ULPT: Unethical ways to get groceries
Posted by Careful-Maize7233@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 208 comments
So I finally got my own apartment after 8 months of bouncing between couches and sleeping in my car. I put literally everything I had into moving in rent, deposits, a couple basics and now I’m sitting here in an empty apartment with nothing to eat so my thinking is modern problems require modern solutions
I already went to the food bank and they gave me a box with food that would last me 3 days and said I can’t come back until next month which by then hopefully i’ll be working again and wont need the food bank. I don’t have family I can lean on, and my few friends have helped me enough during the couch hopping that I feel like I can’t ask them again.
finally with a roof over my head, but I have no food and no money until my unemployment hits next week so I’m gonna have to get some oceans 11 level scheme going on to get some food from the grocery store. I’ve never been this torn between feeling accomplished for finally getting out of survival mode housing-wise, but at the same time facing a whole new kind of survival problem.
Any one have any tips for when i do the deed? I want to do it once and thats it.
UnethicalLifeProTips-ModTeam@reddit
Your post or comment was removed for violating rule 5: No tips that are just clever ways of stealing from other people for the sake of stealing.
Jadedslave124@reddit
Lurk marketplace. Post an ISO ad and pickup pantry clean out foods. Yeah you’ll get a bunch of food bank we don’t want that can of beans. But it’s free. And you can do a lot with beans. We did a buy nothing year and used pantry clean outs of others to get groceries
Ok-Recognition9876@reddit
OP can also post on there that they would do small chores for a meal. Help the elderly with cleaning a sidewalk or raking leaves. They’ll gladly feed you.
Jazzydiva615@reddit
Beans and no way to open them or cook them? OP has nothing
No_Cash7233@reddit
My mom volunteered at a food pantry for years. You wouldn’t believe how many ways you can open cans without an opener. 🤷🏼♀️
RedHeadedStepDevil@reddit
Don’t just lurk: Join a local buy nothing group on Facebook and post a request for food. Be prepared to pick it up.
backpocket-MDCXII@reddit
Buy nothing groups are great resources! And great way to build community with your new neighbors
RelevantPangolin5003@reddit
And Nextdoor too.
Due_Mark6438@reddit
Churches and food banks will give you food
you-just-me@reddit
Grab a pre-made sandwich at a large and busy grocery store with a deli. Conceal it and head to the bathroom and eat it in a stall. Flush the small amount of cellophane wrap.
EntertainerOk9179@reddit
Can you donate plasma? That'll pay like a couple hundred the first few weeks at least. Ramen, bread, peanut butter, jelly. That should get you through.
inborn_lunaticus@reddit
I’m perfectly healthy and eligible so I tried this recently and I got a hematoma almost immediately after sitting down. Small veins. After having to go back three times to even get to sit in the chair because my pulse was too high (nervous). It was such a difficult time and then with the injury, I can’t bring myself to do it again 😔
itchylol742@reddit
This isn't unethical
perilsoflife@reddit
one of my coworkers has been doing this for months to pay rent. honestly not a bad route if you can handle it physically
gigadope@reddit
Get that mouth and tongue ready and start to sucking and licking
Teejay717@reddit
I was in this same situation when I got my first apartment at 20 years old. First, definitely apply for state welfare and food stamps/SNAP. If you’re set to receive unemployment and have barely any money in your account or on hand, they often even approve you for “emergency assistance” and load up a card to be ready for the next day to use for groceries. Some people refuse to do it out of pride, but you’ve paid into the system which is there to work for you if/when you ever need it. It was a godsend for me.
Now unethical. Some grocery stores have a policy on meats and produce that if you’re dissatisfied for whatever reason, they’ll return it and give you double your money back. If you buy a $20 piece of beef, let it sit out for a few hours and take it back saying it smells off and they’ll give you back $40. If you used food stamps they can’t refund double back to your card so they give you the other $20 back in cash. I can count on one hand how many times I did this, but it worked and doubled my money for groceries.
Hope this helps.
HighlightResident838@reddit
Sign up for instacart and never deliver the food
Jazzydiva615@reddit
This is a set up for three hots and a cot!!
HighlightResident838@reddit
Not if you do it for every 4th order or so
bismuth17@reddit
Sign up for instacart and make a little money and use it to buy food
Yakker65@reddit
Go to local food pantries. I used to frequent bars with a happy hour for free snacks. I’d have plastic bags in my pockets and fill them. Id cycle from bar to bar so is not be a constant mooch. Lol
Jazzydiva615@reddit
Didn't Covid kill free bar snacks??
Yakker65@reddit
No idea. It’s been a long time since I had to do that.
Gen_JohnsonJameson@reddit
Get a part time job as a delivery driver for any pizza joint. You get a paycheck plus all the pizza you can eat.
Jazzydiva615@reddit
Sign up for Uber eats through Fetch, park in the parking lot of the places that allow driver pick up. Snatched individual items from orders and receipt.Return and complain about missing item. Later on call corporate! Double free meal!
