With the current crisis in our society, more and more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet, and money is never enough. Fortunately, there are methods by which it is possible to obtain food products for free (or almost).
Steps
Step 1. Examine your kitchen
In general, almost everyone in the pantry and in the refrigerator has ingredients that you can make a meal with, and often they are not even aware of them. Next, determine if you have any foods to serve lunch or dinner with.
Step 2. Make a calculation of the exact amount of money you can spend
Knowing the amount you can reserve for food is essential to avoid spending more than necessary.
Step 3. Think of ways you could get free, but legally, food
Here are some examples:
- Free tastings in larger hypermarkets or supermarkets. You could eat some of the bites on offer at these stores, and, with a bit of luck, have a full meal and get your fill.
- If you live alone, then you could go and eat at your parents' house. You will likely have the opportunity to have lunch or dinner with them, or they may be willing to help you and invite you out for dinner every now and then.
- Try to get free products from companies. Occasionally, it is possible to receive samples in the mail from food and beverage companies. Businesses that produce coffee, assorted nuts or bars (but there are several others) could send you gifts.
- If you're eating out, try telling the waiter it's your birthday. On these occasions, they sometimes offer a free dessert, like a piece of cake, although in some cases you should try to tell the truth, otherwise you won't get anything.
Step 4. Volunteer often
People or organizations who recruit volunteers short-term or temporarily offer free meals, because they usually don't have enough resources to pay for them any other way.
Step 5. When shopping at the supermarket, try to find 3x2 offers and other such promotions
This will allow you to spend less or get more products for free. Pay attention though: some offers will save you very little, and you will not necessarily make good deals. Also, don't overlook the weight of the product on offer; if it's a 2x1 promotion, make sure the two products are quantitatively even, because companies and stores tend to charge the more expensive one.
Step 6. If you have serious financial problems, you may want to go to a food bank
Step 7. Try to buy different products at the discount store
You will generally find good offers, but first get informed thoroughly, some things may cost as much as those found in common supermarkets.
Step 8. If you're on a tight budget, think about the types of meals you could prepare for five euros or less
Here are some examples:
- You can make instant noodles, without using the condiment sachets (which are full of salt and sodium), and add vegetables and other nutritious ingredients you have around the house.
- Soup and bread.
- A plate of legumes.
- Baked potatoes, a glass of milk and a fruit.
Step 9. Above all, try to drink tap water if it is safe to do so in your city
Alcohol, sodas, and sodas full of sugar and caffeine are very expensive in the long run. As a result, water is usually the cheapest, and healthiest, alternative.
Step 10. Try to have a good relationship with a restaurant manager / owner
This person has the power to give you food every now and then, or they might make you special offers or give you what would otherwise be thrown away.
Step 11. Attend special events organized by large companies, such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi
Sometimes they offer free drinks or food, so you will have the opportunity to eat and drink without spending a cent.
Step 12. You could go fishing or learn how to do it
This is a very common activity, and appreciated by many people, so give it a try: with a bit of luck you will eat fish for free (with time you will become better and better). However, remember that in some places you will need a permit, or you run the risk of having to pay a fine.
Step 13. If you live in an area where you can pick fruit or edible food, then go ahead
Just make sure you don't trespass, otherwise they'll charge you with trespassing.
Advice
- If you are invited to an event where free food is offered, accept immediately.
- Freeze food when you can.
- If possible, remember to ration your food.
- If a friend offers to pay the bill when you eat out, try to accept without sounding desperate, as you usually run the risk of making a bad impression on your friends if you are financially dependent on them when dating.
- Open the pantry and refrigerator to see if you have any edible food; sometimes you could prepare a meal without having to buy more.
Warnings
- Stop drinking alcoholic or carbonated drinks, as they weigh on your wallet in the long run.
- Don't steal or break the law to eat something, it's not worth it.
