The holiday season is an expensive time of year. Between gifts, parties, and holiday meals, costs can really add up. One major expense is groceries. Food prices always seem to rise around the holidays when people are planning big meals and buying ingredients for holiday recipes. Fortunately, there are ways to get free groceries and save money on your holiday grocery bill. With a little planning and effort, you can stock up on all your holiday necessities without breaking the bank.
Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
The first thing you should do is make use of coupons and loyalty programs at your grocery store. Most major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. offer digital coupons you can load directly onto your shopper card. Browse the available coupons and load the ones for items you know you’ll need for holiday meals and baking. This gives you instant savings at checkout. Make sure to check the weekly ad for additional sales and clipped coupons. You can often pair a digital coupon with a store sale for even more savings.
Sign up for rewards programs with grocery stores and download their apps to receive exclusive coupons and perks. For example, Kroger’s loyalty program gives members certain percent-offs and fuel point discounts. These programs are free to join and provide year-round savings opportunities.
Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Shopkick give you money back for groceries you have to buy anyway. Simply upload your receipt after shopping to earn cash rewards. Ibotta offers bonuses around the holidays, like free Thanksgiving turkeys. Link your loyalty cards to these apps to automatically apply savings. You can cash out your earnings through PayPal or gift cards.
Ask About Holiday Food Boxes
Food banks and places of worship often provide free holiday food boxes this time of year for those in need. Local charities may also distribute boxes along with toys and clothing around the holidays. Call your local food banks, churches, shelters, etc. to ask about holiday grocery programs in your area. These holiday food boxes contain staple ingredients like stuffing, canned vegetables, pie crusts and other foods to help families celebrate special meals.
Check for Free Holiday Meals
Many restaurants and community organizations provide free holiday meals around this season. Homeless shelters, churches, and even some restaurants offer free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals where anyone from the community can stop in and eat. There are also often many holiday meals offered for veterans and their families. This allows you to enjoy special holiday dishes without spending money on all the expensive ingredients yourself. Check event listings in your local newspaper or online community calendars to find out about free meal options near you.
Participate in Holiday Gift Basket Programs
Nonprofits like the Salvation Army and local charities often run holiday gift basket programs that include free food. Sign up to receive a basket that contains a holiday meal plus staples like eggs, milk, bread, vegetables, fruit, and pantry items. These programs are typically open to families and individuals facing financial difficulties. The application process requires sharing details about your income, expenses, and struggles. If approved, the gift basket with groceries will be delivered or available for pickup.
Volunteer at a Food Bank
Food banks need extra volunteers around the holidays. Offer to donate a few hours of your time packing holiday food boxes or sorting donations. Many food banks give volunteers the option to take home food at no cost. Even just a few hours spent volunteering can earn you bread, produce, and pantry staples. Call your area food banks to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Check Dollar Stores
Dollar stores get new holiday-themed inventory each season. Shop their selection of decor, gift wrap, stockings, and holiday dishes. You can often find ingredients like baking mixes, canned pumpkin, nuts, spices, and sprinkles for just $1 each. Dollar Tree even sells frozen turkeys during the holidays for just $1. Get non-perishables at the best price so you can allocate your grocery budget towards fresh ingredients like vegetables, meat, and dairy.
Use Cashback Sites
Cashback sites like Rakuten give you money back for online purchases. Access the site through the Rakuten browser extension when placing an online order for groceries. Rakuten partners with major retailers like Walmart and Kroger for grocery pickup and delivery. You’ll earn a percentage back on your total purchase. Savings range from 2-10% cash back at most grocery chains. The cash gets deposited into your Rakuten account.
Split Items and Costs with Family or Friends
To take advantage of bulk savings, consider splitting holiday groceries with others. This works great for large quantities of baking ingredients, side dishes, beverages, and paper products. Buy items together and then split up the amount and make separate purchases. You can also take turns hosting holiday meals and share the costs. Offer to bring a couple of dishes to reduce the financial burden on any one person.
Grow Your Own Herbs and Produce
During the spring and summer, plant an herb and vegetable garden to reap a harvest around the holidays. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage keep well-dried or frozen. Grow potatoes, carrots, onions, squash, and other hardy produce to last through fall. Even a few patio containers can yield herbs, greens, and cherry tomatoes. Tap into your garden’s bounty to flavor holiday meals and side dishes.
Forage and Preserve Seasonal Foods
Another way to source free ingredients is to forage and preserve seasonal foods at the end of summer and fall. Check regulations first, and then go foraging for blackberries, apples, walnuts, wild mushrooms, and other edible plants. Preserve fruits by canning pie fillings and sauces. Pickle wild mushrooms and freeze berries for later use. Foraged finds make thoughtful DIY food gifts too.
Ask for Donations for Food Drives
Organize a food drive around the holidays to collect donations for your local food pantry. Set up collection bins at schools, offices, churches, and stores. Put up flyers explaining the types of food needed. The food pantry will then distribute items to families in need, including yours if necessary. Don’t be afraid to explain your situation and utilize these community resources.
Use Credit Card Rewards for Groceries
Check your credit card rewards balance and see if you have accumulated points or cash back that can be redeemed for gift cards to grocery chains. Some credit cards also offer periodic grocery discounts and rebates when you reach a certain spending threshold. Use these perks to lower your holiday grocery costs.
Talk to Your Local Food Bank About SNAP Benefits
If you are struggling with food insecurity, consider applying for SNAP benefits through your state’s food and nutrition service. SNAP provides monthly funds on an EBT card to purchase groceries. Even just temporary SNAP benefits during the holidays can help offset the extra costs this season brings. The food bank can help advise you on eligibility and the application process.
The holiday season is supposed to be joyful, and no one should have to stress about affording groceries. With a little effort, planning, and smart shopping, you can stock up on all your holiday favorites without overspending. Try these tips to get free and discounted groceries so you can enjoy the spirit of the season without extra financial burden.