Raxus333@reddit
Check with local Catholic churches. A lot of them run their own small food banks, and you don't need to be Catholic to receive help.
Ask local restaurants if there are times you could swing by and pick up any food they might be getting ready to toss. Chain places like McD's prolly won't do this, but the place I work for gives freely to those that ask; hell, they might just give you a meal right there if nothing else.
Unethical ways? Not sure honestly, outside of store theft (I don't recommend that, either).
ActuatorSea4854@reddit
In college, I knew a guy who would show up at our house about every two weeks. He was witty and fun to hang out with. He would show up in the afternoon, hang out, and, once we started dinner, he would offer to help, stay for dinner, and help clean up after. Then, he would be on his way. I later realized he did this to 13 other homes before coming back to ours. He was so much fun and so helpful that no one resented him. I tried this myself briefly when I ended up unemployed back in the 90s, although I only had about 8 or 9 households that I rotated through. I'm an excellent cook and great storyteller, and no one ever thought it odd or asked me to leave. I'm also good with kids and can usually get them helping in the kitchen as well. Some of those folks still invite me for dinner now and again.
Aurora_Albright@reddit
This is wonderful, ethical, and doesn’t risk getting jailed and losing the apartment.
Worthy-Of-Dignity@reddit
Well aren’t you a guileful bucket of sunshine ? I love it 😂😂😂
scienceforbid@reddit
Register at r/assistance and make an Amazon wishlist. People will help you out.
prb613@reddit
Go to any gurdwara and they will feed you for free. No questions asked. You don't need to pray or donate. Just make sure you follow the basic customs (remove your shoes, cover your head) and you should be good.
No-Proof-6491@reddit
Just cover your head & be sober.
National_Frame2917@reddit
Is a ball cap an acceptable option? It doesn't have to be any particular style?
ambarcapoor@reddit
Ballcap is fine. Just a cloth is fine. Anything that covers your head.
National_Frame2917@reddit
Good to know.
No-Proof-6491@reddit
A headscarf is better (more respectful). There are also handkerchiefs there usually for covering your head. Asking someone there and they should get you a clean (unused) one
National_Frame2917@reddit
Cool. I was curious because in other religions they find head coverings disrespectful.
MindYerBeak@reddit
I don't have that where I live.
crustyflute@reddit
This is a way better move than trying to risk a theft charge. Beyond gurdwaras, a lot of churches, mosques, and community centers also run meal programs sometimes daily, no questions asked.
jersey_kindred@reddit
I miss the one where I used to live; not sure if there's one near me now.
Robocup1@reddit
Great tip- not Unethical
lemme_just_say@reddit
TIL gurdwara. I’m touched.
breakfastpitchblende@reddit
💗 Sikhs are wonderful, giving people.
TartMore9420@reddit
Used to live near a gurdwara and everyone's clothing was absolutely beautiful, the smells from the kitchen were awesome, I really miss that place just for the vibes it and the people gave off .Had I known non-sikhs were welcome I'd have gone there when I was in a rough situation myself.
JazzFan1998@reddit
Me too, except no one touched me!
ambarcapoor@reddit
You can go everyday. If you're bored, you can volunteer aha message friends. Aage then the nice aunties will pack food for you to take home, bassist) because they're like that. What area are you in?
nothanks1312@reddit
Great suggestion. The one in my old town does langar, but not my new town, so I completely forgot about it. The food was always incredible there and I was allowed to bring Tupperware to bring some home too.
Fiendish_Jetsanna@reddit
This needs to be higher.
TodaysOpinion@reddit
Are there any food libraries around. Like the little book libraries but have food in them. A church near me used to have one.
quinn_t_ssential@reddit
See if there’s a local Food Not Bombs chapter in your area. They serve hot veggie meals at least 1x a week in most cities and sometimes offer produce boxes
GreenLooger@reddit
Not unethical, a person made a post on another subreddit saying that many Hindu temples serve hot vegetarian meals at lunch time. All are welcome. No payment required.
There are so many good pantries. Surely you can bounce around a few to get enough to eat for a few weeks.
bigpurplebang@reddit
back in the day, i would “go grocery shopping” and graze on things from the food bar, consume foods in store all casual like and leave, nothing major or big to go unnoticed and the stuff i put in the cart were nonperishable for when i abandoned it. just don’t get noticed and alternate stores
BoredBSEE@reddit
Not unethical, but you're hungry, so check here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Random_Acts_Of_Pizza/
ChanceFruit5065@reddit
man i totally get feeling desperate when you're that broke. but getting arrested would destroy everything you just built. those friends who helped before? they'd probably rather buy you groceries than bail you out of jail
Electrical-Pool5618@reddit
Sell your ass for tree fiddy.
Karnezar@reddit
Go to a place like Weis where they sell food, grab one of the chicken sandwiches and just walk out. That's what I do.
