Grocery Price Check: Tracking the cheapest prices in the DMV

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Before heading to the grocery store, it’s worth considering what often doesn’t get eaten. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 30% to 40% of the country’s food supply winds up in landfills, where it off-gasses methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

At the household level, the most commonly wasted items are meat, dairy and vegetables. Reducing that waste could save a family of four as much as $1,500 a year.

Beyond regular food waste, families are also facing steady inflation. July CPI data revealed inflation sat at a steady 2.7%, the same rate seen in June.

DC News Now tracks the prices of ten grocery staples at Walmart, Giant and Safeway. We’re comparing this week’s prices to last week’s, and showing you how discount grocer Lidl stacks up. (Hint: Lidl shoppers save big.)

Lidl also offers regular coupons, and you can score $10 off a $20 purchase by signing up here.

Here’s how prices fared this week:

(Note: we report the lowest available price for each item, regardless of brand. Some weeks, the most affordable brand at each store changes due to sales and other factors.)

2% Milk (per gallon)
Walmart: $2.88 → $2.36 (↓ $0.52)
Giant: $3.99 → $3.99 (no change)
Safeway: $5.99 → $5.99 (no change)
Lidl: $2.99 (new)

Wheat Bread (20 oz)
Walmart: $1.42 → $1.42 (no change)
Giant: $2.89 → $2.99 (↑ $0.10)
Safeway: $4.49 → $3.99 (↓ $0.50)
Lidl: $1.95 (new)

Brown Eggs (dozen)
Walmart: $3.94 → $3.94 (no change)
Giant: $4.49 → $4.49 (no change)
Safeway: $7.99 → $7.99 (no change)
Lidl: $3.89 (new)

Broccoli (12 oz bag, florets)
Walmart: $1.16 → $1.16 (no change)
Giant: $2.00 → $2.00 (no change)
Safeway: $2.99 → $2.99 (no change)
Lidl: $1.15 (new)

Avocado (each)
Walmart: $0.97 → $0.87 (↓ $0.10)
Giant: $1.88 → $1.66 (↓ $0.22)
Safeway: $2.00 → $2.00 (no change)
Lidl: $0.97 (new)

Russet Potatoes (per lb)
Walmart: $0.83 → $0.83 (no change)
Giant: $0.73 → $0.73 (no change)
Safeway: $1.71 → $1.71 (no change)
Lidl: $0.33 (new)

Boneless Chicken (value pack, per lb)
Walmart: $2.67 → $2.67 (no change)
Giant: $2.79 → $2.79 (no change)
Safeway: $3.99 → $3.99 (no change)
Lidl: $2.69 (new)

Boneless Pork Chops (value pack, per lb)
Walmart: $5.46 → $5.76 (↑ $0.30)
Giant: $5.99 → $6.49 (↑ $0.50)
Safeway: $3.99 → $5.99 (↑ $2.00)
Lidl: $4.99 (new)

Ground Beef (1 lb tray)
Walmart: $6.26 → $6.86 (↑ $0.60)
Giant: $6.49 → $6.97 (↑ $0.48)
Safeway: $9.99 → $8.99 (↓ $1.00)
Lidl: $3.00 (new)

Brown Rice (32 oz)
Walmart: $1.64 → $1.64 (no change)
Giant: $2.38 → $2.40 (↑ $0.02)
Safeway: $2.99 → $2.99 (no change)
Lidl: $3.29 (new)