Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

10 Reasons to Shop the Commissary

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Being part of the military community has many benefits and the commissary is one privilege everyone should take advantage of. Great savings are not the only reason to shop at the commissary either.

Here are 10 reasons to shop at your commissary.

1. Save Money

Yes, saving money is the No. 1 reason most people shop at the commissary. Consumers save 30% or more on average over commercial grocery stores. “Commissaries are required by law to sell items at prices set only high enough to recover item cost, with no profit or overhead factored into item price.”

Have you noticed all the orange “VALUE” tags lining the shelves? There are on average 300 products in more than 33 categories with this label. These truly are value items as the commissary has worked hard to identify “name brand products that provide consistent value, based on an average lower price than the equivalent store, private label item.”

2. Case Lot Sales

Another great way to save is buying in bulk. Commissaries have customer appreciation case lot sales twice a year stateside. “We choose the items from the list that we think will sell well at our stores,” said Mark Crump, the store manager at the Little Creek commissary. “These are not items that have been sitting in our warehouse.”

Products are marked down and you can still use coupons to further increase your savings.

3. Rewards Card

The commissary rewards card allows you to redeem coupons electronically and all commissaries worldwide accept the rewards card. You can pick one up at the checkout and register it at home or on your smartphone. From there you can browse coupons and add them to your card. New coupons are posted multiple times a week so check it before you head to the commissary. At the checkout simply hand your card to the cashier. With digital coupons you won’t have to worry about clipping coupons at home and having the frustration of leaving them in the car. The rewards card comes as a key chain tag as well, so as long as you have your keys you’ll have your coupons.

4. Click2Go

Click2Go is a new service currently being tested at only 3 commissaries: Fort Lee, VA, Offutt Air Force Base, NE and Travis Air Force Base, CA. Click2Go allows customers to order their groceries online and pick them up at the commissary curbside. If the program proves to be popular the service may be added to more locations.

5. Support Scholarships for Military Children

The Scholarship for Military Children Program provides college scholarships to military dependents. It was “created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.” Every commissary awards at least one $2,000 scholarship and more may be possible based on funding and eligible applicants.

6. Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates

This is a federal driven program that includes an internship program for current students, a recent graduates program and the Presidential Management Fellows Program for people who earned an advanced degree within the proceeding 2 years. These programs promote employment opportunities for students and recent graduates in the federal workforce. The commissary supports these programs.

7. International Aisle

There are some wonderful products on the international aisle and you aren’t likely to find them at commercial grocery stores. If you have a sweet tooth or would just like to try a British chocolate bar, grab a Crunchie. It is a honeycomb toffee chocolate bar that will fix your sweet tooth for a few days. The international food aisle isn’t just for sweets; you’ll find a wide variety of products from many countries.

8. Meet Other Military Families

At times being part of the military life can be lonely. Shopping at the commissary gives you an opportunity to meet other families. Striking up a conversation over an item on sale or just how cute the little baby in the shopping cart is one easy way to feel a little more connected.

9. Consistency in Your Life

Moving can put you at odds but there is one thing that can be consistent in your life, the commissary. Looking for a new home, new schools, new stylist and new friends is a lot to worry about. Knowing the commissary is available is one less stress. You won’t have to look for a new grocery store.

10. Support Military Dependents

Many of those working at the commissary are military dependents. You will hear many different accents from spouses from all over the world and notice young baggers that are children of service members. There are also a few retired individuals that will be happy to share a story with you.

These are just a few of the many reasons to shop at the commissary. Why do YOU shop at your military commissary? Tell us in the comments section.

January’s Commissary Specials Caused Me to Do a Double Take

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I experienced sticker shock in my hometown grocery store last week. Like many military families, I spent the holiday season with my parents in the Midwest. Now places like South Dakota and Nebraska tend to be known for low-cost living. But when my mom asked me to pick up a few essential items (milk, eggs, bread, sugar, graham crackers) on my way to her house, I was stunned by the prices.

