Canned and bottled stuff is more reliable than it was years ago.

Now cans are lined and bottling plants are far cleaner.

Milk products are good up to one week after their exp. dates (I always give milk a sniff test anyway.)

Some veggies can be 'reclaimed' by putting them into a bag with a wet paper towel or by cutting off the 'bad spots'?

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In So Cal their is a chain of stores that slowly shift their stock over the network. Ralph's and Food 4 Less are located in So Cal.

You can buy stuff that is fresh from the factory/farm from Ralph's at a premium price and as they stock gets old, it's shipped to the F4L stores where it's deeply discounted to get it out of the store.

Example?

A bottle of tomato juice costs 3.50 at Ralphs, but when the expiration date gets close, they ship it out to F4L and they will sell bottles, 3 for 5 bucks!

Sometimes the veggies are sketchy, but if you plan to use them quickly?

It's no problem....