forward to extending the same operating philosophies in these locations that have made us successful for 102 years – investing and training for our people, supporting our communities and investing in our stores to improve the experience for our guests.”
With the addition of the Sullivan’s Foods locations, Coborn’s will include 77 supermarkets in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois and Michigan. The retailer, founded more than a century ago, also owns liquor stores, fuel centers, pharmacies and a franchised restaurant unit.
Sullivan’s Foods began operations in 1967 with a single grocery store in Savanna, Illinois, on the state’s border with Iowa.
Coborn’s deal to acquire Sullivan’s Foods follows its purchase in late 2021 of Tadych’s Econofoods, a six-store Michigan chain. In 2018, Coborn’s acquired North Dakota-based Hornbacher’s from United Natural Foods, Inc.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/why-albertsons-gave-o-organics-private-label-makeove647729/
As Albertsons aims to continue evolving its private brands to better resonate with consumers, the grocery company has recently revamped its O Organics line with redesigned packaging.
The new look taps into bright colors and keeps the identifiable “O” in the logo but gives it a modern take, Brandon Brown, senior vice president of Own Brands at Albertsons, said in an interview. The brand only carries products that are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO and grown without synthetic pesticides.
“O Organics always has a look and feel that our customers recognize, but, to be honest, it’s stale,” Brown said about the former look. “It kind of has this farmhouse, old-farming feel to it and it’s just not who our customers are today.”
Consumer testing found that customers primarily recognize the big “O” and bright colors, and that they wanted a more contemporary design, Brown said, noting Albertsons is going for “fun but still familiar” with vibrant colors and modern elements.
“I love the way it looks now because it is bold purple and these really bright colors that just pop on shelf,” Brown said. “And it just stands out, especially [since] a lot of organic and natural products have this kind of a little bit of dull look.”
Launched by Safeway in 2005, O Organics was one of the first store brands to focus on natural and organic items. Following that chain’s acquisition by Albertsons in 2015, the line has spread across numerous banners but has mostly retained its focus on a “very natural, close to the farm” approach to branding, Brown said.
That strategy risks looking out of touch with shoppers, particularly as specialty store brands like Kroger’s Simple Truth and Whole Foods’ 365 have streamlined their looks and become powerhouse sellers for those companies.
While organic products have long had a reputation as better for people and better for the environment, in recent years organic has gone more mainstream as concerns linger over affordability and access.
During the past nearly two decades, O Organics has grown in both sales and the number of products, now totaling more than 1,500 items including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and meats, cage-free certified eggs, snacks, baby food and more. In 2018, the store brand achieved the $1 billion sales milestone, becoming the fourth Albertsons private brand to do so.
The redesign is also coming at a time when consumers have flocked to private brands for not only cooking and hosting events at home, but also to save money during months-long high food prices. Thanks to innovation across the grocery industry, private brands are no longer just seen as lower-cost alternatives, Brown said.
Brown pointed to Albertsons’ imported pasta sauces under its Signature Reserve line and Soleil line of flavored sparkling water as areas where the grocery company has shone with innovation and unique offerings.
The O Organics redesign was “well underway” when Brown started at Albertsons in November after more than a decade at McKinsey & Company. The rollout of the new look is currently happening category by category across the grocery company’s store banners, which include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and Jewel-Osco, and will be completed this year, Brown said.
To accompany the introduction of the new look, Albertsons has updated marketing materials and a social media campaign. Three 15-second videos are each devoted to spotlighting specific traits of the brand: affordability, availability across store aisles and timelessness.
“O is for Organics in every aisle,” reads one marketing visual.
In a bid to reach younger consumers, who are “driving a lot of growth” in O Organics, Brown said, the grocer’s #WakeUpOrganic social media campaign this April links to the grocer’s Organic Breakfast month promotion. The campaign is asking people to spotlight their favorite organic breakfast foods.
