I was scanning the supermarket fliers from the two grocery stores in my town, something I always do before I grocery shop. For the first time ever, the stores had comparable–if not exactly the same–prices on many of the items I keep on my master grocery list. Then it dawned on me: what I like to buy is synonymous with Memorial Day get togethers. This includes chicken breasts for grilling, watermelons for slicing and enjoying ,and condiments for using on sandwiches that you might serve at a BBQ.

So, though I did a post earlier this month on May’s steals and deals, I wanted to remind you that this is the week to stock up on anything that is remotely related to Memorial Day–and which you’ll likely find on sale between now and Friday at the supermarket. I mean, the frugal way to food shop is to stock up when stuff is cheap so you don’t have to spend more later.

In my neck of the woods, some of the items marked down for Memorial Day include:

• Chicken breast (on sale for $1.79/pound)
• Ketchup and mustard ($.79 a bottle)
• Hamburger and hot dog buns ($1 per package)–bread is also on sale for this crazy good price
• Baked beans (prices vary)
• Watermelon (about $4 for a 16-pound one, seedless, too)

The last time the supermarket had chicken breasts on sale ($1.99/pound, sold in five-pound packs), I bought about 30 pounds of chicken. I have one package left in the freezer, which I plan to defrost and marinate tomorrow and serve for dinner. So this timing is perfect for me to re-up my supplies of chicken breast and I love that it will be at a cheaper price, too.

What about you? What do you plan to stock up on this week, to take advantage of Memorial Day sales and so you can use it in your meal planning, long after Memorial Day has passed?