You can "rack up" a theft case, and once it hits about $500, then they'll arrest you. So use this infrequently and once you're back on your feet, don't steal again.
Go to your local library, sign up for fast food accounts and take advantage of new member promos and deals.
If you can buy things, throw an extra bag of apples or bunch of bananas in when at self-checkout.
Get free water at the library.
Use the "too good to go" app for low cost foods.
BirdFragrant6018@reddit
“Too good to go” is neither good nor cheap. You get a bunch of subpar stuff that no one wants to buy, without even knowing what that is and for the price not much cheaper.
Karnezar@reddit
I suppose it depends. I use it for a local pizza shop and I get a bunch of weird pizza toppings, but they're easy to take off once you heat them up.
VixenTraffic@reddit
You don’t need ULPT, just get on your local buy nothing or your community Facebook group and make a post that you are hungry and broke. Your fridge, cupboards, and belly, will be filled today. Seriously.
furlesswookie@reddit
Go to a Wal-Mart that has a grocery store and look around for used food receipts that have been discarded. If you find a good one, take that receipt along with used Walmart bags in a cart and then go find every product on that receipt. Fill those bags up and head for the exit. When they ask for a receipt on the way out, show them the one you have and hope for the best
BirdFragrant6018@reddit
Welcome to the all seeing Walmart AI. You may trick the receipt checker but that thing is absolutely keeping a tab on what you steal and adding up to $500 to arrest you.
hectorbrydan@reddit
You can to the grocery store and get a modest amount of goods and go in front of a group of people in line and then forget your wallet at checkout, somebody might pay for it. I had somebody do that for me once and then I did it for two different people, and then somebody did it back for me again. Those were all in good faith but it's worth a shot. Young people better than old for this.
BirdFragrant6018@reddit
lol, my immediate reaction would be saying “oh, you can use Apple Pay” 😆
onlyzuul007@reddit
It's not unethical, but look into local food pantries. We have many in my city tucked away in neighborhoods. If you're on FB, find your local Buy Nothing. People offer food there too.
Jazzydiva615@reddit
Catholic CHURCH gives free meal once a week and groceries
Jazzydiva615@reddit
Go and raid the snack room at the Clubhouse and look out for neighbors getting deliveries. Scope out in advance who has RING
Hang out at a pizza place and look legit and say you are feeding kids at church and you are out of funding until next month, can you donate anything.
Note- Will not work today, try Last week of September
ConfusionMindless579@reddit
I'm not sure it's still viable but when I was in your situation 35 years ago I would go dumpster diving behind grocery stores and restaurants. I'm sure some people will be grossed out by this, but please don't judge me
rainbowkey@reddit
sorry, most of these are ethical, though dumpster diving is a grey area
Dragonr0se@reddit
Came to suggest dumpster diving. A lot of places have made it against codes or whatever because "people can get sick", and yeah, you have to use common sense with it, but it can be a great way to supplement your supplies.
TallJournalist9118@reddit
Consider the church meals. Nobody will judge and you get a free show, and if you talk to anyone who volunteers there i. Sure they can help with other things like furniture, rent and utility resources. Anyways. OR you can dumpster dive. Just don't steal f4om ma and pay shops
TallJournalist9118@reddit
Ma and pa shops... im sure the churches will help you with other shit..... dumpsters, use your eyes and nose. Check expiration date and sell by date. Is a suggestion. Do it when the place is closed. Watch for cops dont make a mess......stand outside and ask someone to help you get something to eat, do it honestly, dont buy other shit be polite, and dont take advantage .. fuck Walmart, steal f4o. Walmart. And the other big guys...
Bowsermama@reddit
Sign up for Lasagna Love
ClarkHartstreet@reddit
If my friend needed food, even if I already helped them, I would want them to call me for help. I would not want to see anyone go hungry.
Call your friends tell them what’s going on and ask for help. There is no shame in needing help.
Shivin302@reddit
If OPs friends let him stay at their place, they can definitely buy him some bulk beans and rice
paleologus@reddit
I keep a sack of beans, rice and Spam on hand in case of natural disaster and I would totally give it to someone that needed it.
phathomthis@reddit
This. There are some people I know that I wouldn't bother to stick my neck out for, but if any of them showed up and were like, "Bro I'm hungry, can I eat here?" I wouldn't turn any of them away.
shotzi7@reddit
Came to say this. Even if I don’t have much to eat I’ll always share with someone that’s hungry.
gunsforevery1@reddit
Find some churches or charities near by.
The last thing you want to do is get caught and arrested and lose the apartment.
nnevernnormal@reddit
Yes, churches/religious groups. I don’t know about evangelical churches, but in my experience most mainline churches (Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, UCC, Unitarian, as well as synagogues) have ways of supporting people for groceries, whether that’s connections with a food pantry, a clergy discretionary fund, or community meals. Go talk to the church office administrator during the week (worship days can be hectic with other things).
HurricaneAlpha@reddit
Rotating food banks is a good option.
