I've been looking for a place to buy bulk foods like dried beans and some canned foods. I know Sams club is supposed to be reasonable on some of those items.
Any input or information would be appreciated.... :-D

Our commissary has lot sales but I bet that doesn't help you :(

I have a sams and a costco membership.. Its ok.. not too great of deals.. Hubby eats lots of meat so I tend to go buy that there.. that and paper products.. God forbid we run out of his Charmin extra soft.. So i tend to stock up on that too..

Gordon foods. I used to when there were 7 of us here but now with just two and limited freezer space just buy at the grocery store on sale.

Ditter,
Do you have any ethnic markets? I noticed that you are in Crystal River.. and I know it is a small area.

We generally get a lot of our bulk meats from Sam's but for beans and rice and that sort of thing, we go to an international market.

The sad part about Sam's club is that they only carry either: 1) limited variety (corn and string beans, regular cut) or 2) combinations of flavors. For me the prices are reasonable. Just yesterday I bought 12 cans of Campbell's chicken noodle soup for 60 cents a can, tomato soup for around the same price (can't remember exact) But, I also get the french vanilla coffee creamer 64 ounces for less than 5 bucks a container, a bag of cut up lettuce salad is about 3 bucks, laundry soap that lasts me (house of 2, 6-8 loads a week) about 3 months for 10 bucks. For a person that shops the sales and uses coupons ALL the time, these aren't great deals, but I hate taking my quilting time to cut coupons and scour the ads every week. I shop at Sam's 1-2 times a month (it's to easy to stop on my way home, 'cause one or two are close....) and this helps me save money. I also buy flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, tuna fish, vitamins, meds, batteries, meats, frozen veggies & meats, water, and fabric softener. I would really love to buy some of their jewelry....

Dried beans are a great price at Wal-Mart, none to be found at Sam's.

So, yes, for me it is a great deal. I have had my membership for about 20 years.......

We (DH and I) have a Sam's membership, and go about once a month. I buy some products there, but not all are a great value, and anything perishable is too much for the 2 of us to use before it spoils. We have a couple good "health food" stores here, and I find they are good places to buy grain products in bulk. We are also an hours' drive from Amish country in N. Indiana, and DD gets a lot of her baking supplies there. Price savings make it worth the trip, as she has a home bakery. Unfortunately, I think we all have to comparison shop more now days!

I was just thinking the same thing about the amish stores. Do you have any in your area? I know that this might not be...but how about farmer's markets?

I googled "Amish bulk food florida" There is a shop listed in Largo.

Largo is pretty far from Crystal River and the traffic on US 19 is ridiculous.

You would spend more in gas than it would cost to by non-bulk.

got it.

This may be hijacking your thread. Just wanted to share why I've got a Costco membership - again after not having it for about 5 years.
Went in because they had the best deal on "middle of the road" Michelin tires - needed 4
Went to get a reg. membership. $50., told the clerk we were getting tires. She immediately took my card back and told me I was getting the executive membership - say whaaaa?
Executive membership - $100
That week, if you had an E membership, and bought 4 tires, you saved $70 , so now the membership cost me $30
The E membership gives you a 2% rebate on all purchases at the end of the year, minimum payout of $45, so now my membership cost me -$15
2% rebate on my tires that day = $14 and change
Now were' up to a membership cost of minus $29
I save $50/month on my prescriptions through Costco, AND I get 2% on what I do spend.
3 'gallons' of milk a week - at 40 cents less each that stores here.
My dad asked me to get him some hearing aid batteries. He pays $40 for 40, Costco = 30 batteries for $10.49
My 'spousal' card (free) goes to my sister in law and they get to shop there - and I get the 2% (that's the deal)
So, right now, I have to go once a week anyway for meds, so anything that is cheaper there - I get there.
The rest from NoFrills. - a discount grocery store.
I'm happy.

do you have a natural foods co-op in the area. that have tons of bulk foods

We have Aldi..I buy things like dried beans there.

Since moving across town 2 yrs. ago, Aldi's is now a regular stop. And I had never even been in one, they just were not on my radar screen. I find their prices great on staples, tho' a limited selection. They also have unusual non food items, like shelves and tools. Worth a visit if you have one in your area.

We go to Sam's club, but many of your local stores will have better prices depending on what you are buying. Just price comparison shop to ensure you get the best deal. Sam's club has large sizes of items which also requires storage space for such sizes. Many times we purchase at Sam's club and then share with someone else.

Keep in mind that you can shop Costco for your prescriptions even if you don't have a membership!! And...they have low prices on prescription drugs....lower than most anyway!

Do you have a health food warehouse type store? We buy flour, spices, oatmeal, ect in bulk a ours.

If you had a choice Costco is better than sams in my opinion.. We have both- sams/costco.. I refuse to give up Costco but its 3 hours away.. Usually when we travel and we know there is a costco in that vicinity we take a cooler with us just in case.. But we never come back empty handed.. Ive never has issues with Customer Service, they were friendly and helpful and there was always someone there so you didn't have to go hunting for someone .. Plus Costco sends you a monthly coupon book to save even more every month.. Hands down I like Costco..

If you are seeking home storage of basics the LDS Church ships free and is a wonderful source, tho' limited choice. http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stor...8_-1_N_image_0
I buy from Sam's-only one available to me- and repackage/freeze using my food saver; also order grains in bulk from Pleasant Hill. http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/
If you order one lg bucket of grain all other items ship free.

I buy a lot of my staples there..I always get their German coffee. You are right in that they often have great deals on unusual things, but the regular items are my go to.