OT: Bagging groceries

[koleszar]

I prefer to bag my own and love the switch to reusable bags.

I have no choice but to bag my own. That's what happens when you marry a Rutgers Animal science major. They learn about all types of meat borne bacteria. I was even made to watch Fast Food Nation for a tutorial on this.

So, if all packaged meats aren't in a cellophane bag and those meats in one separate shopping bag, our entire house will die according to my wife. If there's no cellophane bags in the meat department you have to go over to the vegetable department and get bags. I sh*t you not.

 

[RUTGERS95]

I am not sure if I ever met an AH as big as you are.

While- cashier may not be a career goal- it is a way of life, food and keeping the lights on for millions of people.

respectfully, you may not like what he said but it's absolutely true. If you are relying on that to support a family, odds are you made some poor life choices that one owns solely. Those jobs should be for kids earning money while in school, learning responsibility etc. or retirees earing extra money and other such happenings. It's not a career and shouldn't be the aspiration to support a family.

everyone's situation is different and always think we should give benefit of the doubt but this whole shift in thinking for what is a job that should be capable of supporting a family has gone tits up.

America is still the land of plenty and opportunity, people need to make better choices and take advantage of the opportunities that avail themselves

 

[RUTGERS95]

I have no choice but to bag my own. That's what happens when you marry a Rutgers Animal science major. They learn about all types of meat borne diseases. I even was made to watch Fast Food Nation for a tutorial on this.

So, if all packaged meats aren't in a cellophane bag and those meats in one separate shopping bag, our entire house will die according to my wife. If there's no cellophane bags in the meat department you have to go over to the vegetable department and get bags. I sh*t you not.

lolololololololol. this is funny. funny how our spouses quirks rue the day

 

[EddieWilsonLives]

Lol, very familiar with her work. I think most of the township enjoyed seeing that.

There’s been some good self checkout scams I read. One guy was scanning expensive Pokémon cards with packets of taco seasoning hidden underneath, paying the taco seasoning price instead of the cards

Five Below implemented a huge self check out program cple years back. There was so much theft they had to restructure stores and get rid of it all. Aldi supermarket also.

People in general, younger in particular, are just awful now. Many of them feel they are entitled to steal and take advantage of every unethical door that is slightly ajar. They simply don't care.

Mainly because there are no consequences.

 

[yesrutgers01]

And? They are paid for the work they do and the value they provide a business. I’m sorry you can handle economic reality. I bet you’ve never tipped one in your life your life you care so much. Cheapskate.

Typically, I bag my own. But, there is a Dominican Grocery Store we go to in Patterson NJ. Love getting fresh meats and fish there. Love it for tge dishes my wife makes, Oxtail, Curry Goat, Red Snapper etc. weekends and holidays, often have a fresh goat or two hanging up.
So, while we obviously tip the butchers and mongers, they will have young kids from the neighborhood bagging. We allow these kids to do it and always a 10 spot when they finish.

I am always a person who tips.

so, try your stuff somewhere else.

 

[RUTGERS95]

Typically, I bag my own. But, there is a Dominican Grocery Store we go to in Patterson NJ. Love getting fresh meats and fish there. Love it for tge dishes my wife makes, Oxtail, Curry Goat, Red Snapper etc. weekends and holidays, often have a fresh goat or two hanging up.
So, while we obviously tip the butchers and mongers, they will have young kids from the neighborhood bagging. We allow these kids to do it and always a 10 spot when they finish.

I am always a person who tips.

so, try your stuff somewhere else.

I want to come eat at your house!!!! save the goat, the rest sounds awesome!!!!

we eat duck, rabbit, elk, deer (actually making venison chili tonight), you name it but one thing I cannot eat is goat. I can't even stand the smell of the meat, milk, and cheese. But I do like different foods from what is typically American fair. Oxtail is especially good, lots of things to do there.

 

[fsng]

I want to come eat at your house!!!! save the goat, the rest sounds awesome!!!!

we eat duck, rabbit, elk, deer (actually making venison chili tonight), you name it but one thing I cannot eat is goat. I can't even stand the smell of the meat, milk, and cheese. But I do like different foods from what is typically American fair. Oxtail is especially good, lots of things to do there.

And now I want to eat at yours. Love duck and elk. Was thinking of getting some elk tenderloin for Mother's Day but not sure.