There are county/city food banks but also local church ones.
Also if OP has a car a few days of door dash/Uber eats during their off time can't hurt, and iirc they pay out daily.
algy888@reddit
Also, gig jobs. Event clean up/set up, other cash gigs. I check Craigslist. They have labour gigs and event gigs.
WolfPawPanda@reddit
yeah totally agree
PM_YOUR_EYEBALL@reddit
This, you worked so hard to get to where you’re at. Don’t throw it away.
TartMore9420@reddit
Check if olio is available in your country - it shows ads for stores or individuals giving away bags of random food or food items, plus other stuff
arjim@reddit
Shop daily. Shop for the loss leader in the ad.... The thing their 'taking a bath on' to bring you in. Sometimes chicken, sometimes pork.
Every meal can be on sale; every meat marked for quick sale without having gone over. No food waste on left overs or freezer burn - buy what you need today on sale every time; no guesses on how hungry you will be next Wednesday; or if you will have company or forgotten meats in the back of the freezer.
Learn to love mashed potatoes and pork chops with corn.
Henri_Bemis@reddit
If you can afford a few groceries, use the self-checkout and “miss” the scanner on a few items. Go at night, and if someone catches it, just apologize and say it was a mistake. You’ve got plausible deniability if you’re intending to pay for something.
EastCoastRose@reddit
This is probably under watch at grocery stores, but where I live, the employees are told to look the other way. They don’t want employees to get into a conflict or make a scene and get hurt. So it might be recorded but no one will address it.
Original-Pomelo6241@reddit
This is the number one area that is watched in grocery stores, some of the highest losses come from skip scanning.
furlesswookie@reddit
Go to a really crowded buffet, like a Golden Coral, during heavy dining times, walk up to someone working the buffet and ask for a to-go box. You could add some flair to it and say something along the lines of "sorry to bug you, but my server seems slammed and I just need a to-go box".
If you'd rather eat there, just make a plate and go sit down. Odds are they won't even know you haven't paid. If you're worried, scour uncleaned tables for a receipt and move it to your table. Most folks at big chain buffets won't even care to see if you actually paid.
fastingslowlee@reddit
Go to different food banks/ ignore their request not to come back until next month
tryanloveoneanother@reddit
You can try going to hotels that have Continental breakfast and just act like you're staying there and grab some food. If you get "caught" it's pretty low stakes
Haddiebilove@reddit
I work at a hotel front desk and just pick the right place, I personally do not care and have NOT seen it happen a few times 😉 just watch out if an employee is looking at you intensely. Some people can be Karen’s. The weekends are really busy usually around 8 is high traffic time. Make sure it’s busy and no one will notice.
Dazzling_Ad9250@reddit
bonus if it’s an embassy suites. their breakfast is off the charts.
phathomthis@reddit
Don't just stop there, the cocktail hour is great too. More snacks,.but free and free soda.
Dazzling_Ad9250@reddit
and free alcohol. if you tip, they keep pouring even though the limit is two.
tryanloveoneanother@reddit
Nice to have insider info, I always got this vibe :)
National-Mood-8722@reddit
Stop posting on Reddit, cancel your phone subscription, sell your phone.
You're welcome.
RelevantPangolin5003@reddit
Because having a “phone subscription” isn’t a requirement to living in today’s world or anything.
And posting on Reddit is really expensive these days, it’s become the world renowned symbol of wealth.
National-Mood-8722@reddit
Well you're doing that instead of other, productive, things.
RelevantPangolin5003@reddit
Well, why are you here being unproductive?
National-Mood-8722@reddit
I'm not the one with $0 in my bank account. In fact I'm fucking loaded!
picklemechburger@reddit
It's always productive to wipe an asshole.
lemme_just_say@reddit
I used to agree, but I found out that it’s the only way people can get calls about jobs.
Then I found out that some people don’t have computers so they do everything on their phones: apply for jobs, ask for help, answer emails, complete forms, etc.
Using a free app on a much-needed smart phone doesn’t matter to me.
Many people don’t have expensive phones and replace batteries for years and years. The monthly bill is very affordable and is an essential tool to getting ahead and staying connected. It’s a bigger priority than you think.
Stretch your brain. You’ll feel better.
National-Mood-8722@reddit
I was being unethical
lemme_just_say@reddit
Oh. Ha! I’m very serious this morning apparently.
Human-Priority706@reddit
Go rob u/National-Mood-8722's house, since apparently they're wealthy enough to be a big-shot reddit poster.
You're welcome.
(/s)
BigEarMcGee@reddit
Bolt cutters and Trader Joe’s dumpsters everything is packaged, some double plastic wrapped. There’s a whole sub o think.
Original-Pomelo6241@reddit
Sadly illegal, but not unethical.