“Organic foods really started with fresh produce but now consumers are making entire meals using organic ingredients,” Brown said. “So breakfast is a great example where organic food spans across milk, dairy, coffee, cereals, granola and more. And brands such as O Organics have made that more affordable, more accessible.”
In recent years, Albertsons has added plant-based frozen meals to its O Organics line. The grocer has its eye on further private brand innovation in the frozen category, particularly around ethnic flavors, Brown said.
“Frozen food is always been a big category and [we’ve] started seeing a lot of innovation from more ethnic cuisines” such as Asian and South American options, Brown said.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/online-grocery-shopping-habits-vary-by-where-people-work-report-finds/647810/
Remote workers are 25% more likely to order groceries online at least once weekly, while hybrid workers are 31% more likely to do so despite those groups potentially having more time for the errand of shopping for groceries, according to the Morning Consult report.
By comparison, in-person workers are only 14% as likely to order groceries online at least weekly.
In addition to purchasing groceries through online channels more frequently, roughly 70% of remote and 66% of hybrid workers claim they got all or most of their groceries this way while only 44% of in-person workers rely on online grocery shopping for the bulk of their groceries. In addition, remote and hybrid workers typically turn to apps for grocery shopping as well as meal planning, the report noted.
The Morning Consult report says these results are partially demographically driven as remote and hybrid workers are most often parents and high-income individuals — demographics that lean the most towards online grocery delivery.
Shoppers’ daily schedules are another factor the report considers, specifically in terms of car travel. Workers already set up at home find it more convenient to have their groceries delivered than to make a separate trip out, according to the report.
While a number of consumers continue to rely on online grocery shopping, grocery e-commerce sales dropped 7.6%, to $8 billion, in March, according to Brick Meets Click and Mercatus findings released last week. This decline is largely due to inflation still having a tight grip on shoppers and their buying habits.
Of the households that placed online grocery orders for pickup or delivery, 44% stated that “not paying more than necessary” was a key factor in determining the service used, per the Brick Meets Click and Mercatus report.
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Link: https://www.grocerydive.com/news/walmart-us-chief-merchandising-officer-charles-redfield-exits/647836/
After three decades, Redfield is leaving Walmart.
Redfield replaced Scott McCall, who retired from the chief merchant position in January 2022.
Redfield started his career with the retailer as a cashier at Sam’s Club while attending college at the University of Arkansas. There, he was roommates with Walmart Chief Executive Doug McMillon, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Redfield went on to become an assistant manager with Sam’s Club and progressed to further leadership roles within operations and merchandising. By 2010, he was named chief merchandising officer for U.K. subsidiary Asda, and two years later became executive vice president of merchandising for Sam’s Club. Redfield eventually became executive vice president of food for Walmart U.S. and held that position prior to his current role of CMO for Walmart U.S.
“Whether they’re shopping online or in stores, his focus has been ensuring customers can always find the items they need and want at the lowest possible prices,” Furner said in the memo. “Especially as inflation started skyrocketing, Charles and team have worked hard with suppliers to lower prices and give value to customers when they’ve needed it most. He’s built a world-class diverse team that is on track to deliver for the business.”
In a recent post on LinkedIn, Redfield said that his merchandising team was working hard for its customers who look to Walmart for low prices. “I think it’s a truly exciting time to be at Walmart,” he wrote.
The big-box retailer, which has over 5,300 locations, reiterated earlier this month at its annual investor meeting that Walmart’s inventory sits within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population. Furner called the company’s stores “the key nodes” in its omnichannel operation.
By the end of fiscal year 2026, Walmart said it expects about 65% of its stores will have automation capabilities, 55% of its fulfillment center volume will move through automated facilities, and unit cost averages could fall by some 20%.
Over the past few weeks the company has been going through rounds of layoffs at distribution centers around the U.S., totaling over 3,000 workers so far.