My brain worked through a series of thoughts. First there was confusion. This price can’t be right, can it? It must be an error. Followed closely by flabbergasted. Is this some kind of holiday price increase? My mom said “Nope.” And finally I felt grateful. I found myself in the cracker aisle of a locally owned grocery store in my hometown thanking Uncle Sam for our military commissaries.

This month’s commissary specials offer a mix of party food for the big game along with pantry staples that fit with my New Year’s resolution to spend less and save more money in 2015.

Muir Glen organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, the main ingredient in my football playoff chili, are on sale this month. A 14.5-ounce can is only $1.00. One buck. That price made me do a double-take. That’s dirt cheap. That’s cheaper than if I grew my OWN organic tomatoes and canned them at the end of the season. You can guarantee I’ll be stocking up on the Muir Glen diced tomatoes. My family will be eating Spicy Cajun Gumbo on Mardi Gras and Tortilla Taco Meatball Soup for easy, breezy Sunday night dinners.

Winter is the best time of year for soup. Whether you like the Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Soup (Italian-style wedding or chicken with whole grain pasta) or Campbell’s Chunky Soup (sausage gumbo is my favorite), you can have your pick. Both are on sale this month at the commissary. Serving soup for lunch or dinner is an affordable way to warm up during January.

What to know what other commissary specials made me do a double-take?

  • Old El Paso refried beans, $.75. Save an additional $.30 with this coupon.
  • Green Giant Nibblers 6 mini ears of corn on the cob, $1.50
  • Totino Party Pepperoni Pizza, $.89
  • Pace Chunky Salsa, 2 for $3
  • V8 Vegetable Juice, Healthy Greens, $2.98 Pair that sale price with this $1.00 coupon and they are practically giving the V8 Carrot Mango to you.

In case you were wondering, Pace Chunky Salsa is another ingredient in my football chili.

Are you a fan of Frito-Lay chips? Lay’s Classic Potato Chips ($2.00), Ruffles, original or Cheddar and Sour Cream ($2.09) and Tostitos Scoops ($2.50) along with Doritos ($2.50) are all on sale this month. Don’t forget to stock up on chips for the big game. It’s the ultimatum game day snack. But please, don’t crunch during the commercials.

Pair it with Tostitos Queso Dip, on sale for $2.50, and you’ll be doing a happy dance when you walk out of the commissary. Save more, spend less and do more double-takes with this month’s sale specials at your military commissary.

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Applications for Commissary Scholarship Now Open

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The Scholarships for Military Children Program, now in its 15th year, provides college scholarships to military dependents. Applications for the 2015-2016 school year awards are now available at each commissary as well as online. This scholarship was “created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.” Every commissary will award at least one $2,000 scholarship and more may be possible based on funding and eligible applicants.

Who is Eligible for the Scholarships for Military Children Program?

The scholarship is only open to dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty, reserve/guard and retired military members or survivors of service members who died while on active duty. Dependents whose sponsor died while receiving retired pay from the military are also eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database and have a current military ID as well.

Each person submitting an application must be enrolling in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university for the fall term of 2015. Those who have already attained an undergraduate degree are not eligible.

The scholarship is based in part on academic achievement.  All high school applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 basis. The requirement for college students however is a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5, also based on a 4.0 scale. Those currently studying at a community or junior college must be enrolled in a program that transfers into a four-year program.

How to Apply

Applications are available at your local commissary or you can download one . All application packets must be turned in at a commissary or mailed to one. You can look up the contact information for each commissary and contact them to determine who the application should be turned into specifically. The packet should contain the two-page application, school transcript with a cumulative unweighted GPA and a short essay.

This year the essay is:

Choose a woman who during WWII significantly influenced military decisions for either the Allied or Axis forces. Discuss what she did and why, how her actions impacted the war effort, and any unique challenges she may have faced. What lessons can be learned from her actions? Please choose an actual person (i.e., not a representation such as “Rosie the Riveter”). You may choose someone who served in the armed services, a civilian who acted “behind the scenes” or an intelligence spy.