Bison has been one of my faves of late. 1/3 bison, 2/3 beef for burgers way better than all beef, imo. Tried 1/2 and 1/2 this week but too dry.

I like goat but prefer lamb. Similar taste, less bony and gamey.

 

[Jerseylegends]

It used to be high school and college students doing part time employment mainly bagged groceries at checkout, then the elderly started bagging, now self checkout and cashiers are the way what you buy get bagged..
Some feel cashiers are not worth the money they are paid because they are unskilled workers that really don't do nothing to help the store they work at profit margin .
As for those over-payed cashiers being made to earn their pay by bagging your groceries they should be happy to have such a good paying job for just standing there checking out groceries
from a google search
Grocery store cashiers are responsible for efficiently processing customer transactions, handling payments (cash, card, SNAP EBT), and scanning items accurately. They provide friendly customer service, bag groceries, manage coupons, resolve complaints, and maintain a clean, organized checkout area. They also often handle returns, age-restricted items, and balance their cash drawers
Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Transaction Processing: Scanning items, weighing produce, operating the POS system, and processing various payment methods including cash, credit, debit, checks, coupons, and electronic benefits (SNAP/WIC). [1, 2, 3]
• Customer Service: Greeting customers, answering questions about product location or pricing, and resolving complaints politely. [1, 2, 3]
• Cash Handling & Security: Balancing the cash drawer at the start and end of shifts, ensuring accuracy, and adhering to company policies regarding cash, security, and sales of restricted items like alcohol or tobacco. [1, 2, 3]
• Front-End Maintenance: Bagging groceries, maintaining a clean and stocked workstation, and sometimes assisting with merchandise restocking, especially in smaller stores
• Important Skills
  • Accuracy & Mathematics: Essential for handling money, scanning items correctly, and processing transactions.
  • Customer Service: Friendly, patient demeanor to ensure a positive shopping experience.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and handle, lift, or move items.
  • Efficiency: Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak hours

As of April 2026, the average grocery store cashier in New Jersey earns approximately $13.67 to $16.97 per hour,

• Hourly Range: While averages hover around $13-$17, some, like those at Wegmans, reported averages of roughly $17.14 per hour.
• Top Employers: ShopRite cashiers in NJ average around $16.95 per hour.

"As for those over-payed cashiers being made to earn their pay by bagging your groceries they should be happy to have such a good paying job for just standing there checking out groceries" I'm not sure if you're joking or serious..how much are cashier's paid? Reading the non sports takes on this board are always interesting. It always reminds me of the many different perspectives, life experiences and opinions that humans can have. No one perspective is right or wrong, everyone's experiences molded their opinions.... Although some of these guys are harsh for shock value. They are like shock jock djs from 90s...
I'm sure we all understand the concept of inflation, so while 25 years ago what cashier's are paid today may seem like a lot but 25 years ago McDonald's had a $1 menu. Now most of that from the old $1 menu is $2.50, a 150% increase... Trust, businesses don't stay in business by over paying their employees, especially corporate chain stores. At the same time, cashier salaries aren't competitive because it is not skilled work. There is always a supply of people to meet the demand for the position. No need to offer high pay. And as technology advances, the position will soon be phased out completely.
Its the way the world works, things change, I'm sure there were common jobs in the past that no longer exist or are not as prominent now as it was in the past. As I'm getting older and realizing my own mortality, I see things more clearly. But it doesn't cost you anything to have a little compassion for people that are having trouble navigating financial responsibilities or losing a source of income. Currently it's cool to be heartless and present your self as tough and emotionless in virtual reality. We may be losing a bit of humanity when we discuss things like this online or discuss a class of people we have no interaction with...

 

[RUTGERS95]

And now I want to eat at yours. Love duck and elk. Was thinking of getting some elk tenderloin for Mother's Day but not sure.

Bison has been one of my faves of late. 1/3 bison, 2/3 beef for burgers way better than all beef, imo. Tried 1/2 and 1/2 this week but too dry.

I like goat but prefer lamb. Similar taste, less bony and gamey.

bison is excellent! ostrich is good too, have you tried that?

 

[Jerseylegends]

Five Below implemented a huge self check out program cple years back. There was so much theft they had to restructure stores and get rid of it all. Weiss supermarket also.

People in general, younger in particular, are just awful now. Many of them feel they are entitled to steal and take advantage of every unethical door that is slightly ajar. They simply don't care.

Mainly because there are no consequences.