Day 2:
Good Evening Lovelies
I should have mentioned the weekend I usually spend time with my family if I am not working so I probably wont post until Sunday Evening 😊
Well, this weekend has been a shit show to say the least, my daughter was gone for a week on her school camping trip and returned Friday. My son moped around the whole time she was gone so I thought Okay Ill pick him up at 2pm when I get her and we can just have some family time. That was my first fucking mistake.
I hardly got any work done because I was too freaking excited that my baby girl was coming home. See only 2 of our 6 kids live with us right now. I will get into the whys later but Katie and Derrick are the only 2 of our chicken littles that live with us. And because I believe in total honesty everyone of my family’s name have been changed in these posts. Who knows maybe down the line I will give out the details but for now, I choose to do it this way. If you don’t like it tough shit. Move on.
Those that are still here lets get back to it….
I get off work early and head to Safeway to get a money order to pay my rent, since its on the way to pick up my kids. I get a text that my migraine meds are finally ready for pick up (I put in a request with the doctors office over a week ago) I go back to the pharmacy and get the prescription to find out instead of the normal 9 I get to last a month, this time I only get 6. So yay fucking me! I get to now determine even more if its worth it to take a pill and wait so fucking long into a migraine to take one that I most of the time have to take 2 and a nausea pill just to get it under control! Thank you State Medical!! Our Healthcare and State Assistance is so fucked in Washington State its not even funny! But as usual that is a story for another time.
I take my shit and go out to my car. I fucking hate this parking lot because it is the worst trying to leave, people in this town are fucking assholes and give no fucks about anyone else. So I am trying to back out and I have a bigger suv/jeep type thing one of the gas hogging more blind-spots then a blind bat type of car. So I am slowly backing out because I cant see to the left or right. Most normal fucking people who can see that someone has cars on both the right and left of them and obviously cannot fucking see would stop and wait for the car to be able to see them, or the would move over around the car. But no, not this dumb bitch. Who not even paying attention to her small ass child running through the parking lot while her oom-pah Loompa ass is waddling about not a care in the world. I slam on my brakes as I just barely saw this child, I wait until her mom finally walks behind my car and this bitch is just staring like its my fault she cant control her kid. Like bitch hold your 3year olds hand when your walking through a parking lot. That’s fucking parenting. I know you might not understand what that means but it means controlling your fucking kids when out in public. Luckily I was paying enough attention and going slow enough to know what the fuck was going on around me. And then the nerve of her to fucking stare at me… Bitch your lucky I have somewhere to be or I’d get out of this car and teach you some fucking respect. (Keep in mind, she still staring at me while her kid is running through a busy parking lot.
I hate this fucking town I move to because of a stupid job that I don’t even work at anymore. Now we are stuck here until I can find a place, I can afford on my income alone. I am ready for a house I can make into our home. Our Place. My safe place.
Fucking Rabbit Hole!
Sorry I get sidetracked easily… Back to the story, so after I leave out of Safeway and start heading to my kiddos school I park and realize I’m 30minutes early. So I fucking still there and wait anxious as hell to see my baby 😊 Finally I see kids coming out and I head inside to get mine. Everything is going great and then we get in the car and the shit starts. My son is in this fucking mood where he hears you but then does whatever the fuck he wants to do. Its irritating as shit and I want to just whoop his ass like they did back in the day when I was a kid. Now you can’t even parent your fucking kids or CPS gets involved. And look where that has fucking got us. A bunch of disrespectful, ungrateful, entitled brats. Well, I will be damn I am teaching my kids to be productive, useful members of society. Fuck this gentle parenting bullshit. Kids need discipline, the need structure, and they do NOT need to be handed everything in life. They need to learn that hard work and dedication is what gets you somewhere in life.
So, by the time I get home I am in a fucking mood, my hubby has been sick all week, snappy, grumpy, and whiny… I am ready to fucking murder his ass! My kids are fighting and bitching about everything. The fucking bitch from Safeway still has me in a mood. So, I do what any healthy normal adult would do… I heavily medicated myself and got stoned off my ass to calm me down. Sent the kids to their rooms, shut my hubby in our room, turned on some music and just scrubbed the shit out of everything until I calmed down.
This has been on repeat all fucking weekend. I am ready to commit myself. Motherhood and Marriage is fucking hard! Still wondering why I am a psychotic hot mess… well here is a glimpse!
Welp, this momma is going to crack open a Modelo’s, take a dab and do what I do best. Clean and sing my fucking heart out! :D
Ill see you bright and ugly Monday morning…. Lets discuss Pet Peeve!

