Smart Advent shopping during a pandemic

The Season of Advent is once again upon us. There are four Sundays before Christmas, and the season is a particularly important time in the Church as it is an opportunity for us to focus our minds and hearts on  the coming of Jesus into the world.

During Advent, the scriptures deal with faithfulness, the hope of eternal life, and the significance of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and His coming once again.

Covid-19 has once again increased in spread, and it is unfortunately our second Advent in the midst of the pandemic.

If you’ve been to the grocery stores recently, you would have noted the new reduced prices on certain food items. It is still important to buy locally. Locally manufactured products can often save you money because there are fewer hands involved along the value chain.

For example, you’ll likely save money by purchasing peas and beans from the produce stands because the farmer doesn’t have to divide up his profits between the packer, the transporter and corporate and store employees the way chain supermarkets do.

Buying locally can also provide an economic boost to your community. In fact, studies show that when people buy local, twice the amount of money stays in the community compared to areas where people bought more imported goods.

Eating in-season fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re buying local, as they’re most likely grown at a nearby farm. In addition, in-season produce is much less expensive than out-of-season varieties, which are often shipped in from other countries.

Since it’s cheaper for the grocer to buy the foods directly from the seller, you can save money. Also, due to the fact the goods are closer to the point of sale, the transportation costs are cheaper and there’s less income wasted on spoiled food.

One of the best ways to find local foods is to look on the label to see if they notate a specific place of origin.

As we enter this wonderful season leading up to Christmas 2021, for budget-friendly gifts, making your own will be most personal and cost effective. Homemade jams, jellies and baked items are wonderful Advent/Christmas gifts.

Personalised cookies in the Advent colours (pink, purple and white) are delightful for friends and office staff along with floral arrangements picked from your own garden are wonderful smart gifts.

Send questions to rayannaboodram@hotmail.com.