While this subject could be quite lengthy, the essay must be 500 words or less. It needs to be typed, double spaced, and no longer than 2 pages.

The Notification Process

Letters will be mailed to recipients on or about May 15th. Those who applied but were not chosen will not be notified.

While it is a onetime award, it is a great opportunity to receive money for college. The $2,000 scholarship can be put toward any qualified expenses, such as tuition, fees, lab fees and books. The check is issued directly to the college so any other education-related costs, including class equipment or supplies are also allowed.

This is a great scholarship so don’t delay. Apply for a college scholarship through your military commissary today.

Commissary Congestion: 5 Faux Pas That Disrupt Grocery Shopping Harmony

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My husband and I do our grocery shopping at the commissary. We’re close enough to the post and we see a lot of benefits to shopping there, especially as newlyweds.

Now at the height of the holiday season, the commissary has been getting noticeably chaotic. With all the craziness, it’s easier for people to get short tempered and frustrated. But, let’s not forget what the holiday season means to us. It’s a time to be giving and kind.

As we shop in the commissary there are a handful of unwritten rules that keeps our shopping experience in line.

Instead of dismissing the shoppers that are committing commissary faux pas, refer to the spirit of the holidays and shop in harmony. There are ways to make sure your commissary experience doesn’t turn into a battle.

Faux Pas #1: Wearing Pajamas, Spandex. There is a dress code for shopping on base or post. My husband shared it with me early on when I suggested that we swing by the commissary right after a workout. It’s frowned upon to show up wearing work-out gear as well as pajamas or other risque clothing. Because there are rules, doesn’t mean everyone will abide by them. I always find someone wearing sweatpants or pajamas at the commissary. Well, I have no right to snicker at them or turn my nose. I have no idea how their day went. We’re all in the commissary on a mission. No need to get judgemental. We’ve all had rough days.

Faux Pas #2: Weaving Around the Aisle. When you decide to shop at the commissary, it’s a given that it will take time. My husband and I plan our trips, so we can make the best use of our time and I always walk in with a list. There is always somebody rushing back and forth between the aisles. As a result, that person is making it a bit harder for others to navigate. I practice the rule of the road and leave my cart and drive to the very right. If I need something to the left, I leave it there and just move myself to grab the item.

When we all stay right, it gives the speedracers some room and we all benefit.

Faux Pas #3: Hovering over the Ground Beef. Meat at the commissary is cheaper than other groceries stores and there is always a good amount of people in the meat section. After my father separated from the military, my parents would still make the trip to drive on-base to stock up on meat (weird, I know). The worst is when people would just stand at the same spot for what seems like forever. Instead of getting heated, take a deep breath and kindly ask to reach over or if they seem like they need help, open your mouth and see if there is anything you can do. A little goes a long way, so pay it forward.

Faux Pas #4: Ordering Countless Pounds of Deli Meat. There is always someone in line at the deli counter. My husband dreads going, but he loves his turkey and ham sandwiches for lunch. It’s really a struggle to get him to wait because he gets so impatient when there someone ordering 10 different kinds of deli product and having them slice pounds and pounds of it. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do. If he wants his sandwiches, he’ll have to wait. So, we tag team to make sure we get the most out of our visit. I continue checking off the items on our list, while he’s there. Also, our commissary pre-slices certain meats and cheeses for smaller families, so we’ll opt to do that sometimes.

Faux Pas #5: Shopping with Your Troupe of Kiddos. My husband and I don’t have children yet so, I can’t really relate with the moms and dads that have to bring their kids to the commissary. From my experience, I’ve had to dodge running toddlers and weary parents as they try to do their grocery shopping with kids. I take things with a grain of salt and understanding. I can’t imagine how difficult it may be to arrange childcare and then have to be responsible for groceries for your family. I’m sure the parents of the world get it and us disgruntled newlyweds have to exercise our patience.