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Edit: Thanks everyone for the great response! I added some of my favorite meals to the main post here. I think I'll post recipes with instructions and photos separately.
Hi all, I have been on the SCD on and off for around 2.5 years now and didn't realize this subreddit existed. I thought I'd share some of my experiences and advice as I am a huge advocate of this diet. I sometimes will take time off, but the diet always works to perfection when I go back on it.
As with everything with SCD, personal experimentation is key. For me personally, it's not uncommon to lose 4-5 lbs on the first week and then 1-3 lbs per week thereafter, depending on how religiously I follow my own guidance that I list below, lol.
These are the specific food choices and practices that have worked the best for me:

• Black beans (better than pinto). I have had mixed results with refried beans as they typically contain higher amounts of fat.
• I have better results eating only beans and no lentils at all, or, I reduce my portions of lentils. It's easy to eat bowls and bowls of Indian lentil soup, so this can be a domino food for me.
• For cuts of meat, chicken breast and lean beef or pork (not chicken thighs, which have higher fat content). For ground meat, 90/10 ground beef or a similarly lean ground turkey.
• Canned light tuna is a good fish option, but limit to 1-2 cans per week due to mercury risk. White fish like tilapia and cod are also good. I haven't done much experimentation with salmon over time, but when I do have it, it has been fine.
• Homemade dressings using red wine vinegar (not balsamic, rice wine, or apple cider) and olive oil or grapeseed oil. Dressing can be a domino food, be careful not to have too much.
• Best vegetables: lettuce and spinach (any kind of greens), asparagus, broccolini, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions
• Only use olive oil and grapeseed oil, not butter or ghee. Small amounts of sesame oil are fine.
• No alcohol whatsoever is the fastest option for losing weight. If I do drink during the week, it's unflavored vodka and a 0-calorie seltzer water (think La Croix, Bubly, etc.). Wine or anything else will stall my progress (even dry red wines that are mentioned in 4HB).
• Only drink black coffee with no cream or sugar. Cinnamon is fine.
• Make it a point to be a complete glutton on cheat day. Go all out the entire day, and follow the guidance from the Damage Control chapter in 4HB. I don't think the muscle exercises do anything for me, but I think the fruit juice and cinnamon with coffee do help.
• My take on Beano: I know there is some controversy over its compliance and effectiveness. I personally have tried the same exact meal plan on and off Beano. I had the same weight loss results both weeks, so I don't see any reason why not to use it if it helps you. It personally really helps me with bloat and gas, etc. Tim also lists epazote as an option. I don't know its effectiveness compared to Beano, but it is a leaf that is traditionally used in Mexican preparations of beans and will give it that restaurant-style flavor. Completely optional, and again, I have seen no difference in weight loss results.

Restrictions and ineffective foods:

• No corn, squash, or other starchy vegetables. Corn is mentioned in the salsa in 4HB, but I would avoid it.
• Limit tomatoes and avocados. This is mentioned in 4HB and it does ring true in my experience. I typically have ~2 tbsp salsa on my eggs in the morning and might have some tomato-based sauce in another meal (like a marinara sauce on meatballs or a tomato-based curry). But generally, I lose more weight when I reduce tomatoes and omit avocados entirely. If I do eat avocados, I limit it to 1 per day, max. Be mindful of portions with cooked tomato sauces. When you cook tomatoes down it concentrates them as you are removing the water. Eating a whole tomato has far less sugar and fewer calories than a cup of cooked sauce, for example. The same principle applies to tomato-based curries. Basically, your objective on the SCD is to prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar, which eating large portions of tomato sauce will do.
• Completely omit any dairy product. Not even cottage cheese or parmesan.
• Technically up to 16 oz of diet soft drinks is allowed on the diet per 4HB. I have found omitting them entirely to be ideal. I have experimented with adding stevia to various dishes and dressings. In general, artificial sweeteners tend to lead to increased bloating and stalled progress for me.
• Be paranoid about if there is added sugar, maltodextrin, etc. in all food items. Cook everything yourself from whole foods if possible.
• I have found mixed results with nuts and seeds. If I'm really dedicated to losing weight fast, I will omit them entirely. Binging on them is a surefire way to actually gain weight fast as they are extremely calorie-dense. But a sprinkling of sesame seeds on Asian dishes, etc. is fine. Just don't go overboard.