Again since I'm getting older, I'm seeing people from my generation say things like this. I always wonder if they used to hear the same from older people when they were young as well? I know I did, how far back does this phenomenon go? Older people saying the new generation is this or that? I'm thinking that it's just us older guys observing the younger generation from the outside and only seeing the bad because that's what is more visible to us..

 

[Rutgers Chris]

Again since I'm getting older, I'm seeing people from my generation say things like this. I always wonder if they used to hear the same from older people when they were young as well? I know I did, how far back does this phenomenon go? Older people saying the new generation is this or that? I'm thinking that it's just us older guys observing the younger generation from the outside and only seeing the bad because that's what is more visible to us..

I have a 15 year old and a 13 year old. Comparing them and their friends to the kids I grew up with tells a different story for sure. Much less (non-existent) drinking, smoking, etc. My daughter and her friends spend their free time reading and at the gym, something I never saw growing up. The kids around here are pretty polite in my experience. There’s small groups of **** heads for sure but that seems to be the case in every group and generation. Over generalization that the next generation is always worse seems to be the case imo.

 

[koleszar]

Again since I'm getting older, I'm seeing people from my generation say things like this. I always wonder if they used to hear the same from older people when they were young as well? I know I did, how far back does this phenomenon go? Older people saying the new generation is this or that? I'm thinking that it's just us older guys observing the younger generation from the outside and only seeing the bad because that's what is more visible to us..

My generation never tried to eat Tides Pods, taken dangerous amounts of Benadryl, or put rubbing alcohol on ourselves to set a body part ablaze. So yes, the gene pool has definitely degraded for some but not all. Now, if you want to talk Evil Knievel type sh*t on our bikes, well then that's another story.

 

[Caliknight]

Typically, I bag my own. But, there is a Dominican Grocery Store we go to in Patterson NJ. Love getting fresh meats and fish there. Love it for tge dishes my wife makes, Oxtail, Curry Goat, Red Snapper etc. weekends and holidays, often have a fresh goat or two hanging up.
So, while we obviously tip the butchers and mongers, they will have young kids from the neighborhood bagging. We allow these kids to do it and always a 10 spot when they finish.

I am always a person who tips.

so, try your stuff somewhere else.

No one believes you.

 

[Jerseylegends]

My generation never tried to eat Tides Pods, taken dangerous amounts of Benadryl, or put rubbing alcohol on ourselves to set a body part ablaze. So yes, the gene pool has definitely degraded for some but not all. Now, if you want to talk Evil Knievel type sh*t on our bikes, well then that's another story.

Hmmm I guess I'm a millennial so I'm not too far from the current generation but I'm pretty sure your generation had its own craziness that older people looked down upon..I'm guessing you're a gen xer? Idk what the generation before gen x was called but them as well. As technology advances so does the mischievousness lol

 

[Rutgers Chris]

Hmmm I guess I'm a millennial so I'm not too far from the current generation but I'm pretty sure your generation had its own craziness that older people looked down upon..I'm guessing you're a gen xer? Idk what the generation before gen x was called but them as well. As technology advances so does the mischievousness lol

I’m 46. No one ate tide pods but I remember kids erasing their skin, sniffing rubber cement and doing all types of stupid stuff. Now it’s just on social media for all to see. I guarantee previous generations did similar things. And if we are saying the gene pool changed, then isn’t it the genes of those commenting that caused the problem?

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

My generation never tried to eat Tides Pods, taken dangerous amounts of Benadryl, or put rubbing alcohol on ourselves to set a body part ablaze. So yes, the gene pool has definitely degraded for some but not all. Now, if you want to talk Evil Knievel type sh*t on our bikes, well then that's another story.

The even younger generation is even worse by following dangerous trends on Tik Tok and Instagram.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

No one believes you.

Except we since he's been one of the better members on TKR for a long time.

 

[Caliknight]

Except we since he's been one of the better members on TKR for a long time.

You’re free to have your opinion. As am I.

 

[RUTGERS95]

Again since I'm getting older, I'm seeing people from my generation say things like this. I always wonder if they used to hear the same from older people when they were young as well? I know I did, how far back does this phenomenon go? Older people saying the new generation is this or that? I'm thinking that it's just us older guys observing the younger generation from the outside and only seeing the bad because that's what is more visible to us..

