CHRISTIANSTED — DLCA Commissioner Richard Evangelista said today the department’s territory-wide “More For Your Dollar” holiday food basket survey was completed on Monday.
The market basket survey is designed to inform consumers of which stores have the best prices no matter the brand on staple grocery items, Commissioner Evangelista said.
The number of items compared on each island varies as a result of comparison guidelines that require items are identical in order to produce a valid survey. A total of 28 of the same items were compared at each location. Due to COVID-19, a virtual survey was performed instead of the the customary in-person survey.
DLCA complements the vendors that responded and hopes the consumers of the territory appreciate the transparency from the vendors that shared its pricing. The Holiday Food Basket Survey is included for comparative viewing.
On St. Croix, five stores were surveyed: Pueblo Golden Rock, Pueblo La Reine, Plaza Extra East, The Market (formerly known as Plaza Extra West) and Stop and Shop Supermarket. Pueblo Golden Rock and Pueblo La Reine had a holiday food basket cost of $57.51. Plaza Extra East food basket was at $52.03. The Market food basket cost was at $49.43. Stop and Shop Supermarket food basket cost was found at $43.36.
On St. Thomas, three stores were surveyed: The Market, Pueblo Long Bay and Pueblo Sub Base. The Market had a food basket cost of $49.63. Pueblo Long Bay and Pueblo Sub Base food basket cost were found at $57.51.
On St. John only one store was surveyed, Starfish Market which had a holiday food basket cost of $61.14.
Consumers are reminded to shop wisely and compare food prices to make the best economic choices. Consumers or Merchants with questions may contact Consumer Affairs Division on St. Croix at (340) 713-3522, on St. Thomas at (340) 714-3522, or on St. John at (340) 693-8036.