Save money with commissary case lot sale May 14-18 Published May 7, 2008 By Carrie Williams FORT LEE, Va. -- If last year's numbers are any indication, the worldwide case lot sale in May will yield fantastic savings for commissary customers. In May 2007, commissaries around the globe posted numbers that totaled more than $12.5 million in sales and 1.8 million cases of product sold, proof of increasingly savvy shopping by commissary customers. Though overall savings are holding steady at 30 percent or more, case lot sales can increase those savings even more -- which explains their popularity. The Defense Commissary Agency holds worldwide case lot sales twice a year -- in May and September. The commissary case lot sale here will be held May 14-18. The September sale started in 2001 and proved so popular another was added in May. The biannual event offers shoppers an opportunity to buy bulk quantities of their favorite products at increased savings, such as canned goods, beverages, paper products, pet supplies, cleaning or laundry products, and in some cases, fresh chicken, pork, beef and produce. Nearly all commissaries participate -- though on different weekends throughout the month. More information can be found at www.commissaries.com/case_lot_sale.cfm. And while you're on the Web site, be sure to check out all the features it has to offer: Ask the DeCA Dietitian; Kay's Kitchen; links to special manufacturer's coupons, sweepstakes and promotions; and the latest commissary news. If you're interested in having the news delivered to you by e-mail, it's as simple as registering for a free subscription to Commissary Connection. So if you're a savvy shopper who likes to stock the pantry and save lots of money, too, do your homework and prepare for the worldwide case lot sale. When you're making out your shopping list, you might find "shop till you drop" is item No. 1. About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices - savings worth about $3,000 annually for a family of four. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.