Favorite cuisines

• French-style preparation of meats, stocks, and soups (using only small amounts of olive oil and NO butter). Fresh herbs add tons of flavor and are your best friends on this diet.
• Mexican/Tex-Mex food. Salsa on eggs and beans for breakfast. Carne asada with beans, onions, bell peppers with salad at lunch, etc. I have had mixed results with bell peppers, but they sure are delicious.
• Indian and South Asian. Many Indians are vegetarians, so there are tons of vegetable dishes. Lots of different red lentil soup recipes. Most curries are tomato and onion based. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, chilies, ginger, garlic, etc - these all add incredible flavor with very few calories. If you follow Indian recipes, be sure to find actual Asian chili powder, typically available in the Asian section, or just go to an Indian market or Ranch 99. The typical American chili powder is a blend of chilis that are intended to be used in Mexican dishes.
• East Asian-style stir-fries. Think broccoli beef, stir-fried vegetables like broccolini, bok choy, mushrooms, etc. in a ginger-garlic soy sauce (using soy aminos).
• Italian-style meats, salads, fish, vegetables, etc.

Go-to meals for success
Breakfast

• My breakfast is always some kind of variation of eggs, beans, and salsa. My most effective weeks have been when it's 2 whole eggs plus 3 egg whites scrambled, 1/2 cup black beans, and 2-3 tbsp salsa. If you eat this within an hour of waking (ideally 30 min as stated in 4HB), it should hold you over for at least 3-4 hours. Eating the same kind of beans over and over can get boring, so you can switch between black and pinto. But black beans are always the most effective for me. The easiest way to eat large volumes of eggs is scrambled or as an omelette. If you fry them individually, it will seem like a huge amount and you will end up using a lot more oil than necessary.

Lunch & Dinner
These meals can fit either lunch or dinner. Sometimes if I make a big portion I'll have the same thing for lunch and dinner. I will usually spend a few weeks with the same style cuisine until I get bored with it. My most effective weeks have come when most of the volume of the meal comes from the meat and vegetables with a large salad of iceberg or romaine lettuce (like half a head) and a smaller portion of legumes (1/2 to 1 cup).

• Carne asada steak or other lean protein with beans, sauteed yellow onions, and a salad with salsa as dressing. Seasonings might include chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, etc. Riced sauteed cauliflower is also a nice addition and can give you that Chipotle-style bowl vibe.
• French-style oven-roasted chicken breast with soup and a large salad with a drizzling of olive oil and red wine vinegar. My favorite soup for this uses asparagus cooked in the oil used to cook the chicken, then add homemade chicken stock and herbs.
• Oven-roasted Italian meatballs using 90/10 ground beef or a lean ground turkey, served with asparagus soup and a large salad. You can also make marinara sauce for this but I would recommend portion control on that as it is easy to go overboard.
• Turkey burger lettuce wraps. Use lean ground turkey. It goes well with sugar-free whole grain mustard, sliced tomato, and sauteed onions. Butter lettuce works very well for this as it is more pliable than iceberg or romaine. Optional additions can be slices of avocado, jarred pepperoncini, jarred roasted red bell peppers.
• SCD-compliant chicken tikka masala. I make this from scratch, omitting the butter, cream, and yogurt that is typically used in this British/Indian dish.
• Beef/goat/chicken curry. This is a tomato and onion-based dish with lots of spices like garam masala.
• Nepali-style golden lentil soup (using red lentils) is one of my favorites. There are also lots of other variations of lentil soup from India and other parts of South Asia. I would recommend just using small amounts of grapeseed or olive oil instead of ghee (the traditional option). If I'm having lentils, I typically have to limit it to ~1 cup per meal as this is a domino food for me, and lentils are very calorie-dense. I always make red lentils from scratch (dry) as I think canned green lentils are disgusting.
• Saag - this is a South Asian vegetable dish for greens. Basically any dark green by itself or a mixture can be included - spinach, kale, collard greens, etc. Sautee with a red onion, oil, ginger, garlic, and cumin seeds.
• Chinese/East Asian-style stir-fries. Includes cuts of lean meat with vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, broccolini, bok choy, asparagus. Use a splash of soy aminos, drizzle of sesame oil, and sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Japanese curry - basically a similar preparation to the stir-fries above but then add chicken stock and curry powder so it is more soup-like. S&B Oriental Curry Powder is the traditional brand to use, but any curry powder will do.