I'll see if I can find the link to nat Geo/or the like but they found papyrus or something from around the time of the major building projects. They were employment scrolls depicting excuses for not working and some others such as comments from various individuals on younger gen. many of the same comments are what we here today

thought it was surreal

 

[RUTGERS95]

Hmmm I guess I'm a millennial so I'm not too far from the current generation but I'm pretty sure your generation had its own craziness that older people looked down upon..I'm guessing you're a gen xer? Idk what the generation before gen x was called but them as well. As technology advances so does the mischievousness lol

gen x here and no, we didn't do half the utterly retarrrded stuff we've seen over the past decade or so. We certainly as big of sissies either where whined about everything and need help. Our generation was the latch key, self reliant, fearless, smart, enterprising, resourceful, self confident, less offended, and would punch you in the mouth for half the shyyt we see and here today. we were also less racist and more accepting which I know, is mind blowing to many.

not a single kid I've come across wouln't take the omegas of our groups...lol

 

[Rutgers Chris]

gen x here and no, we didn't do half the utterly retarrrded stuff we've seen over the past decade or so. We certainly as big of sissies either where whined about everything and need help. Our generation was the latch key, self reliant, fearless, smart, enterprising, resourceful, self confident, less offended, and would punch you in the mouth for half the shyyt we see and here today. we were also less racist and more accepting which I know, is mind blowing to many.

not a single kid I've come across wouln't take the omegas of our groups...lol

The question that follows is how did our generation end up raising such awful kids?

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

I always enjoy these generational discussions, especially when they’re full of complaining. Each generation impacts the next. The boomers raised/shaped Gen X. Gen X did the same for the Millenials. Millenials to Gez Z. And so on and so on.

If you don’t like the way the generation after yours behaves, look no further than the mirror and question how they were raised. I say this in the collective, not pointing fingers at any one particular person.

 

[RUTGERS95]

The question that follows is how did our generation end up raising such awful kids?

It's interesting to say the least. I get why the greatest generation raised such a shyyyyty one but ours has no excuse. The things we did as kids would get you arrested today, parents having heart attacks, or the like. Maybe it's the growth in a litigious society, increase is progressive nonsense, maybe a mix of things but the bell curve doesn't lie and this generation is an absolute joke

 

[RUTGERS95]

I always enjoy these generational discussions, especially when they’re full of complaining. Each generation impacts the next. The boomers raised/shaped Gen X. Gen X did the same for the Millenials. Millenials to Gez Z. And so on and so on.

If you don’t like the way the generation after yours behaves, look no further than the mirror and question how they were raised. I say this in the collective, not pointing fingers at any one particular person.

there have been studies on gen x and when you say, 'The boomers raised/shaped Gen X.' you're not being entirely accurate. Gen x had almost half the generation coming home to an empty house due to divorce and working families. That wasn't them raising us, it was them being irresponsible and/or selfish during formative years of development. Easy times make soft men, soft men make hard times, hard times make hard men. Gen X is the hard man

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

there have been studies on gen x and when you say, 'The boomers raised/shaped Gen X.' you're not being entirely accurate. Gen x had almost half the generation coming home to an empty house due to divorce and working families. That wasn't them raising us, it was them being irresponsible and/or selfish during formative years of development. Easy times make soft men, soft men make hard times, hard times make hard men. Gen X is the hard man

Lots of factors for sure, you won‘t get a disagreement from me on that. And I think social media has a massive impact on Gen Z & subsequent generations that gets in the way of a parent’s ability to shape their kids. Like most things, it’s a collection of many many factors.

 

[Rutgers Chris]

Lots of factors for sure, you won‘t get a disagreement from me on that. And I think social media has a massive impact on Gen Z & subsequent generations that gets in the way of a parent’s ability to shape their kids. Like most things, it’s a collection of many many factors.

Good book for parents or soon to be parents. Speaks to a lot of this.

The Anxious Generation - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[MADHAT1]

No one believes you.

Is that your version of California Dreaming

 

[MADHAT1]

You’re free to have your opinion. As am I.

 

[Jerseylegends]

It's interesting to say the least. I get why the greatest generation raised such a shyyyyty one but ours has no excuse. The things we did as kids would get you arrested today, parents having heart attacks, or the like. Maybe it's the growth in a litigious society, increase is progressive nonsense, maybe a mix of things but the bell curve doesn't lie and this generation is an absolute joke

Do you remember if the generation before your generation had positive feelings about gen xers? I think it's similar to an American visiting a foreign country and they think it's nice but miss home. Or a foreigner that comes to America and misses home, even freshman moving into dorms and missing home. Each generation has a unique culture, those from that generation feel comfortable in their generations culture. New norms don't seem normal when you are used to the old norms. Lol with modern science and medicine we get to live 3 or 4 lifetimes..I think improving life expectancy creates new unforseen problems...

