Yesterday I finally got through to the food buyer's assistant at the Northern VA office. I complimented Costco on having altered their food section considerably, and having many new bulk items specifically on Y2K prep lists on the Internet. I asked if Costco could add three items for which people are looking: SACO powdered milk, cocoa mix, and dehydrated potato cannisters. Looking in her computer, she said that they had JUST gotten in Carnation Hot Chocolate mix in a 50 oz. cannister for $2.99. They only have the 28-oz. pkg. of a potato mix not popular with me, and would look into the milk.

THEN she asked me, "Is there anything else people would like to have here for this purpose?" That was a lovely surprise, so I listed dried beans, and she asked specifically what kinds, and I said beans such as kidney, red, black, and added lentils. Also suggested canned (#10) meats, only found available 1-1/2 hr. drive away.

So if you are not finding these items at your local Costco, or other club to which you belong, do not be shy to contact their buyer and make a request. The person with whom I spoke was most eager to learn what they might stock and sell.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), October 07, 1999

Answers

Thats great to know. Our Cosstco here in southern oregon already carries the first three you mentioned in bulk: Cocoa, dehydrated potatoes, and Saco powdered milk. I purchased my pinto beans there as well. Glad to know we can add requests to the list.

-- The Young'n (Newbie@ShineTheLight.com), October 07, 1999.

Elaine -- Do you know if the No. Va. Costco plans to stock 55 gal water drums? We go to the Costco at Pentagon City...

-- Libby Alexander (libbyalex@aol.com), October 07, 1999.

Hi, Libby, and the answer is no, I don't know if they plan to...have not seen any there yet. Got Costco's main number from Info -- it's 703-802-1223. They gave me the specific buyer for the type of food I was inquiring after, which was 704-406-6800. I am sure they have other buyers you could call to inquire about the drums, which main number could give you. Would be helpful to post the answer for others in the area also.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), October 07, 1999.