How do you handle the longer lines and congestion at the commissary during the holiday season?

Save Money with Discounted Thanksgiving Dinner Items This Month

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Even though I haven’t completely recovered from my Halloween candy indulgence (I need to get those Snickers out of my house), I am mentally preparing for my family’s Thanksgiving food feast. Have you made your Thanksgiving dinner shopping list yet? How many people are you hosting this November? Are you having a potluck?

Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner is a cooking triathlon. The first event? Shopping for your family’s turkey and the mountain of ingredients for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. The second event is prep work. Thanksgiving-cooking gurus recommend making as much food as possible ahead of time. This sprint of cooking starts a week before the holiday and ends when you take that golden turkey out of the oven. Then the final event…clean-up duty.

Despite this complicated and at times overwhelming meal creation, Thanksgiving dinner remains my favorite holiday meal.

Last year, the American Farm Bureau Federation announced that the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner (turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc.) for 10 adults cost nearly $50 in groceries. I’m willing to bet that military families with the advantage of everyday low commissary prices combined with special discounts this month will purchase their Thanksgiving dinners for less than $50. What do you think? How much is your holiday food budget for Thanksgiving? How are you planning to save money while cooking enough food for a small Army? The answer is easy: Shop this month’s commissary specials.

If my favorite Thanksgiving dish– green bean casserole– is on your menu, be sure to stock up on Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup. It’s on sale this month for only 67 cents per can. At that price, you can make green bean casserole for Thanksgiving AND Christmas.

Another pantry staple that you don’t want to run out of is Swanson chicken broth because a dry turkey is a terrible turkey. Keep that bird moist and tasty with plenty of chicken broth in the stuffing. I also put a sizeable amount in the bottom of the turkey roaster to keep it cooking evenly without drying out for hours.

Military families will also save money this month when they buy their Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls at their military commissary. This month, the convenient dinner rolls are on sale for $1.50 each. At that low price, you won’t mind when your husband invites 20 single sailors to Thanksgiving dinner at the last minute.

Prefer biscuits to crescent rolls? You’re in luck. Pillsbury biscuits are also on sale at your military commissary this month. The sale price is $1.28 each.

My mother is on the only person I know who makes her pie crust from scratch. For the rest of us with time and patience on our hands there is Pillsbury pie crust. It’s also on sale this month.

Want more convenient ways to save money at your commissary? Be sure to ask for a 2014 Thanksgiving Turkey Coupon Promotion booklet the next time you shop your military commissary. Quantities are limited.

Good luck to all those Thanksgiving dinner triathletes. May your turkey stay moist, may your leftovers be minimal and may your guests be kind enough to offer to wash your dishes.

Want to know the weekly manager’s specials? Sign up for MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter.

Comforts From Home Project Supports Troops and Comforts Spouses

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10 years, 8 deployments, 2 kids and dinnertime is still the hardest time for my husband and I when he is deployed.

For him on deployment, sitting in a galley full of people makes him miss home even more. “I eat fast, then go back to my room,” he said when I asked him what life was like for him out there. “When we’re on a big base, there is a lot to do. The remote bases are stocked by stuff that families send and what we leave behind for the next guy.”

The USO and Marie Callender’s must have known about this need, because they teamed up to create the #ComfortsFromHome Project to make sure that every service member gets the comforts of home while deployed – no matter where they are.

The Comforts From Home Project

Screen Shot 2014-09-11 at 12.11.31 PMThe #ComfortsFromHome Project donates money directly to the USO2GO program.  Through their frozen meals they are ensuring that service members get electronics, sports gear, books, games, and more while also giving us spouses at home a super deserved cooking and cleaning break.

Service members at remote bases get to experience the warmth of feelings, flavors, and favorites from home, and families back home get a night off of cooking.

Marie Callender’s understands both sides of a deployment…they know about the servicemember’s intense longing for home and the need to stay connected. They understand the family left behind waiting – whether a spouse and children, parents, relatives and friends.

