Honey, I'm one of the stubborn ones who refuses to pay when prices go up too much. It finally hit me that I just have to accept it sometimes. So I won't just buy those $4 green peppers, or $4 bags of potato chips, but since I can't get either one of those for 99 cents any more, I will pay lower higher prices, if that makes any sense.
I was in Madison last winter, know and love both Copp's and Woodman's. And the people in the area have the best manners anywhere in the country! (And, oh, I so loved the snow!)
I also have very few choices here in central PA. I find Wal-mart is better for many things but it's the highest-priced in my area for milk, cottage cheese, and paper goods.
I think it's wonderful that you garden and preserve some of it.