9 Real Ways Military Families Can Save Money on Food Right Now

Tariffs are shifting by the day. Goods are being turned away from U.S. ports. Social media is buzzing with people panic-buying bottled water and toilet paper—again. Prices are rising. Store shelves are unpredictable. When prices go higher, the grocery bill feels like a second rent. And for many of us, the grocery bill has risen higher than it did even a year ago. But there are still practical, grounded ways military families can save money at the store without stockpiling, cutting corners, or adding stress. These eight tips focus on using the benefits you’ve earned, shopping with intention, and reclaiming a sense of control—one cart at a time.

Table of Contents

• 1. Shop the Commissary First—and Use Every Tool Available
• 2. Take Advantage of Military Deals at Costco and Sam’s Club
• 3. Use Store Brands When Possible
• 4. Stack Coupons and Loyalty Programs at Nearby Stores
• 5. Create a Weekly Meal Plan to Reduce Waste
• 6. Prioritize Local and Seasonal Produce—and Explore Substitutions
• 7. Shop at Local Markets Like Davenport’s Freight House Farmers’ Market
• 8. Expand Your Cooking Skills
• 9. Grow Your Own Food with a Community Garden Plot
• Bottom Line

1. Shop the Commissary First—and Use Every Tool Available

Our grocery bill was climbing higher, even though I was buying the same things. The Commissary is still one of the strongest ways military families can save money at the store. Prices average 20–25% lower than civilian supermarkets, and the savings on meat alone make it worth the trip. I buy most of our meat at the Commissary because it’s significantly cheaper than what you’d find off-post, especially in bulk or family-size packs.

Use CLICK2GO to load digital coupons, browse current deals, and check the sales flyer—it updates every two weeks and includes rotating discounts on pantry staples, household goods, and baby care. The site also lets you build your cart in advance, which helps avoid impulse purchases.

Plan meals around what’s on sale that week. If a regular item is missing, talk to the store manager or leave a request. The Commissary often restocks based on shopper feedback. Choose store-brand products when possible—they’re usually just as good, and noticeably cheaper. One example is Freedom’s Choice, the Commissary’s private label. In most cases, the ingredients are exactly the same as the name-brand versions—only the packaging and price are different.

2. Take Advantage of Military Deals at Costco and Sam’s Club

Even with rising prices, military families can save money by combining base benefits with smart shopping habits. Warehouse clubs aren’t just for big families. They’re ideal for anyone who wants to stock up once and save long-term. Military sign-up perks make them even better:

• Costco gives new members a $40 digital shop card.
• Sam’s Club offers $20–$45 in eGift cards depending on membership tier.

Use these memberships to buy paper goods, frozen vegetables, cleaning supplies, and snack staples. Pay attention to the flyers and shop with a plan—bulk saves money only when you use what you buy.

3. Use Store Brands When Possible

Store brands have improved dramatically. Whether it’s the Commissary’s Freedom’s Choice, Costco’s Kirkland Signature, or Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark, these products often match or beat national brands in quality. Swap them in for items like flour, pasta, oil, cereal, and cleaning products—you’ll save money without sacrificing what you need.

Don’t be afraid to go off-brand when shopping off-post, either. ALDI is a great example. Most of its products are private label, but the quality is solid—and here’s a fun fact: ALDI and Trader Joe’s are owned by different branches of the same German family. That shared background shows in their emphasis on high-quality food at lower prices, without the expensive packaging.

4. Stack Coupons and Loyalty Programs at Nearby Stores

I don’t have the patience for clipping coupons, but you may find this a great way to combat a higher grocery bill. Even if the Commissary is your main store, it’s smart to have a few civilian backups. Stores like Hy-Vee, Kroger, and Meijer offer digital coupons through their apps. Sign up for free to unlock weekly discounts, fuel rewards, and personalized offers. You can often stack in-store sales with digital savings.

We also use the Sam’s Club gas station because it consistently has the best fuel prices around. A lot of people agree—there’s usually a line when I go, but the savings are worth it.

5. Create a Weekly Meal Plan to Reduce Waste

A higher grocery bill has forced us to rethink our meal planning. A simple meal plan helps reduce waste, cut back on last-minute purchases, and avoid overspending on takeout. Start by checking what’s already in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Then build your meals around what’s on sale or in season.

