How can I reduce plastic packaging when buying groceries?

[Scarlett.R]

I’ve been trying to reduce my household’s plastic use, but I’m stuck on food packaging. Even when I buy loose produce, so much of it like meat, cheese, and pantry staples seems to come pre-wrapped in layers of the stuff. I’m starting to wonder if avoiding it completely is even possible for an average family without a drastic lifestyle change.

[Noah41]

We tried asking for unpacked meat and cheese but it is still mostly plastic. When they could do paper wrapping that felt like a win but it was not reliable.

[MiaR]

We did a month with bulk grains in jars but pantry staples still came in plastic bags from the supplier. It added time and we did not save as much as we hoped.

[Aaron.S]

We kept a stash of reusable jars and a tote and at the farmers market it helped though some vendors still used plastic for freshness or transport. It felt like a constant trade off.

[DonaldT]

Is the real blocker the system we shop from or is there something we can do day to day without a drastic lifestyle shift?