Do you save much money by using the commissary at your location?

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:43:34 -0500

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/capitol-hill/2016/01/13/advocates-tread-carefully-changing-commissary-benefit/78755850/

Advocates: Tread carefully in changing the commissary benefit

Whether they’re considering raising prices on some items, or introducing a commissary private label, there are certain effects on the benefit that should be evaluated, said advocates representing military families and advocates representing the indus

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 13 at 2016 8:45 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:45:49 -0500

Capt Tom Brown sad to say I save more at the supermarket than JBLE commissary. Items varies, but for the most part its little to none on savings where I am at.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 13 at 2016 8:48 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:48:07 -0500

We save money on dairy products and meats generally and some of the paper products such as paper towels Capt Tom Brown. However the package products are not much cheaper than Walmart where i live in northern, Virginia.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 9:05 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:05:54 -0500

We stop whenever we go to the base. Don't go as often since we moved. Used to be 3 miles now 15. One item is $12 at the commissary. $19 at the local store.

Yes we save.

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Jan 13 at 2016 9:07 PM

SGT S Sharpless — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:07:15 -0500

It just depends. Savings on meat is definitely cheaper at the commissary. I save on other items as well.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 9:31 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:31:52 -0500

As others have alluded to, it depends on what I am shopping for, but the commissary does save me quite on bit on meats and produce over locals grocery stores.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jan 13 at 2016 9:32 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:32:01 -0500

Commissary is too far for me. If there were any savings, the cost of gas would eat it up.

I shop at mainly at Stater Bros and some at Walmart, depending on the items and deals going on. I shop at Sprouts for produce, usually have great deals. They're all located within about a 10 min drive .

When i was overseas the Commissary was a life saver, especially in Japan. I could also see it for folks in remote areas (ex; Ft Irwin) and high cost of living areas.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 11:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:31:45 -0500

I have been stationed on a military installation with a commissary my whole 21 year career, except for the last 6 months since being stationed on a small Reserve/Guard Base in Minnesota. I have to tell you every time we go shopping on the economy we MISS the commissary. I would shop there every day of the week for the savings, sometimes you just don't know what you have unit it is gone :(

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 13 at 2016 11:54 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:54:07 -0500

We raised two teenage boys with a combination of Commissary and Costco. Some things were cheaper at either location. We saved a pile over going to Albertsons or Safeway. The Navy had one about 5 miles from the house.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 12:46 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:46:15 -0500

I trek into town once a week for the commissary and definitely save money over shopping at Safeway. Walmart is an option locally, but I try to avoid it.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 14 at 2016 12:51 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:51:11 -0500

Capt Tom Brown Shopping locally is tedious, going to the commissary is easier and I mostly save via zero sales tax.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 14 at 2016 12:57 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:57:20 -0500

Before Obama jacked up the tax on cigarettes, it was worth the drive. Now meh

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 1:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 01:38:53 -0500

Wish I could say yes, but one of the reasons I retired in the Atlanta area was because of Fort McPherson/Gillem, which has been closed by BRAC. As an added note, the clothing in the PX was too rich for my blood.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 14 at 2016 6:53 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 06:53:17 -0500

When I was in a position to use a commissary, I used it and I saved about 1/3 over using the local chain grocery. Granted much was taxes but still a decent savings.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 14 at 2016 9:32 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 09:32:36 -0500

By the time I travel to the Commissary, I would eat up the price in gas, so I would have to say no.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 5:06 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:06:01 -0500

I go out to the base every two weeks. And yes I believe I save 25% to 30% on must name brand items then in town. I know WinCo comes close but many of the items are generic. And I also use the BX for savings, especially on guns, ammo and electronics, no tax can save a bit!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 14 at 2016 6:52 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:52:09 -0500

I do save but I only buy certain products at the commissary. I don't buy meat and fresh produce at the commissary. When I did it always seemed to go bad faster than what I would buy at a civilian grocery store.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 11:27 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:27:47 -0500

We save 25-30% over a top name grocery chain, say, Hy-Vee or Kroger.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 11:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:47:05 -0500

It depends on the purchase i go to the commissary 3 to 4 times a year, its an 2hr drive. i have a freezer and will spend around 600 a trip, mostly on Meat. The price per pound cant be matched by my local markets. generally everything else is the same or cheaper local.