Favorite brands

• O Organics black beans and Bush's pinto beans are my favorite canned beans.
• 64-oz size Pace Picante Medium salsa. Only 10 calories and 2g carbs for 2 tbsp, with no added sugar. This is an enormous container of salsa, but I do go through it as I have sala every day on my eggs and beans for breakfast.
• Bragg Liquid Aminos for soy-based sauces. Almost all normal soy sauces contain wheat or added sugar, so be careful.
• For drinks, my favorite 0-calorie seltzer waters are Polar Orange (tastes like a creamsicle) and Bubly Cherry (kind of an artificial popsicle flavor but I love it)

Tips to save money

• Don't buy spices at a typical grocery store like Safeway if you have an Asian or Indian market near you. A typical 2-oz jar of something like cumin could be $5-10 there, but you can literally double the size (4-oz bag) for half the price ($3-4). This blew my mind the first time I went to an Indian grocery store.
• Cooked protein like chicken breasts or deli meat is expensive. It's much cheaper to buy things raw and cook them yourself. A whole raw chicken is only around $10-15. I usually buy a whole one, break it down, save the breasts and thighs, and then make stock out of the other parts. It's way cheaper to make your own stock in bulk than to buy the store variety, and you'll also know for sure there's no added sugar etc. I love to cook, so this is fun for me. But I know not everyone wants to spend the time on such an involved process.
• It's usually cheaper to buy pounds worth of dry beans in bulk (typically cheapest at a Mexican grocery store) and then make them yourself, rather than buying cans. If you do get canned beans, get the larger sizes, as you will go through them.
• For cheat days, this is crucial, especially if you are new to the SCD: make a list of all your cravings during the week, then buy small portions of all of those foods on your cheat day. Don't get huge portions as a lot of it will go to waste. If you know you get the same cravings every week, you can buy larger portions and then freeze them for the next week. For example, I love sourdough bread and so will buy a whole loaf and then freeze what I don't eat that day. After your cheat day, throw out all non-compliant foods. If you don't want to waste anything, freeze it or put it into cupboards you know you won't be seeing all the time. Out of sight, out of mind. It sounds overly simplistic, but it's true.

Hi I am a 30 y/o single male living in the SF Bay area making $140k base gross a year but realistically will probably be $150-160k gross a year I will max out 401k. Currently set at 20%, projected to max by September. 4% End of year match
I am currently looking to move into a one bedroom apartment from my current situation ($1300 rent one bedroom shared bath) I am looking at 2x one bedroom apartments One will be $2593 including mandatory utilities (no PGE) in newer location, newer apartment walkable to stores, restaurants and park. The other will be $2276 including mandatory utilities (no PGE) older apartment and not walkable location
I also spend a lot on eating out $1200 (will try to cut down to $700) Phone bill $170 (Group plan 3 lines and 1 device payment plan) Car insurance $100 (The cheapest, liability) Gas ~$160 Internet $35 Renters insurance $15 PGE ~$150 (Not really sure, rarely use heat, will use AC during summer) Misc $300 (Movies, Random stuff/necessities at Target/Safeway) I don't have any expensive hobbies
No debt, loans or credit card bills. I do have about $400 in credit card annual fees a year but I get outsized value from my points I accrue for travel
I have $35k in savings in HYSA ~$135k 401k fully vested ~$30k Roth IRA ~$90K Brokerage
My take home ranges mostly between $2800-$3400 My initial goal was to retire somewhat early but I don't think thats possible now. I want to be able to buy my own place (house,condo,townhome) some time in the next 5 years. It seems that I am now moving out to my own place, I feel like I will never be able to save enough for the down payment due to rising housing prices and inflation.
Would I be able to afford either apartments and save for a home?
Should I scale back my 401k contributions or stop completely?
Am I under estimating my savings for a house? What is a good rate of savings?

What s-hole this place has become. They close at 10 PM and went in Sunday night at 8:30 to grab a couple of things. That was after the dude at the door asked me for gas money. Went in grabbed a basket grabbed my things, go to check out there was one bank of self check-out open, customers lined up down the aisle. Go to the one and only open regular check-out and the same thing, customers with carts full of groceries lined up down the aisle as you'd see during the holidays. Seriously for a store that size, you'd think it'd be staffed a lot better. Perhaps they were all following the drunks and crackheads around stealing stuff. Sorry, Freddy's staff but rather than go BACK around the store and put my things back I dumped the basket in an aisle and went to Safeway. The lesson learned don't go to Fred Meyers at night, if ever again.

