People in the middle and upper economic classes often take food for granted, associating hunger with starving South American and African kids in nonprofits’ TV commercials.
In reality, the issue is much closer to home: Over 35 million American people lacked enough food in 2019.
Since you’re looking for ways to save money on groceries, you may be one of those people.
Or, you might be well-fed, thrifty, and looking to save your hard-earned cash.
Since we all come from varying backgrounds and circumstances, there’s no one best way to save money on groceries. Take a look at this list of life hacks that has something for everyone.
1. Use Coupon and Rebate Apps
Without a doubt, the easiest way to save on groceries is by using apps to save money on groceries. You can save big without leaving your seat! Some grocery chains have apps where you can apply coupons to store accounts and pay less at checkout.
If you pick up receipts when you get groceries, you can scan them and get cashback. Some apps pay cash, while others let you redeem points for gift cards, sweepstakes, and more.
A few of many options include Swagbucks, Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Dosh.
2. Check Weekly Ads for Sales and More
In the age of apps and online grocery delivery, it’s easy to overlook the most classic resources: weekly ads. If you’re not picking up the paper versions at the front of the store or getting them in the mail, you can find them online.
Weekly ads aren’t hard to find whether you want the Kroger weekly ad, Walmart, Safeway, or even some local grocers’ weekly ads.
Looking at stores’ websites to save money on groceries is one of the oldest tricks in the books. Weekly ads may seem a little old-fashioned, but they still work like a charm!
Another advantage of weekly ads is how easy it is to compare sales between stores.
If you review multiple weekly ads, you can see who has the best deals on the things you want at any given time.
3. Buy in Bulk
Anyone who can afford to pay some upfront to save down the line should consider joining a warehouse club, co-op, or buying club. The most popular warehouse club stores in the United States are Costco and Sam’s Club.
You have to pay a membership fee each year, but save on bulk items and special deals, get discounts on gasoline, eye care, and more.
Another way to save on groceries by buying in bulk is by joining a co-op or buying club.
Doing so supports your community, helps you meet people, and gives you a sense of accomplishment if you take time to chip in.
Co-ops and buying clubs fight corporate dominance and cut down on wasteful packaging.
Rather than spending large amounts on bulk items at Costco or Sam’s Club, the group buys in bulk and portions goods out, with the option to use reusable jars and other eco-friendly options.
You can find bulk sections at grocery stores that don’t require memberships, too. They may not provide as many savings as other bulk-buying options, but it’s worth comparing prices.
Buying bulk from any grocery store tends to cost less per ounce or unit than packaged goods.
4. Go to Budget Stores
Another way to save money on groceries is by going to stores with always-low prices. Stores like Walmart and Target often try to tell you that their prices are the lowest, but it’s often not true!
There are better options, including but not at all limited to stores like WinCo Foods, ALDI, and even Trader Joe’s unique, premium offerings—because it’s owned by the family that founded ALDI.
These stores cut costs by not advertising and not carrying the biggest brands.
WinCo in particular went the extra mile to this end by not raising prices to stuff CEOs’ pockets: Its employees own the grocery chain.
5. See If You Qualify for Benefits
Many hungry individuals and families don’t realize that they’re eligible for food benefits.
If your gross monthly income is at or below 130% of the United States poverty line, chances are high that you’ll qualify.
Don’t feel greedy or bad for using these benefits—Your tax dollars pay for the programs and they’re meant to ensure you don’t go hungry.
SNAP, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides millions of Americans with essential funds for food.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children provides additional funds to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding women after they give birth. It also allots benefits to their babies and children up to five years old.
You should check with your state if you’re interested in these programs. They have some control over how they work in their jurisdiction and you’ll apply at the state Department of Human Services.
Older children in the United States whose parents qualify for SNAP can get free lunches at school.
Over breaks and during the summer, many districts and private entities distribute bagged lunches, too.
Working adults and children are far from the only people struggling with hunger. Not every senior citizen can afford in-home care or assisted living, and struggle to feed themselves.
Meals on Wheels is a combined federal and private program that brings food and company to seniors nationwide.
6. Go to Food Banks
Food banks are another source of free food people don’t know about or hesitate to access.
Millions of people rely on food banks and millions more donate to them because they want everyone to eat well. Moreover, all the food donated to food banks will go bad if nobody takes it because they’re ashamed or embarrassed.
Many food banks don’t have any income requirement, ask for identification, proof of residence, or anything else.
You can take advantage of these wonderful resources whether you qualify for other benefits or not.
Ways to Save Money on Groceries and Other Life Hacks
These ways to save money on groceries will help you save money you can put towards eating and living better. If you want more life-changing tips and life hacks, this is the place to be.
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