IAmInBed123@reddit
In my country there's some organisations like foodsavers, let'sSaveFood, etc. They pick up what grocerystores would throw away at the end of the day and give it away for almost free. If you want it for free be a volonteer and you'll get to pick some of what you went and got. Alternatively you could just go and ask a store at closing time. If they have stuff they throw away.
Allthpugh now I think of it if ypu're in the US probably there's some policy against it. Maybe if you try privately owned stores.
You could always knock on some doors and say you will work for food.
Sebulba3@reddit
Piss discs
frient1995@reddit
Church’s/ places of worship
Facebook free give away groups
Someone else said this and I think it’s worth saying again. Call your friends, if virtually any person I ever called a friends hit me up saying they needed a hot meal I would invite them for dinner!
Good luck mate!
kawaiian@reddit
Get a nice box and decorate it to say “charity name food drive“ with a list of needs and then drop it off in front of a grocery store out front at night, check it often, then come pick it back up
Don’t use a charity that exists in town in case the manager investigates
suburban_ennui75@reddit
The Human Foundation. For People.
Hot_Ethanol@reddit
You can even make it look legit. Get a clipboard, come in clean professional clothes. Print out a form that lets you take down names and contributions of anyone who donates. Tell them they're supporting a good cause with a friendly smile.
mothwizzard@reddit
Get involved with food not bombs
DietCoke_repeat@reddit
Hey, congrats on getting a roof over your head. You deserve to feel accomplished. You HAVE accomplished this and it couldn't have been an easy journey. You did it!
Y'all on this sub are my people. Entertainment + Valuable Resources + Hearts of Gold (... Ok...in cases like this. 🤣)
Pro Tip: To make any of these valuable tips into an Unethical one, just tear into your new found free food as you walk away and toss the wrappers on the ground.
Pocket_Crystal@reddit
Go on Facebook’s Buy Nothing group for your particular neighborhood and say ISO food
vampyrewolf@reddit
Just download the Flashfood and 'too good to go' apps, check out what the local shops have. Here I can regularly get a box of mixed produce for $5, and a couple boxes give enough for a week of meals.
Until you can afford to shop those apps, knock on the door of pretty much any religion. Most will have food pantries or gift cards available. The Sikhs particularly are wonderful people who will feed anyone that's polite and sober.
Post on your local Buy Nothing group asking for food, but you'll have to pick it up.
Ask your friends and co-workers. Most people would be happy to fill a box from their pantries, but you're probably going to get a lot of pasta, ramen, and canned goods... Not the healthiest long term, but it'll fill your stomach.
Comeswithdaterritory@reddit
Get on Nextdoor explain your situation, people help.
timaclover@reddit
Post on NextDoor you're in need of food. Many people are happy to pack a bag for you to pick up.
Check out the app, "Too Good To Go" which allows you to purchase leftover food from restaurants for dirt cheap.
exceive@reddit
Just had that for dinner myself. Reasonably nice.
bayouz@reddit
Do you have a ride? Are you in the USA? I'm told Door Dash pays by the day. About to find out myself.
ACynicalOptomist@reddit
r/dumpsterdiving
potterrach@reddit
Join a gardening fb group and ask if anyone has spare harvest. This time of year, you'll get tons of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini among others. But probably mostly those.
F0rgivence@reddit
Go to your local farmer markets, talk to the produce person, ask if you can buy any damaged produce or any scraps that they might be giving away.You would be amazed at what you'll get
daddyforurissues@reddit
Rocky Rocco's pizza places give away their leftovers at the end of each evening. Just go by 10 min before closing and ask.
PDX-ROB@reddit
Just dumpster dive at 2 am. Use your best judgement about temperature and skip anything thar has dairy.
OneBlondeMama@reddit
Just make sure that it’s legal to dumpster dive in your city. You don’t want a huge ticket (it’s illegal where I live & it’s a $100 fine).
PDX-ROB@reddit
If I was starving I'd risk it
Suspicious-Syrup-765@reddit
r/dumpsterdiving
Life_Acrobat_2408@reddit
Walmart. Go.
Suspicious-Syrup-765@reddit
R/dumpsterdiving
Trickassfoo@reddit
Slip into a hotel lobby usually from 6 or 7am til 9 i think for the breakfast. Just walk in confidently, throw in a good morning sir or whatever. Eat breakfast, pocket a couple apples and bananas or muffins. Find a few different ones to hit.
Or keep this info in your back pocket for later on. Stay safe
hoesindifareacodes@reddit
Bulk rice and beans are just about the cheapest food per calorie you can buy. That should be your first purchase when you get your next check. In the meantime, you can go talk to the produce manager at your local discount grocer. Explain your situation and see if there is any way you can get near expired items at a deep discount. If that doesn’t work, try to find out when they take food to the dumpster and dive for it.
liberalhumanistdogma@reddit
Gleaners can offer you tips and resources for gathering fresh fruit Take a walk and look around for fallen fruit and then look up!