Here ‘s how it works:

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  1. Buy a Marie Callender’s frozen dinner with a code.
  2. Enter that code on this website (You can enter up to five codes per day!)
  3. Marie Callender’s donates to USO2GO*

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Comfort for troops. Time and peace of mind for families. All with the purchase of a little box.

View a list of participating products, how to use the code, and more at Comforts From Home Project.

Hero’s Welcome TV Special

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To further their support of the military, Marie Callender’s is proud to sponsor an exciting television special with everyone’s favorite military supporter Gary Sinise, creator of the Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary will be hosting a one-hour TV special on Veterans Day, along with Robert Irvine from Restaurant: Impossible, and Genevieve Gorder from HGTV’s Design Star.

The TV special, airing on November 11, 2014 on HGTV, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, DIY Network, and Great American Country will celebrate one service member’s return to the comforts of his own home (cue the tears!).

Mark your calendars and set your DVRs for this tear jerker and watch how Marie Callender’s, the USO, and the “army of experts from food, home, and travel celebrate the comforts of home as only Marie Callender’s can.”

Thank you Marie Callender’s for creating a home away from home, and making life back-home a little easier. Please like and follow Marie Callender’s on Facebook and Twitter and send a warm thank you to them for warming our hearts.

For more information about the Comforts From Home Project, including qualifying products, and where to find the codes visit the official website.

Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family via Facebook and Twitter by clicking the share buttons below!

 

 

What’s on Sale at the Commissary in September: Back to School Lunches Solved

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It’s that time of year where the kids are all heading back to school. While it might be a relief for some parents who spent the summer trying to fill the days with fun activities, a new stressor presents itself.

What’s for lunch?

Prepping school lunches can be a challenge. Will your children really eat the food you pack or will they trade it with friends? Will it end up in the trash? Don’t waste your money and time making lunches your kids won’t eat. Instead of worrying about this, talk to them. Ask them what they really like. My mom sent me to school with a bologna sandwich pretty much every day for one year. I might have traded it for PB&J.

Before you tear them away from their iPads and tablets, look at this month’s commissary sales ad. Give them choices as opposed to the open question, “what do you want for lunch?” Lunchables, for example, are very quick and easy lunches. It’s all there; no need to worry or stay up late making lunch. In September they are on sale for $1.75 each. When was the last time you spent $1.75 on lunch? With this great savings, give them options. Do they want turkey, ham or roast beef?

Mix up lunches throughout the week so they aren’t eating the same thing consecutively. A Lunchable midweek is great when you get home late from school activities and you just want to go to bed. When you have more time, make a sandwich with Oscar Mayer cold cuts. It’s on sale for $2.75. Top it with a slice of American cheese ($2.50 this month) and complete the lunch with a Yoplait yogurt ($0.45), fresh fruit or carrots and maybe a snack cake. Your kids will be happy that they have lunches they’ll actually eat and you’ll be happy to save money at the commissary.

To make  your savings even bigger, take advantage of the Commissary Rewards Card. Ask your cashier for the free card and register it online. There you can clip virtual coupons and have them right on your key chain. You won’t have to worry about forgetting paper ones in the car again.Commissary Rewards Card

Combine these great September savings and the Commissary Rewards Card with case lot sales and you’ll be able to stock up on lunch items for the entire semester. The customer appreciation case lot sales, stateside only, started in August but many are going on in September. A list of dates by commissary are available online.

Your target before school starts: read the commissary sales ad, virtually clip coupons and venture through the case lot sales…maybe leave the kids at home and enjoy the trip.

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Commissary Rewards Card

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Utilizing your commissary benefit is an easy and quick way to save money on groceries each month.  There is however, another way to compound those commissary savings by utilizing an awesome program now available at your local commissary.  The commissary rewards card provides additional means for extra savings at the commissary on base.  Saving money on your groceries has never been easier for military personnel and their families.