You can also double up with your Safeway/Albertsons points (not sure if they partner with any other grocery store chains) to get more off per visit. I had $0.40 cents off a gallon on my safeway account and doubled up with the Chevron rewards to fill up for $2.60 a gallon instead of $4!!
If anyone knows other gas stations that do this please share!

Traveled all over the country and seen lots of bad driving, but Wenatcheeites are even more consistent in their bonehead, bad driving than anywhere else. This is satirical, but also true. :-)
Solid White Lines (eg. Miller -> Chelan, Mission -> Sellars Bridge) - solid white line between lanes of traffic means that you should stay in your lane unless a special situation requires you to change lanes. Special situation does not include you not paying attention to the signs that say where you need to be and just cut off the mass amounts of traffic that are curving into the lane you are cutting into. It really is a miracle that these areas don't see constant wrecks with the amount of people unable to plan ahead.
No Turn On Red (eg. Mission -> Miller) - I know this is a tough one for us old folks that remember this intersection NOT being regulated but that was like 25 years ago AND there is two signs right there (along with the red arrows) that say NO TURN.
Roundabouts - y'all REALLY struggle with this one. I mean, REALLY struggle. All directions are yields. That means you don't just go through 12 cars at a time blocking everyone else. Looking at you Stemilt and McDougall workers getting off around 2:30pm and everyone traveling north on Highline Rd at Safeway in East Wenatchee.
Turning in front of high speed oncoming traffic (eg. Batterman -> 28S) - this is mainly for the bane of my existence fruit truck drivers but everyone seems to think its a good idea to pull out and go 30 mph in front of oncoming traffic that you could have just waited 2 seconds for them to pass OR to pull across oncoming traffic in such a slow manner that they have to come to nearly a complete stop for you. Why are you so inpatient?
On the other side of the coin, we have the old "sit through the light because our phone is the most important thing in our lives" - this happens everywhere where the dipshit up front isn't paying attention and sits there for 10-20 seconds after the light has changed. Then they get pissed when you honk and/or proceed at 10 mph to the next light.
Handicap placards - you must all have the same doctor (Happy Valley anyone?) because it seems like 70% of the vehicles here have blue handicap placards hanging from their rear view (a violation itself - not supposed to have your view obstructed). There is no possible way that everyone in town is handicapped enough to need a special parking permit. Especially those of you with big ass trucks lifted 64" off the ground.
Corners in general, but specifically right hand turns - You don't need to come to a complete stop to make a right hand turn into a parking or go around a curve. Take your foot off the gas, brake as appropriate and continue into the corner. For the life of me I can't figure out why every turn has to be done in slow motion here.
Speed Limits - you love doing 20 in 40s, and 50 in 30s. Why is this? Chelan and Mission are not freeways and you obviously don't understand that the lights are all timed for 28 mph while you wear out your brakes and screw up your gas mileage going 0-60-0 every block.
Pioneer Middle School - in this day where riding the school bus is apparently against the law and every child has to be bundled off personally to school every day in a private car, I get that traffic happens. However, those turning left across Russell into Pioneer's lot have a 3 block long median to line up in, but everyone waits until the last second and then blocks everyone in the right of way lane for what can be minutes. Again, can you not plan ahead the 3 seconds into the future that it takes?
And the people who are the worst offenders - why do you ALL drive Toyota Highlanders, RAV4s, and 4Runners?
Enjoy! But also explain!

Was filling up my car the day before Easter this weekend and a man with his dad and his son pull-up to the pump on the opposite side of the one I’m at and ask if I could be kind as to fill their tank, and I make more than enough money so I said yes. They were in a minivan so I figured it wouldn’t take much gas anyways so I tapped my card to pay for it. He didn’t give off weird vibes at first but then started pushing his sob story really hard while I was waiting for my pump to finish so I started getting a little suspicious. Then I realize since I tapped my card he could keep pumping after I left so I sat in my car for a few minutes which by this point he should have been full. Which is also when I notice a similar minivan sitting at the curb in my rear view mirrors not doing anything which is when I guess that they’re trying to fill two cars at my expense
So to test my theory I leave and park in the grocery store lot (it was a Safeway gas station) where I could still see them. Sure enough right as I get to my stakeout spot the other minivan pulls up right behind the guy I helped but never starts pumping gas. The guy I helped them gets out and looks around before pulling the hose out of his car. I can see when he notices me parked across the way and he then says something to the second minivan. They continued to wait for a minute before finally pulling out the hose and putting it back and then left at the same time which confirmed my suspicions. Just to make sure I drove next to the pump to make sure the transaction had ended.
Has anybody else encountered this sort of scam?

