MARTIN Lewis has explained how you can pick up free food from chains like KFC or local bakeries – and you can even get paid to eat.
Downloading apps, using coupons and other clever tricks can help you bag a freebie, or a very cheap meal.
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The MoneySavingExpert founder shared the tips in his newsletter this week, aimed at helping households with the rising cost of living.
Food prices are on the rise due to inflation, adding extra costs to the weekly shop.
Gas and electricity prices have also gone up, costing the average household an extra £700 a year.
Other expenses including council tax and National Insurance have also jumped.
Here’s how you can get food for free – and even get paid for eating.
How can I get free food?
You can pick up free or cheap food by signing up for restaurant and cafe apps, as they’ll often offer deals to new members.
KFC is offering a free side – such as hot wings or popcorn chicken – when you sign up.
You can get a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme or a free crunchy taco with Taco Bell.
Greggs is currently offering a free hot drink when you download its app.
Keep an eye out for offers at chains including Burger King, McDonald’s and Subway as they often give out freebies, too.
For example, Maccies is currently offering deals every day for app users in April, including burgers for 99p.
You can download the apps by searching for the relevant restaurant on your phone’s app store.
Each restaurant will have their own terms and conditions, so make sure you read these before heading out to collect your freebie.
There are also food waste apps that will allow you to pick up bundles from supermarkets and restaurants – either for free or a discounted price.
Shops and restaurants can put food that hasn’t sold on the app so people can use it before it goes off.
For example, you can use Too Good To Go or Olio to get cheaper food from chains like Tesco, Morrisons, Greggs, Pret and Co-op.
One Too Good To Go user managed to grab food for a week from Nisa, including four pizzas, veg and biscuits, for just £3.50.
Another spent £4 at Co-op and walked away with plenty of grub including a BBQ meat selection.
Bear in mind that it’s often a lucky dip, so you won’t be able to choose what you get.
How can I get paid to eat?
As well as bagging free food, there are opportunities to get paid to eat.
You can sign up as a mystery diner and shopper to get meals for free from restaurants including Wagamama and Leon.
Sign up with agencies including Mystery Dining by HGEM, Service Scan and Market Force to give it a go.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll have to keep an eye out for free food opportunities.
If you get one, your meal should be paid for and you’ll often get a bonus too – meaning you’re being paid to eat.
Make sure the payment covers the cost of your meal, otherwise you’ll actually lose out.
To get your payment you’ll have to meet specific requirements, such as trying certain parts of the menu and filing a report after your meal.
What help is available if I’m struggling with food costs?
If you’re struggling financially and need help with food costs, there is support available.
Do a quick benefits check to make sure you’re getting all the money you’re entitled to.
You can use an online benefits calculator to find out if you’re missing any cash.
You can also contact your local council to see if you can get help from the Household Support Fund.
There are food banks across the UK to help households who don’t have enough money to buy meals.
Check the Trussell Trust website for one in your area or search for independent food banks in your region.
There are 16 community grocery stores across the UK, where you can get cheaper food.
It will cost £5 for an annual membership, which allows you to shop there twice a week.
If there isn’t one near you, there might be an alternative like Company Shop which gives out free memberships to people on some benefits.
You might be able to pick up free food from one of around 250 community fridges across the country.
Check if there’s one near you by searching on the network’s website.
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