I really can't help you with alternatives, but I can tell you why we shop at Costco (which is super close, about five miles away, if that). We also try to avoid processed food, but oats, honey, olive oil, TP, contact sol'n, olives, chicken broth, tortillas, organic diced tomatoes are just few of our main staples that are significantly cheaper at Costco (even over WM). All their fresh produce is MUCH cheaper there, even considering that it is tough to use the whole bag (broccoli, green beans for example). Even if we don't get it all used up and have to toss some, it forces us to eat more veggies, and is still cheaper. Apples are more, so I don't get them there, but bananas are always cheaper. I try to go at least 2x/month and if I only go once a month, I definitely notice our grocery bill is higher. One thing is true though, only this past year did I become convinced that it was worth it. Before kids, no way did I want that great variety of foods, and even with two kids, when they were preschool and baby, it was't worth it. But now they're 3.5 and 6, and make a noticeable dent in our groceries, and it has become cost-effective to go. However, I completely understand why it wouldn't work for you. Costco's not for everyone, but just wanted to chime in and say you can buy healthy staples there, not just junk food. (Oh, and hamburger, chicken, cheese and butter is cheaper too, though we plan to buy a 1/4 cow this year and forgo the store-bought meat.)