Beat the High Cost of Food: Get it Free

Almost Anyone Can Get at Least Some Free Food

As one of the expenses we have the most control over, food is often the subject of any frugal conversation. Talking about how to save on buying food, cooking it, storing it and a lot more, can keep us busy for hours, but there's one thing that's very frugal that we tend to overlook: Get it for free.

That's the best price, isn't it? Just about anyone can get at least part of their food free, it doesn't matter what the circumstances. It's ok to get it for free even if you make a six figure income, but every time I hear of a soup line or food pantry, I wonder how many know that there are additional sources for good food.

Of course, taking transportation into account, it may be more difficult for some, but even at that, there are things you can do to fill in your menu at a very minimal cost - or absolutely free.

Almost anyone can get at least some food for free if you know how to go about doing it.

Here is how you do it:

Barter. Trade something you can do for something you can eat. This can mean anything from babysitting with a meal thrown in, to trading a small repair for a dozen eggs or a package of hot dogs. Mow a lawn, wash windows, take someone who doesn't drive to the store. Just ask; you'd be surprised at how many people are open to trading or giving you food in exchange for a service.

Eat the demos. Go to the grocery store and take advantage of free food demonstrations, where they give samples. Some stores have certain days on which they have several demonstrations at one time. Try them all, from meat products down to the bite sized desserts. You might find something you really like and satisfy your hunger, too!

Study wild foods. Many vegetable "weeds" can be had free just for the picking. Go to the library and get a good book or two on edible weeds in your area. Caution: Don't go "whole hog" as some wild foods are very high in certain minerals, vitamins and/or fiber. If your system is not conditioned to these, you may experience uncomfortable results. Add a little wild food a time in your diet. It really is good for you. ALso, be SURE you know what you're picking, as there are a few plants that could make you sick - or even kill you.