How to Get a Free Meal: Being Freegan

There are new terms popping up all over the place. A newer term, freegan, has been seen in the news because of its rise in popularity. Just like someone can be a vegan, they can also be a freegan. It does have to do with food, but it doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not they eat meat. Freeganism is basically when you only eat if it is free. That sounds crazy, right? How many meals can you possibly get for absolutely free? Well, many people are trying this new fad out and saving a ton of money while doing it. Some freegans go as far as to dig through the trash for free food. However, there are plenty of ways you can get free food without digging through the trash.

Let the boss take you out

Oftentimes, in an office setting, your boss will offer to take people out to lunch. Accept the offer, it is a free lunch! In addition to being a free meal, it also gives you a chance to impress your boss and even become friendly with them. Lastly, you don’t have to feel bad about him taking you out because it is on the company’s dime.

Accept an invite

Getting a free meal can be as simple as accepting an invite to someone’s home for dinner. This can be from your parents, your friend, a coworker, anyone, and by accepting, you just got yourself a free meal ticket. If they invite you out to dinner and offer to pick up the tab, be conscious of what you order (always). Don’t order the most expensive item you possibly can just because someone else is paying.

Leftovers

When you go out with your boss or parents, portion your meal and save some for leftovers. This will make two free meals from what was originally only one. Carryout bags are pretty common too, so you won’t have to worry about coming off cheap.

Promotions

Some restaurants have promotions for different days during the year. For example, many places offer a free meal or appetizer for your birthday. A lot of restaurants often have limited-time promotions as well. These often present themselves as discounts or coupons and can often be overlooked, but they can be a great way to get a free meal.

Receipt surveys

Many restaurants now have receipt surveys. Not all of them offer this program, however, when you encounter one of these, it is a smart idea to go ahead and take it. They often result in a free meal or a free appetizer, either way it is free food.

Happy Hours

Sometimes, restaurants have happy hours where they offer free meals. Usually, you’ll have to buy a drink (a soda or cocktail) to get the free meal, but it is a great way to cut cost and enjoy a good meal out. You can gets wings, pizza, other entrees and possibly even a full buffet for free during a restaurant’s happy hour.

Hotel free breakfast

Another great way to get a free meal is while you are on vacation. Some hotels have free breakfast, so that means one free meal each day. Usually they have pretty filling items on the menu as well, so you may be able to skip lunch (if you eat a later breakfast).

There are tons of ways for you to eat on the cheap (or even free). Being freegan doesn’t mean you have to starve or dumpster dive, it simply means you don’t have to pay for what you’re eating.

Photo: Flickr: Dennis Jarvis