Question:
What can bring people of many different races, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes together in a cramped building on a Sunday night?
No, the answer isn't a church service.
Answer:
Aldi's.
For those who haven't had the pleasure of shopping for their groceries at Aldi's, some background information is necessary. Aldi's sells off-brand food products at inexpensive prices. So much so that my wife and I save around $40 a week from what we used to spend at Meijer or Walmart.
Is there a catch?
Well, maybe.
You first need to have a quarter on you. That's what 'renting' an Aldi's shopping cart will cost you. (Don't worry, you'll get the quarter back when you return the cart.) Second, you'll need your own shopping bags...or you can always buy some recyclable bags from their store. Third, you can't be too picky. Aldi's rarely has name-brand products. They do have comparable products made by their own company. If you're looking for a unique cheese or salsa dip, you probably won't find it at Aldi's. If you want the basics, you'll be fine. It really comes down to the savings.
And that's what brought so many people to Aldi's tonight. Milk for $1.89. It costs around $2.89 at Walmart. A pound of lean ground turkey for $2.99. It's around $5.00 per pound at Walmart or Meijer. Multiply that kind of savings on every product you buy, and you get the idea. Really substantial savings.
I'm writing this blog not only to promote Aldi's, but more specifically to point out the irony of it all. I work in ministry and find it teeth-clenching that an Aldi's better represents the beauty and diversity of humanity than any given church on any given Sunday. At Aldi's tonight, people came together under a common cause: saving money. There's another cause that can bring diverse individuals together: Love. And grace. And forgiveness.
So to Aldi's, I say, "Way to go!" Now the Church just needs to find ways to bring people together like you do.