Knock on the door if it's in a yard and offer to pick up the fallen fruit , you can get boxes full this time of year.
senator_mendoza@reddit
I work in downtown Boston. During lunchtime people do mobile orders at the expensive build-a-bowl places and pre-pay. They’ll make the orders and just leave them on shelves with people’s names. Routinely 20+ orders just sitting there waiting to be picked up. I’m not saying you should just waltz in and take one but if you did there’s zero chance of an issue unless you make it a habit.
smoothbrainherder@reddit
Steal. Like most people do
pi1979@reddit
Underrated comment right here
BourbonInGinger@reddit
This.
Careful-Maize7233@reddit (OP)
😂😂😂
Justanotherbrick2022@reddit
Do some surfing - the public library would let you do it for frre with a library card, which should also be free. Search churches. Most churches will have one night a week where they give free dinners to the homeless. You need seven churches.
Also, there should be more than one food bank around.
If nothing else, getca part time job at a restaurant and eat their extra food, typically set out at the end of the night. Bigger cities will have non-profits that scarf this stuff up and give it to homeless people. Find them online and get hooked into them.
SRQmoviemaker@reddit
Dumpster dive! I frequently do and recently got like 20 cans of soup that were about to expire. And canned soup tastes fine even when a year past the date too...
RealHuman2080@reddit
r/DumpsterDiving thought it's ethical. I basically haven't been to a grocery store in three years and we eat far better and healthier
TentaclesAndCupcakes@reddit
Check your library. Mine has a small food pantry, no questions asked.
Seesnowy@reddit
Food banks, there are usually multiple in towns. Churches, they can also point you to other agencies that can help. Salvation Army usually have food banks too. You can also call 211 and they can help you find places to either get a meal or hook you up with a source to get some food.
lovelydreamer@reddit
I have about 20 cans of tomatos I bought in March. You can have them free, come pick them up. Nothing wrong I'm just experiencing an allergy to the canned tomatos. PM me, I'll even bag them for you. Best of luck getting married.
QueenPooper13@reddit
Not unethical but just want to give you an option- you could post over on r/Random_Acts_Of_Pizza. Someone there could probably help you with one meal (plus leftovers maybe).
Flaky-Exchange2488@reddit
Don't throw away all you have worked for just to have a free meal.
redneptune2@reddit
I had sex with a local grocery store owner a few times to get $60 worth of groceries
thinkshiftster@reddit
There are apps to which restaurants post food that will not be sold that day and are giving it away for free
Worthy-Of-Dignity@reddit
What?
_Internet_Hugs_@reddit
Try your local Buy Nothing Facebook page.
homme_boy@reddit
Not unethical, but if there’s a hari Krishna temple close by they give out free meals
farmerssahg@reddit
Not an unethical tip but I’ll pray for you. Jesus will feed you.
picklemechburger@reddit
Because starvation is just a test of faith right?
farmerssahg@reddit
Not at all. God is our provider and I guarantee he will provide food for OP
Miyk@reddit
No no, she's right, most faiths will help the needy. That's literally supposed to be their core mission, even if it's a facade (Joel osteen)
picklemechburger@reddit
That's not Jesus. That's community.
picklemechburger@reddit
I thought it was Jesus, the counter guy at burger King. Now it's God? If she's such a good provider why do kids starve?
BourbonInGinger@reddit
Give us a fucking break. Very inappropriate comment.
Scrappyl77@reddit
If God was real they wouldn't let people be without food to begin with.
If a god was real they are an asshole.
OP -- I agree what with others are saying. Join your local Buy Nothing group. I've given and received all sorts of things (food included) from them. Just make it clear you can pick up anything that is offered.
imnotaloneyouare@reddit
How will your imaginary friend feed OP? Real question
mrcub1@reddit
You can also go to more than one food pantry.
Many_Bothans@reddit
emergency SNAP benefits. go apply right now
_sicsixsic@reddit
Join your local buy nothing group. People give away food pretty often
stargazer0519@reddit
Many, many houses of worship offer food banks. Find out where they are, and make a schedule to hit them all up until you aren’t starving: Jewish, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist.
Call around.
It’s what they serve for. They want to see you with some groceries in your hands.
Little-Variety-5038@reddit
Buy nothing on Facebook. Post an ask and I guarantee you’ll have responses
DifficultCurrent7@reddit
My heart goes out to you. I know it's frowned upon but do you have a Venmo? There's many a redditor who'd happily give you a few ££ to keep you going, me included!
If you're working, don't be afraid to ask colleagues for help. When I worked in a care home I saw how hungry some of the carers were and I made sure there'd be extra bread and biscuits in the mini kitchens.
Dm me I would happily send you a few ££ for noodles and stuff
mingee2020@reddit
Not unethical, but standing on a corner with a sign that says “Just looking for food.”
You’ll find the kindness of people is abundant.
T2LV@reddit
Whatever city you live in, post to their subreddit. Over the years I have seen many people drop off a few bags of groceries to a fellow redditor in need.
