As consumers seek relief from the recession and spiraling food prices, grocery auctions are gaining in popularity as an easy way to cut costs.  The sales operate like regular auctions, but with bidders vying for dry goods and frozen foods instead of antiques and collectibles. The popularity of auctions, which sell left over or damaged goods, from supermarkets, distribution centers, and restaurant suppliers, comes at a time when people are stretching their grocery budgets by using coupons, buying inferior cuts of meat, and choosing generic brands over national brands.