How to Take a Bite Out of Your Family's Food Bills

If it seems like your grocery store bills are getting bigger, you're not imagining it: food prices are on the rise, and poised to go higher.

Stan Stefanski, of Highland, the owner of Big Frank's Sausage in East Chicago, Ind.

Stan Stefanski, of Highland, is the owner of Big Frank's Sausage, 1417 Carrol St., in East Chicago, which is prized as one of Northwest Indiana's combo Polish deli-grocery-restaurants.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Grocers in underserved areas find challenges, opportunities

Local grocery store operators Melissa Diaz and Mark Musleh emphasize competitive pricing, community awareness and customer rapport at their establishments.

Will businesses help make NWI food deserts fertile?

For thousands of people living in Northwest Indiana and Chicago's south suburbs, restricted access to nutritious, high-quality food is prevalent.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

Ashley Bradley, with her 2-year-old son Kareem Marcus in tow, couldn't help but shake her head while walking past the food store closest to her home.

Woman robbed outside of grocery store

LAPORTE | LaPorte police are investigating a robbery of a woman in a Kroger parking lot.

Legislators change liquor law fight strategy

INDIANAPOLIS | Two state lawmakers hope 2012 is the year Hoosiers finally will be allowed to purchase alcohol from retailers on Sundays and buy cold beer at places other than package liquor stores.

Plans advance for Strack's store in Cedar Lake

CEDAR LAKE | Plans for a new grocery store in Cedar Lake advanced smoothly this past week.

Strack & Van Til wants to build store in Cedar Lake

CEDAR LAKE | The grocery chain Strack & Van Til presented a site plan for a new store at Lincoln Plaza during the Cedar Lake Plan Commission's Wednesday work session.

Are you an extreme couponer?

Are you a local resident who saves a great deal of money on your grocery bill with the use of coupons? If you are an extreme couponer, veteran or new, and would like to share your secrets, contact Joyce Russell at joyce.russell@nwi.com or (219) 762-1397, ext. 2222.

Crown Point grocery caters to gluten-free needs

CROWN POINT | With two children who must eat gluten-free food, it was important to Eric and Ann Mosak to find a grocery store with a variety of gluten-free options.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Who's to blame for high food prices?

If you ever had an economics class, the phrase "supply and demand" might sound familiar to you, but when you're pacing the aisles of the grocery store, do you ever think back to those days when you were sitting in your econ class doodling in your notebook?

Strack & Van Til puts its mark on acquired stores

LOWELL | By the end of March, Strack & Van Til officials hope to have completed extensive remodeling of the former Wilco County Market that will bring it in line with the company's other stores. David Wilkinson, Strack & Van Til president and CEO, said the company is investing more t…

Glenwood works to lure grocery

GLENWOOD | A full-service grocery store could open in the Glenwood Town Center this summer if certain financial incentives can be met.

Retailers seek alcohol law changes

INDIANAPOLIS | A statewide coalition of grocery, drug and convenience stores will try again to change Indiana law on carry-out alcohol sales and cold beer sales.

Stacks of Life

STACKS OF LIFE - - This recreated scene of a small town grocery story in Indiana in the 1940s is part of a new exhibit called "You Are There" at the Indiana Historical Society's History Center in Indianapolis. (Image courtesy of Indiana Historical Society)