How to Get Free Food in Australia

Eat on the real cheap.

Let's face it: sometimes food can be really expensive when you're a student. So, if you can snag yourself a free or cheap meal, you're gonna jump on it.

But actually finding free food can be really difficult at times. To make things a little easier, we've put together a list of all the ways that you can find a free feed in Australia.

Before we get into things, it's important to remember that some of these options may only be snacks instead of whole meals, and to always consider food safety and following the law when you're getting food for free (theft is always a no-no).

Apps.

Your phone is a secret goldmine when it comes to free food.

If you want to snag a meal with a heavy discount or for free, download the apps for all your favourite restaurants or supermarket clubs.

Domino's, Guzman Y Gomez and Grill'd are just a few that can give you discounts or the occasional free item. Plus, the Aldi testers club, Woolies bunch club or Flybuys Coles testers club can offer you free taste testers (if you can get in that is).

It can be hard to get accepted into some supermarket clubs because they're often high demand spots, but you can always find a deal or two with your local restaurants and chains' apps.

Supermarket freebies and samples.

Some supermarkets offer up free fruit or samples for new products that they want to bring awareness too.

Woolies also offers up free fruit for kids in most of their stores around Australia, and while they're technically for kids, this is a decent option if all you're looking for is one healthy snack every now and then.

Of course, in the case of freebies and samples, you'll want to avoid being too greedy as portions are often very limited.

The restaurant of mum and dad.

Okay, this one is a no brainer, but we have to include it. If you have the option, heading home to a cooked meal from your parents, grandparents or other guardian is a great way to get breakfast, lunch or dinner for free (at least free for you lol).

There's nothing wrong with getting a cooked meal at home when you want or need it. Plus if you've moved out of home, it'll give you an excuse to visit your ‘rents (which they probably love).

Community pantries.

If you're wanting to cook your own meal for free, community pantries are a great option (that is, if there is one near you).

Basically, community pantries are locations where anyone can come and donate or take groceries whenever they want or need.

It's based on a give and take basis, so if you take something one time, you should donate the next time you are able to.

This is a great option if you're looking for long life food or canned goods for free; it's also a great way to avoid waste if you have too much in your own pantry.

Give ‘community pantry' a Google to see what's in your area. They're often hosted by Foodbank, churches or other community groups.

Surveys.

If you're looking for a free feed or even some cash on the side, surveys can be a great way to get both.

A lot of restaurants like Subway, KFC and Hungry Jacks offer feedback surveys that give you a small food voucher after completion.

You can also take Student Edge surveys and rack up Edge Credits to go towards Uber Eats vouchers or restaurant gift cards.

 

Birthday freebies.

If you haven't yet capitalised on birthday freebies, you're missing out.

All you gotta do is sign up to a bunch of your fave restaurant's loyalty programs or email services and research what they offer customers on their birthday.

For example, Hungry Jacks offers a free burger, Boost Juice gives away a free smoothie, San Churro gives away a churros for two and Muffin Break offers up a free muffin, just to name a few.

Flybuys.

Supermarket loyalty programs are a great way to save up points to use for real purchases.

If you use your Flybuys card every time you shop at Coles, Kmart, Target or other partners (and take advantage of extra point deals or point booster emails) after a few weeks or months, you'll have racked up dollars to buy groceries with.

All you have to do once you have enough points is use the Flybuys app to transfer your points into Flybuys dollars, then use your Flybuys card to buy food (or that thing you have your eye on at Kmart).

Growing your own food.

It might seem super simple, but if you've got a back garden or a spare pot, use your veggie scraps, spare seeds from a salad or save your compost and grow your own fruit and veggies at home.

This will not only save you a tonne of money in the long-term but it will also mean your veggies have a much lower carbon footprint, are organically grown and are as fresh as possible.

Competitions.

Finally, the last way you can get food for free is by entering competitions.

This can be anything from food voucher competitions, food basket competitions or even general Mastercard voucher comps. You're sure to win something eventually.

At Student Edge, we always have a bunch of great competitions available to members, so why not give those a go? You've got to be in it to win it. On top of that, we've also got a range of deals so you can enjoy cheap eats with your mates. 

Whether you're looking for ways to get free food to save some money or you're struggling to make ends meet, it's important to remember that you should always seek some extra assistance if need be. 

Foodbank is Australia's largest hunger relief charity in Australia, so they're a great option if you need a bit of help.

Seeking some extra support? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

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