Naval Station Everett’s Liberty Program and Smokey Point Commissary teamed up to provide single Sailors and geo-bachelors a good look at the benefits commissaries offer.

The 2nd annual Commissary Awareness event held May 13 in conjunction with Commissary Awareness Month showed Sailors “It’s Worth the Trip” to visit the commissary.

“Our goal is to make you become a regular shopper,” said Leva Fairley, Smokey Point Commissary General Manager. “We have the same products they have out in town at better prices.”

Overall commissary savings are 30 percent when comparing prices to local grocery stores.  Some of the departments have an even greater savings such as meat at 46 percent and 55 percent for spices.

Sailors took a tour of the store, pricing items along the way.

“We wanted them to go down each aisle and see the prices to realize the benefit of shopping here,” Fairley said.

Since many of the Sailors attending the event live in the barracks, cooking can be a hassle, so the commissary staff showed how microwaves can be used.  Sailors sampled microwave sloppy joes cooked with ingredients found at the commissary.

Another stop along the tour showed Sailors that if the commissary doesn’t have exactly what he or she wants, a special order form can be used.

“Some people like their steaks cut a certain way or maybe a little thicker than we normally slice them,” said Fairley. “Or if we don’t carry an item among the 13,000 in our store, customers can fill out a request form.”

Along with the tour of the store, Sailors went on a supermarket sweep to collect items by comparing prices to get the best deal.

“We want them to be smart shoppers,” Fairley said. “The money they save can go for other things.”

The Liberty event also included a tricycle race and can-crushing contest. The Sailors wrapped up the event with a barbeque.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Sarah Cassidy of NAVSTA Everett’s Honor Guard said the event made her realize that some products are cheaper at the commissary and the event itself was worth the trip.

“[Liberty events] are good for single Sailors,” she said. Cassidy even went through the checkout before heading home.

Fairley wanted Sailors to take away the knowledge of the low prices offered at the commissary.

“The commissary is a benefit you get as service members,” Fairley said. “Make sure you’re taking advantage of it. It really is worth the trip.”