 

[yesrutgers01]

I want to come eat at your house!!!! save the goat, the rest sounds awesome!!!!

we eat duck, rabbit, elk, deer (actually making venison chili tonight), you name it but one thing I cannot eat is goat. I can't even stand the smell of the meat, milk, and cheese. But I do like different foods from what is typically American fair. Oxtail is especially good, lots of things to do there.

My wife is Jamaican- Goat is part of tge deal. Honestly though, since it is almost always curry, you don’t get the full gaminess. If it is in soup, that is a little different.
Her Oxtail, rice and peas, plantains are to die’s for, as is the ackie and saltfish with festival for breakfast. She stays away from fried foods so she does a lot of stewed or browned. And her jerk pork shoulder- oh man!

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

My wife is Jamaican- Goat is part of tge deal. Honestly though, since it is almost always curry, you don’t get the full gaminess. If it is in soup, that is a little different.
Her Oxtail, rice and peas, plantains are to die’s for, as is the ackie and saltfish with festival for breakfast. She stays away from fried foods so she does a lot of stewed or browned. And her jerk pork shoulder- oh man!

I'll swing by for some plantains...lol.

 

[RUTGERS95]

My wife is Jamaican- Goat is part of tge deal. Honestly though, since it is almost always curry, you don’t get the full gaminess. If it is in soup, that is a little different.
Her Oxtail, rice and peas, plantains are to die’s for, as is the ackie and saltfish with festival for breakfast. She stays away from fried foods so she does a lot of stewed or browned. And her jerk pork shoulder- oh man!

I had a Jamican friend from work that would bring his wife's cooking to work and he's share some with me. was always fantastic

you're a lucky man!

 

[RUTGERS95]

Lots of factors for sure, you won‘t get a disagreement from me on that. And I think social media has a massive impact on Gen Z & subsequent generations that gets in the way of a parent’s ability to shape their kids. Like most things, it’s a collection of many many factors.

agree 100%

 

[RUPete90]

My wife is Jamaican- Goat is part of tge deal. Honestly though, since it is almost always curry, you don’t get the full gaminess. If it is in soup, that is a little different.
Her Oxtail, rice and peas, plantains are to die’s for, as is the ackie and saltfish with festival for breakfast. She stays away from fried foods so she does a lot of stewed or browned. And her jerk pork shoulder- oh man!

Still waiting for the share… All kidding aside, I have never had oxtail stew but always wanted to try it. There was/is a Jamaican place in Plainfield called Elma’s Kitchen. Everything being cooked there smelled so good.

 

[ru109]

Do you realize that cashiers did this pre-pandemic?

Really? I've been bagging my own groceries for years. It helps them and gets me out faster. Win Win.

 

[MrsScrew]

Really? I've been bagging my own groceries for years. It helps them and gets me out faster. Win Win.

Agreed.

 

[hoquat63]

Go to internet and read what Socrates said about the younger generation

 

[yesrutgers01]

Still waiting for the share… All kidding aside, I have never had oxtail stew but always wanted to try it. There was/is a Jamaican place in Plainfield called Elma’s Kitchen. Everything being cooked there smelled so good.

Oh man- Oxtail, rice and peas, cabbage and plantains. One thing you will usually find at Jamaican restaurants and food trucks- they will load your plate up full.
And if you ever get the chance for homemade…It is my go to meal I ask for on my birthday. And it is always on tge Holidays dinner menu.
treat yourself and get it one day. Get a side of festival or fried dumplings with it.

 

[yesrutgers01]

I had a Jamican friend from work that would bring his wife's cooking to work and he's share some with me. was always fantastic

you're a lucky man!

My wife grew up with her Dad who always had small restaurants and bars on the Island. She learned from the best.

man I bet your friend never shared out his Ackie and salt fish…that is the hidden best meal

 

[yesrutgers01]

Really? I've been bagging my own groceries for years. It helps them and gets me out faster. Win Win.

I’ve been bagging my own for decades as well. I place them on the belt exactly how I want to bag them too.