Before shopping, take inventory of your spices, oils, and dry goods. I recently checked mine and found three bottles of cinnamon sticks—something I rarely use. It’s easy to lose track of pantry items, but catching duplicates before they happen will save you money and space.

When I create a meal plan, I focus on ingredients that work across multiple meals. A roasted chicken might become tacos one night, soup the next, and a salad the day after. Bell peppers and onions stretch between stir-fries, omelets, and pasta dishes when properly stored. This approach reduces waste and keeps meals interesting. I buy only what I know I’ll use, which helps me get the most out of every ingredient. It also saves time—prep once and eat well all week.

6. Prioritize Local and Seasonal Produce—and Explore Substitutions

Choosing local produce can help you avoid a higher grocery bill. Skip out-of-season produce shipped from across the globe and shop smarter by choosing what’s growing nearby. Local farmers’ markets are a great way to support small growers and stretch your dollar. According to EatingWell, the produce is often fresher, more affordable, and better tasting.

When imports go higher in cost, local substitutions protect your grocery bill budget. Asian markets are another great resource. I often find fresh herbs, leafy greens, and seasonal vegetables there at lower prices than mainstream stores. Many of the ingredients are better quality too—and harder to find elsewhere.

When certain items are overpriced or unavailable, explore local substitutions. Swap imported cheeses, coffees, or wines with regional products that offer similar flavor without the inflated cost. According to The Chef & The Dish, seasonal eating isn’t just sustainable—it’s one of the smartest ways to budget.

7. Shop at Local Markets Like Davenport’s Freight House Farmers’ Market

Another great way military families can save money is by shopping at local farmers’ markets. The Freight House Farmers’ Market in downtown Davenport is open year-round, and it’s packed with fresh produce, handmade foods, and local goods. This past weekend, I bought homemade watermelon and kiwi jam and a jar of maple peanut butter. None of it had artificial preservatives, and small, local businesses made all of it.

The market runs outdoors from May through October—Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indoor vendors stay open until 2 p.m. all year, even through the winter.

Shopping here supports local farmers, stretches your food budget, and adds something unique to your table. It’s one more way to eat better and spend smarter.

8. Expand Your Cooking Skills

One of my favorite ways to save money—and reconnect with daily life—is in the kitchen. I’ve started making sauces like scampi, bolognese, and herb butter from scratch instead of buying packets. I’ve also made some of my favorite meals at home: Korean bibimbap, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, Japanese curry (no packet needed), Chinese tomato egg stir-fry, and chicken lumpia.

Recreating takeout favorites has lowered our grocery bill and raised my confidence in the kitchen. This shift has reawakened my love for cooking. I know exactly what I’m putting in my body, I’m using what I already have, and I’m saving money with every homemade meal.

If you’re starting out, look for pantry-based recipes or meals that use one pot. Get creative with leftovers. Bake bread. Recreate your favorite takeout. The more confident you get in the kitchen, the more empowered you feel at the store.

9. Grow Your Own Food with a Community Garden Plot

One of the most overlooked ways military families can save money is by growing their own food. Here on Rock Island Arsenal, families can reserve a small plot in the on-post community garden. The land is already prepared and water access is provided. You just need seeds, tools, and time.

I am going to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs—simple crops that grow fast and keep well. The garden gives us fresh food, but it also gives us something else: calm. I walk the rows in the evening, check the leaves, pull a few weeds. It’s a small act of control in otherwise unpredictable time.

Community gardening brings neighbors together. We swap tips, trade veggies, and share extra seeds. It keeps our food bill lower, but more importantly, it roots us in the place we live—if only for a season. If your base offers a garden program, consider signing up early. Plots fill up fast.

Bottom Line

This moment feels uncertain, but it doesn’t have to feel out of control. Military families already know how to adapt. With the right tools, a little planning, and a renewed sense of resourcefulness, you can protect your peace—and your pantry—without panic.

And remember, we’re not in this alone. We’re part of a community that shows up in quiet, generous ways. That was made clear to me by Meaghan, a clerk at the Commissary, who told me she had eggs up to her eyeballs the last time I stopped in. Before I could respond, she handed me her number and told me to call her next time I needed eggs. She’s had chickens for years and is happy to help her friends.

I’ve also decided to pick a plot in the community garden on the Arsenal. It’s one more way to reconnect with the rhythm of the seasons, grow some of what we eat, and stay grounded in a community that supports one another—even in small, everyday ways.

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