What’s that, you say? You’re hungry, but your wallet is feeling a little light? Fret not, my friend. There are plenty of ways to get free food without breaking the bank. Just check out these nine tips!
1. Attend Food Festivals and Events
Food festivals and events are a great way to sample new foods and cuisines without commitment. Many festivals offer free samples of their wares, so it’s a great way to try before you buy – or simply to enjoy a delicious treat.
Even better, many festivals also offer discounts on full-size portions or on purchases made that day. So if you see something you like, it’s a great opportunity to stock up.
Best of all, food festivals are held throughout the year, so there’s always an opportunity to enjoy something new. So next time you’re looking for a free lunch or snack, be sure to check the calendar for upcoming food festivals and events. You may just find your new favorite food.
Related: Cheap Food To Keep Your Pantry and Wallet Full
2. Join Sites That Pay You in Restaurant Gift Cards for Taking Surveys
You’ve probably seen those commercials where people get paid to register and take surveys online. While you may not get rich quickly by taking surveys, you can earn some free food. There are a number of websites that will pay you in restaurant gift cards for your opinions on various topics.
Here Are Some of the Most Popular Survey Sites You Can Register To Start Getting Free Food From Free Ice Cream To Free Steak Dinner:
- Branded Surveys
- PrizeRebel
- Survey Junkie
- MyPoints
- Tellwut
- Pinecone Research
- Swagbucks
So if you’re looking for an easy way to get free food, simply register for a few of these websites and start taking surveys. You’ll be eating free in no time!
3. Take Advantage of Free Food Apps
There’s no doubt that food delivery apps have become a popular way to get a quick, hot meal without having to cook. But did you know that there are also a number of apps that can get you free food? That’s right-by taking advantage of special offers and rewards programs, you can enjoy free food from your favorite restaurants.
With so many restaurant chain apps offering freebies and discounts, there’s no excuse not to register and take advantage of them. Here are a few of the best ones out there:
Auntie Anne’s: Download the app and create an account to join Auntie Anne’s My Pretzel Perks. Collect and earn points to get free pretzels. Free pretzel on your birthday, and you can also get free pretzel after your initial purchase using the app.
BJ’s: Find your nearest BJ’s restaurant by downloading the BJ’s App. You’ll be able to enroll in our BJ’s Premier Rewards PLUS program. Sign up to start earning points on every dollar you spend, plus get a free Pizookie upon registration and on your birthday.
Buffalo Wild Wings: There’s a rewards/loyalty program at Buffalo Wild Wings known as Blazin’ Rewards program. Sign up for a membership and receive a free order of buffalo wings on your birthday month. Download their app for more deals and freebies.
Chipotle: Sign up for Chipotle Rewards program and get a free burrito just for joining. You’ll also earn points for every purchase that can be redeemed for free food and other perks using their app.
Krispy Kreme: Sign up for Krispy Kreme Rewards program and get a free doughnut of your choice. Enjoy a free choice of doughnut and hot or iced coffee on your birthday at selected Krispy Kreme locations. Check their website and the app for other offers and promotions.
McDonald’s: McDonald’s offers awesome free food deals and promotions with the McDonald’s app. Join MyMcDonald’s Rewards program and get a free burger – Big Mac, when you download the app and join MyMcDonald’s Rewards program.
4. Make the Most of Food Sharing Apps
There are few things more frustrating than wasting food. According to estimates, Americans throw away nearly 20 percent of the food they purchase each year. Not only is this a waste of money, but it’s also bad for the environment. Food waste is a major contributor to climate change, and it takes a toll on our natural resources.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps we can all take to reduce food waste and at the same time make ends meet. One of the easiest things to do is to take advantage of food-sharing apps. Signing up for these apps allows users to share surplus food with others in their community. This not only helps to reduce food waste, but it can also save you money.
Here Are a Few Popular Food-sharing Apps:
Olio: This app connects neighbors and local businesses that have surplus food, so it can be shared with the community, rather than being thrown away.
TooGoodToGo: This app offers discounted meals from restaurants, grocery stores, and cafés that would otherwise be thrown away at the end of the day. I know this is not free, but I had to put it in here as it’s a great way to reduce food waste and reduce carbon footprint.
Food Rescue US: This is a web-based app that connects volunteers with businesses and organizations that have surplus food. The app allows users to find nearby opportunities to pick up and deliver surplus food to those who want to participate in food sharing.
Food Rescue US aids in the repurposing of food in three distinct ways:
- Reducing food waste through food donations
- Providing sufficient and nutritious food to indigent populations
- Making a timetable for local food rescue volunteers to report and finish
Signing up for these apps is as easy as creating an account and providing some basic information about yourself. Once you’re signed up, you can start sharing or receiving food from others in your community. Not only will you be helping to reduce food waste, but you’ll also be saving money on your grocery bill.
5. Watch Out for Bogo Deals
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to take advantage of buy one get one (BOGO) deals. These offers are usually found on items that are about to expire, so it’s important to check the date before you make your purchase. However, if you’re careful, you can snag some great deals on fresh food.
When looking for BOGO deals, try to find items that can be easily frozen or canned. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the food now and save the other half for later. With a little planning, you can easily take advantage of BOGO deals and stretch your food budget further.
6. Use a Rewards Card
As anyone who has ever stepped foot in a grocery store knows, the prices of food can quickly add up. However, there is a way to get free food without having to resort to questionable methods like dumpster diving – pun intended.
Many grocery stores offer rewards cards that give shoppers points for every purchase they make. These points can then be redeemed for free items, such as food, household goods, and even gas.
In addition, many rewards programs also offer discounts on groceries and other items. As a result, signing up for a rewards card is an easy way to save money on groceries and get free food.
7. Free Food Coupons
As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Or is there?
For those in the know, free food coupons are an excellent way to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. While most coupons are for discounts on specific items, free food coupons provide the opportunity to enjoy a full meal at no cost. And with a little effort, it’s not hard to find these money-saving coupons.
Free food coupons are often available on restaurants’ websites or social media pages, and they can also be found in local newspapers or flyers.
8. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap)
There’s no shame in being on food stamps. In fact, with the current economy, there’s almost a badge of honor. After all, it’s not like anyone really WANTS to be on food stamps. But sometimes life dealt us a bad hand, and we have to play the cards we’re dealt.
And if that means getting free food from the government, then so be it. Hey, at least we’re not asking for a handout, right? We’re just taking advantage of the benefits that are available to us. So don’t be ashamed to be on food stamps. Embrace it! After all, it’s not like you can really afford to buy groceries anyway.
To qualify for food stamps, you must meet certain income and asset guidelines. If you qualify, you’ll receive a card that can be used to purchase food at participating stores.
To determine eligibility and to find out how to apply for food stamps, visit the SNAP website.
9. Check Your Credit Card Offers for a Free Meal
If you’re like most people, then you probably get a lot of credit card offers (offering free taco, free donut, free appetizer, free chips, free groceries, almost anything to make you signup) in the mail.
And if you’re like most people, then you probably just toss them in the trash without giving them a second glance. But did you know that some of those credit card offers come with free food? That’s right – all you have to do is sign up for the card, and you’ll receive a voucher for a free meal or two at a participating restaurant.
So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get free food, be sure to check your credit card offers. You might be surprised at what you find.
Related: How To Save Money on Food
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, the words “free food” make your ears perk up. Luckily for all of us, there are plenty of ways to get free grub without too much effort. So whether you’re looking to score a quick snack or an entire meal, keep these tips in mind and enjoy some delicious (and free) eats! Have you tried any of these methods for scoring free food? Bon Appétit!