Miyk@reddit
Definitely check the Christian and possibly other churches many of them have food pantries with donated items for people in your situation, which is not unique, so don't feel bad asking them for help, even if you don't follow their faith.
Hrafnagar@reddit
There should be more than one food bank close enough to drive to. Check for them on the Internet and hit up every one you can find.
Sad_Jellyfish_2072@reddit
Without giving away details. Are you in Canada and can I send you some money😕 I know the struggle. I don’t have much but sometimes $50 can get you through a few days
OldERnurse1964@reddit
See if your town has other food banks. Most have several. Lots of churches have food banks. If things get real bad you can eat for a week off of a pound of rice and a pound of dried beans
Main-Astronaut5219@reddit
Marketplace and look for non profits that will usually have info or know another that does. Get Snap applied for, you'll probably qualify for emergency snap if you're only on unemployment. Until then ramen cheap tuna bread and chicken will get you through if you can scrape together a bit from donating plasma or such. Not sure if your a woman but if so, set up some dates and pick people you might be genuinely interested in if your single. Personally I wouldn't care about buying someone lunch or dinner even without the date if I wanted to hang and everyone was busy. Some guys would probably agree it's worth paying for a meal or date just for the experience and to settle any dating anxiety or such. In return if you don't end up wanting anything more, if you're experienced in dating and they aren't, give them some tips and such. Personally I think nearly everyone can learn something from people of all walks of life if they ask the right questions and pay attention. They might even know or have friends or family that knows of resources that can help. You don't have to sleep with people on a date, it shouldn't even be expected unless you're both kinda clear on that, but that's just how I think of it. Anyhow good luck, If you can't find anything you could always make a go fund me or something and ask few ppl on here for a few bucks. I'd chip in. Just DM me if so.
Raspberry_Rippled@reddit
Piss disks are nutritious and salty.
TemporaryBitchFace@reddit
This might be more of a pain in the ass than it’s worth, but if you sign up for community college (which is free in some places) they’ll give food and gift cards.
theretailreject@reddit
The target app lets you pick up food that is ordered through the app and then you can say several of the pieces are damaged and they'll autorefund you.
TemporaryBitchFace@reddit
You can also have food shipped and the same thing works, just make sure it’s a low dollar amount so it doesn’t get flagged. And don’t do it with anything other than food as they’ll ask you to return non food items.
ProteinProblems@reddit
This will work but you’ll eventually get cut off since Target tracks return/claims % of orders. Someone who works at Target may be able to get you the finer details on how long you can do it for before they cut you off from these types of orders. So you can do this but just be prepared to churn suppliers, and it will only be a temporary fix but might be enough to get you through until you can legitimately buy food again. Churn Target, Walmart, local grocery store, etc.
ikilledsatann@reddit
yeah i agree. you can even go on walmart, order stuff and then click on random items you ored after your eceived them and just say you didnt get them.
autumnrose8683@reddit
Realistically, it’s frequently more damaged than not anyway! Dented cans, smashed boxes - yet still technically edible. I report all of these because they make me mad. Like why are you packing my food with laundry detergent?! They will send another of the same item or they will refund you. This only works for food items. Anything else, they want you to take you to a store, thus negating the workaround.
theretailreject@reddit
Well yeah, it works for food, which was his issue.
matcha_boba@reddit
Also, certain counties will let you qualify for emergency food stamps!
matcha_boba@reddit
Also, if you find a Starbucks or another chain coffee shop most of them throw out their unsold bakery items at the end of the day. You can hang out there for when the store closes and grab the bag as they're bringing it to the dumpster.
matcha_boba@reddit
Check out the Olio app! Lots of listings for free food
cowardunblockme@reddit
You might get better advice from Ethical ways
m_c_d_a_n_g_e_r@reddit
Dumpster dive aldi
Antique-Quantity-608@reddit
When I was living in a car to save up for a rental property, I worked part time at a local family restaurant… benefits included free food and I’d make a meal or two to take home.
Only-Race-9177@reddit
Do you live near a university? Most have Foodbanks and little outpost boxes with free food for students.
nothanks1312@reddit
When I was super broke I would check dumpsters behind small grocery stores (big ones always use compactors) and dollar stores. They often have security though, so be careful. If you live in an area where the weather is hot, then grocery stores may not be an option this time of year, but dollar stores will still throw out packaged food. Just double check on Google that there isn’t a recall before consuming.
Could also get involved with your local chapter of Food Not Bombs (try google, they may have a social media account or a Reddit sub or something) and they will help feed you. If you volunteer with them, they’ll also show you all the best spots to dumpster dive.
To make this unethical, you can always piss disc the food bank for not giving you more food? Idk lol
IAMACat_askmenothing@reddit
Is there a Buddhist temple near you? They give free food to everyone and it’s usually fire. I hit it up sometimes just for the food but I’ll toss a few bucks their way
lemme_just_say@reddit
TIL gurdwara. I’m moved.
