Bargain Grocery — Local services in City of Utica

The Garbage Grocer is not one of my regular stops anymore. I always knew that the items there were rejects from other stores but the price hikes are not only ridiculous but unethical. See my photos of their prices on a few essentials below where they charge MORE than other stores that ship them these items as rejects. This store is to also help support lower income people in that area that can't really get to other stores. Given the increases under new management they are crippling and already struggling part of Utica. I really recommend people boycott this store for their unethical practices that are further crippling the people that really do need a bargain to get by. I also had to return rotten items that were unedible the day I purchased them so an indication that they don't check the items for any sort of quality too. The produce many times has mold or is clearly ready for compost, the lettuce is usually infested with aphids. The food prices are near retail also on rejected foods. This means something isn't of good quality and why these stores reject them. No food is supposed to be sold expired in NY state unless it's clearly marked and substantially discounted. These here are not substantially discounted if it's not close to half off retail. They do not fullfill this requirement either.

Natural care wipes 56 ct. 3.99 while at walmart etc are 2.27-2.59

Baby basics diaper cream 9.99 while 5.59 as you see in my online search also you could get a similar one locally for way less than 9.99

Sun bum these are similar in price to other places but as you see one is 1/3 empty so shouldn't even be on the shelf. They appeared to discount that one dollar more because it's open and partly gone. 😐

Revlon dye 4.99 normally 3.97-3.99 locally.

This place is charging the local lower income people MORE than retail many times when they get the majority of what they sell as donations while claiming to be a nonprofit.

Well, I hope you all have been enlightened and boycott this dumpster fire with me until they turn things around for those who truly need a...

Don't see this as a regular grocery store see it as a place where you can get food that is past it's best by date for a discounted price. If you don't mind getting snacks that are not EXPIRED, but just past the bb date then this is where you should go. Simple as that. You may think the workers are rude but to me they just seem overworked underpaid and stressed. This is kind of a fast paced type of store because there's like no space for more than one cart in some places so you kinda gotta be quick to be out of someone's way. I got some spicy McChickens and french fries from here, nothing on the bag, no nutrition label, no expiration date NOTHIN. They were good but I think I should of been more wary because I literally don't even know WHAT I ate lol. But it was a good experience, something new. You should try it out (like I said) if you don't care about some things...

Update on my review; Buyer beware; I've started not to shop here anymore. I can't tell you the countless things I've had to throw away due expired dates & and get sick from their foods! I just purchased these frozen vegan sausages. The expiration date is April 17th, 2021. I was in disbelief they have the nerve to sell these to customers!! See my photos below!! I just shot $30 out the window as I bought some for my siblings, too!!

In a state that can be very expensive to live in, this hidden gem makes it easier on the budget. You do have to watch the expiration dates on some items!!~ Other than that, I really like it. Update; I've noticed lately their prices had increased as everything else has!! You still get beat the prices, a regular grocery store would...