The commissary rewards card is a free, easy way to maximize commissary savings and use coupons at commissaries worldwide.  Starting your commissary rewards card savings is easy!

Here’s how:

  1. Visit your local commissary and pick up your free commissary rewards card.
  2. Register your card and use the commissary rewards login to load coupons for your favorite products on to your commissary rewards card online.
  3. Once the coupons are loaded onto your commissary rewards card, start shopping!  Scan your commissary rewards card at checkout and the savings has begun!
Commissary Rewards Card

Commissary Rewards Card

Don’t forget…

Commissary rewards card coupons are convenient, however like regular coupons, they have stipulations that must be followed for redemption, as well as expiration dates.

The commissary rewards card may include additional features in the future. Follow MilitaryShoppers.com for any new updates and information pertaining to the commissary rewards card.

We just love the savings offered at your local commissary and you will too, especially when you employ your Commissary Rewards Card and printable coupons available now.

Pick up your Commissary Rewards Card, register and login to start your Commissary savings today!

Tips on Tipping Your Commissary Bagger

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The question often comes up in military circles about how much you should tip your bagger. I remember when we moved to our first duty station in Germany, the standard seemed to be about $2 to $3, maybe a little more if it was raining or around Christmas.

If you are not familiar with the commissary, the baggers that pack up your groceries and take them to your car do not get an hourly wage. They make their money based on tips. It is expected that you tip your baggers because otherwise they will not be getting paid. Although you are not required to do this, most everyone who shops there does.

But back to the main question: What’s a fair tip for a commissary bagger?

I decided to ask a few military spouses how much they typically tip the baggers at their military commissary. A lot of them said they usually tip $5, maybe a little more or less depending on the size of their cart. A lot of them also said they tip $2 if the bagger only bags the groceries and does not take them out.

You might assume that the baggers are working for a very high hourly wage, and they probably are. $3 for 5 to 10 minutes of work is about $18+an hour. BUT, they also are probably not taking cart after cart out. A lot of times we see baggers waiting around until it is their turn to take out a cart. I think this means that overall they are not making all that much. It would depend on how many others are working and how busy it is at the commissary that day.

Also, most of the baggers are not there for 8 hours a day. Most of them only work a few hours at a time.

How much should you tip your bagger? What is the right amount?

I think it is safe to say that $3 is the average. If you are worried about it and tip $3, I think you should be fine.

That being said, I don’t think it would be wrong to tip a higher amount if you can afford to do so. You might just make a bagger’s day!

And if you don’t want to tip, head to the self check out line.

How much do you tip the baggers at your military commissary?

Save on Play Date Snacks at Your Commissary

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August is here! That means a new sales ad for your military commissary. One of the best ways to save money is to shop the sales ads at your favorite stores. You want to make a plan on what to buy based on the sales ad.

In August there are quite a few snack choices. It would be a great idea to stock up on some of them to have around the house for a play date or even for your own children.

Hosting a weekly or monthly play date would be a great way to meet new people. You can get to know them as the kids get to know each other. It also allows some time for moms to hang out with other moms and get some time to talk with other adults.

When planning a play date, you could stock up on the Nature’s Valley granola bars. They come in a few different types and you could even cut them in half to display on a plate. You might also want to pick up some of the Totino’s pizza rolls. These can be made in the oven ahead of time. The moms might really enjoy these to have as a snack while the kids play.

Speaking of the moms, you can buy some of the coffee and tea that is for sale to have on hand. Moms love to talk over coffee or tea and it would be nice to offer that to them even if you don’t drink it yourself.

Don’t forget about the kids and get some of the Hi-C fruit juice boxes to have on hand. Kids love them and they are easy to hand to thirsty children.

If you would rather host a breakfast type play date you can get some of the Eggo waffles, add some berries and whip cream and serve a tasty snack for your friends and their kids. You can pick up some of the Simply Orange Juice to serve with your coffee and tea.

As you can see there are a few ways to use August’s commissary sales ad to save some money on play date snacks.

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