hello everyone, i’m renting out my fully furnished room during the summer from June 20th 2023 — Sep 1st 2023. 🌟 It has a master bedroom with walk-in closet and an individual bathroom. 🛋️ My apartment comes with a balcony and a small storage that you can use. 🪑Amenities: in-unit washer, dryer, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, gas stove, etc 🏡 The apartment has its own gym, swimming pool, pool table, and study room which are very close to my unit. 🚌 only 1⃣️ minute walk to the bus station right across street: w, m, t line (to both mu and silo) 🛍️ less than 5 min walk to safeway / rite aid / ihop 👫 No gender preferences 💰 $1280 + wifi and electricity 💌 kindly DM / comment for more info and tour! tyy!!

UPDATE 4/10/23: Approved for Discover It with a $5,500 credit line. WF is an option in the future.
Opening notes in no particular order:

• At what point in my credit card journey should I take ecosystems into consideration?
• Current history is from student loans: 8 open accounts/1 closed account, perfect payment history.
• 27 years old working part-time retail and living with parents while I get back on my feet. No rent, no phone bill. Share weekly groceries and cooking.
• Pre-approved for Wells Fargo Active Cash and Capital One Quicksilver Rewards.
• I have no credit cards based on dad's wise advice of "credit cards are bad until you have a real full-time job"

Thank you for any advice you can provide.
CREDIT PROFILE

• Current credit cards you are the primary account holder of: none
• FICO Scores with source : Experian 706 (FICO 9)
• Oldest credit card account age with you as primary name on the account: Oldest student loan is 8 years 5 months
• Annual income $: 25k

CATEGORIES

• OK with category-specific cards?: Yes
• OK with rotating category cards?: Yes

Estimate average monthly spend in the categories below.

• Dining $: 100
• Groceries $:
  • Target: $100
  • Safeway/Trader Joe’s/Whole Paycheck: $100
• Gas $: 0
• Travel $:
  • Lyft/Uber: $100
  • Public Transport: $50 (working on limiting rideshare use)
  • Amtrak (Rewards Member): $100/year
• Do you plan on using this card abroad for a significant length of time (study abroad, digital nomad, expat, extended travel)?: No
• Any other categories (examples: phone/internet, insurance) or stores (example: Amazon) with significant, regular credit card spend: Amazon $50-100
• Any other significant, regular credit card spend you didn't include above?: Other shopping varying monthly including clothes, clarinet and music supplies, tchotchkes. Doctor copays if that counts.

MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

• Current member of Amazon Prime?: Yes
• Entertainment: YouTube Premium, Spotify
• Current member of Chase, US Bank or any other big bank?: Wells Fargo since 2014

PURPOSE
What's the purpose of your next card?: First credit card
If you answered "first credit card", are you an authorized user on any other cards? No

• Do you have any cards you've been looking at?
  • Discover it Cash Back: highly recommended starter card. High chance of approval. Rotating categories help cut spending in certain areas.
  • Wells Fargo Active Cash: good for flat-rate rewards. Also recommended according to this sub. OK for first card?
  • Chase Freedom Flex & SavorOne: Stretch goals. Good rewards, shiny. Probably (?) low chance of approval.

Is it just me or is every air nozzle in Alameda out of service? Anyone know of any gas stations on the island that have working air for car tires?
Never had luck anywhere on Webster and the Safeway at the West End was getting serviced today, so hopefully that's an option. I know for sure I can get filled up at the tire place in Marina Village.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Just a warning, a guy tried to scam me at the Norbeck Safeway. As I was putting groceries into the car he pulled up behind me and asked through his open driver side window.
"Hey I need gas money, and I had this ring..."
Clearly a scam, he bought a cheap 10$ ring on amazon and wanted 50$ for "gas". I called him out and he ran off. Don't fall for this scam.