Hot_Ethanol@reddit
Hey you should look into different food banks.The ones around me let us come back every day.
mslisath@reddit
Go to a unitarian universalist church or fellowship. More often than not, they have food after the service and if you are helpful, they will give you food to take.
Dumpster dive
And of course and I am not sure how it would work...piss disc
morkler@reddit
People love to hate on religion. Christians more specifically but many churches have resources to help out people just like you. Give some a call and tell them your situation. Many have food banks and can help in other ways. I know this because I have a few relatives that had to go this route before.
Greenteawizard87@reddit
I mean you could just get free groceries ethically by going to a local food bank.
sickcodebruh420@reddit
Not unethical, check https://www.foodhelpline.org/. They're a non-profit that connect people who have food with people who need food. They're in a bunch of US cities.
Purlz1st@reddit
Find a church that serves coffee and doughnuts, or even a potluck after the service.
GirlStiletto@reddit
And don;t be afraid to mention to friends whet youa re doing and ask if they have suggestions.
Lots of people have food that is about to expire that they forgot about.
I had two differnet friends who were having trouble from time to time making ends meet. When that happened, my ex and I would hit our pantry and freezer >
Oh, this Mac and Cheese is expiring in a month.
These noodles expired two months ago (still good)
We're never gonna finish this bag of frozen veggies.
Why did we buy 10 ans of chciken noodle soup.
Look, we still ahve half a case of ramen from last spring.
You can do a lot with a little and friends might offer stuff. And it helps them clear their panrty.
Just remember to volunteer next time they need hellp moving or painting...
(We would also do a twice a year Stone Soup day where we would get a 5g stock pot, toss in water and any leftover freezer burned cooked leftoer meats, then add all of the half opened bags of veggies and so on. Plus spices. Let it cook down all day by adding more water and the orrcaional boullion cube. People would bring stuff and toss it in. Let it cook until it was Stoop (halfway between soup and stew...jsut add more water) when it tasted right, you'd put it in tupperware for everyone to take home (especially friends who could use a financial boost),
We'd polay cards while it cooked and wathch movies and make it a friend day. And people got tons of tasty soup to rehydrate later.
Had one friend who lost her job and lived on Stone Soup for two weeks. (She ate other stuff, but that was her main lunch and dinner)
picklemechburger@reddit
Go to a fast food joint. Grab a receipt out of a trash can or somewhere. Needs to be recent. Go back up to counter "Hey I didn't find my (pick random item on receipt).
Can do the same with grocery receipts. Go back inside "I got home and couldn't find (random produce, bread or Deli item).
If somewhere has a shelf setup for doordash/instacart items, put on a lanyard with a random green or red card hanging off of your neck. Walk up to the shelf, look down at your phone, look up and grab an order. Walk out while tapping your phone.
A big one I've done, put on a unicef or peace Corp shirt, random big religions work too. Tell the manager you're with such and such ministries. You need one more box of food for your drive and today is the last day, could you setup just long enough to fill up the box. Most of the time they'll just throw some stuff I'm there, if not go stand out front.
Don't ever make a big scene with these. No means no, just walk away if they get suspicious. Wearing religious clothing helps.
Downtown_Year401@reddit
Two good to go app.
thiccglossytaco@reddit
If you're in the US, and depending on the state, you could apply for emergency food stamps/nutrition assistance since you have little/no income right now. YMMV as different states may have different programs or income requirements.
StingX1@reddit
Here's is the ULPT way STEAL IT! as long as its below the felony limit you're good. The store will build a case against you but as long as you stay below it. your good.
RedHeadedStepDevil@reddit
If you’re in the states, check 211.org for food resources in your area. There may be other food pantries, including ones set up as a Little Free Food Pantry, or special food distributions by churches or local groups on specific days (like first Tuesday of the month).
You can always dumpster dive. There’s a good group in Reddit with lots of tips.
rastaguy@reddit
Ask ChatGPT for resources in your area that can help. I needed some donated medical supplies a few months ago and I was blown away by the resources it gave me that I couldn't find after multiple attempts to find something via Google.
No-Corner9361@reddit
Idk where you are, but there surely can’t be only one food bank/pantry in your area?? I live in quite a rural area, and even I have two dedicated food banks near me, not to mention maybe a half dozen churches that run weekly food pantries and/or cooked meals of their own. Try contacting a local social worker or similar resource, heck the food bank you already went to should have a list of free and low cost community resources. They can point you to other food sources.
I’m also not sure you should be in the mindset of “I’ll have a job next month so I won’t need the food bank”. Most people, including myself, who regularly use my local food bank are very much employed. The cost of living has been going wild these last couple decades, and there’s no shame in taking free food if you need it — the odds are that you will need help for some time, even after you start your new job.
WhiteBlackBlueGreen@reddit
Dont do it at one near you. Ideally you will never return.
As far as tips, if youre just doing this once its hard to go wrong. You could walk out with a full cart if you wanted and just run away.