Fleet Farm routinely sells nuts and snack foods at the best prices I’ve found anywhere. This week though, it’s worth noting that they have a 12.5 pound bag of popcorn kernels for $4.49. That’s $0.36/lb and I think it’s the lowest price I’ve seen anywhere ever. But, it behooves the question – what can you do with 12.5 of popcorn kernels???
Bean bags. Last time Fleet Farm ran this sale (Valentine’s Day 2009) I bought a bag and my mom made two dozen square bean bags for my kids. We filled the bean bags with the kernels. If you’re crafty make some low-cost gifts using scraps of material from around the house. Give a set of bean bags along with a hula hoop or bucket for the child to throw them into and you’re set. (By the way, my kids LOVE them. We also practice balance by putting one on our head and trying to walk across the room).
Snacks. We also eat air popped popcorn as a very low-cost, nutritious snack. I am going to try freezing some kernels this time so they stay fresher longer because we only eat about ½ pound of kernels per month. (I’ll let them thaw before popping).
Draft stoppers. I have wanted to make a couple bean-filled tubes to set in front of my patio door in the wintertime to stop the draft. I will use popcorn kernels to fill them. In fact, I’ve been waiting for these to go on sale again at this price so I can do this project.
Indoor sandbox. I also plan to seal some up in a Rubbermaid tub that I can take down on a rainy day. It’ll be an indoor sandbox where my kids can bury toys, scoop it, run it through funnels and have a great time. When it gets yucky I’ll throw it out.
If you stop into Fleet Farm note that many of their nuts are on sale at great prices this week.
Whole Pecans are $5.49/lb
Walnuts are $2.99/lb
Select peanuts are $1.50/lb
Your turn: Anyone else excited about low-cost popcorn kernels? What will you do with yours?
About Carrie Rocha
