Posted on 08/04/2025 2:30:45 AM PDT by MoraBlack
In our area, Walmart/Cosco is on par or better for most (not all) fresh fruits, generic brand cereals and snacks, etc. And there is no tax (or service fee) in our state on groceries.
The produce section is a specific area where WalMart is competitive or better. Produce is a local purchase and there is no military equivalent of the WalMart distribution system. The economy of scale means that WalMart may be able to obtain produce at a lower price than the military purchaser. I have no idea whatever about generic brand cereals. I would note that bakery items are also limited shelf life. My experience with snacks such as pootato chips or chocolate bars is that they are cheaper in the Commissary. Specific locations may differ.
This is only considering Commissaries located in the United States. Overseas, the available items and brands in the local stores may seem... foreign.
But meats, fish, canned goods, and many other items are better priced at the Commissary.
I do not recall seeing much fresh fish at a Commissary. Pretty much anything with a stable shelf life is significantly cheaper at the Commissary. Centrally purchased and distributed items result in significant savings.
One item for which I know recent comparative pricing appears typical.
Lucini Premium 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500 ML
Amazon $21.27
WalMart $21+
Commissary $17+
I have always been curious about the Commissary signs at check out "Baggers work for tips only". I tip my baggers but it seems like the govt is in a bit of the slave labor business if those signs are legit. How can they not be getting federal minimum wage?
It is not slave labor because the baggers are not employees and receive no wage at all. They are not independent contractors or contract personnel. They are considered "self-employed persons who have obtained the permission (license) of the installation commander to enter the installation for the purpose of soliciting commissary customers to bag and carry out their groceries in return for the expectation of a tip."
For more information:
https://prod.commissaries.com/sites/default/files/2017-03/foia_bagger.pdf
8 page pdf
https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF11089/IF11089.18.pdf
Defense Primer: Military Commissaries and Exchanges
Congressional Research Service
Updated November 21, 2024
3 page information sheet
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