Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Is the Commissary an Outdated Military Benefit?

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The commissary has a long history of serving the military community. The idea of purchasing goods at-cost came about in 1825 to help Army personnel. It provides a huge relief to the service member when it’s tough to get necessities at a decent price.

The commissary we’re used to today began in 1867, which means the commissary has been operating for almost 150 years, offering groceries and other household goods to military members.

Overseas commissaries started at the end of the 19th century in the Philippines and China. Of course, it’s since multiplied to other OCONUS locations. In addition, the benefit now includes all branches of the military including Guard, Reservists and their family members in addition to retirees. In 1990, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) was founded, which consolidated the commissary program. By forming DeCA, it allows for a streamlined and unified way to supply all commissaries.

The commissary benefit has helped military families generation after generation. My parents still shop at the commissary and my father joined the Air Force in 1979. They manage to get lots of different items at reasonable prices and my husband and I also benefit from shopping at the commissary. I have to mention my grandparents too. Between the three generations, my family encompasses Navy, Air Force and now Army ties!

Savings for military families average at about 30% compared to civilian grocery stores. That percentage offers a pretty substantial discount over brand name products. Although the commissary provides lower prices, big-box stores like Walmart and Super Target can be competitive when compared to the commissary. Another argument is that the commissary doesn’t offer generic goods.

My husband and I tend to stick to the commissary mostly because the grocery goods we commonly get are priced cheaper there. Also, we’re still a relatively small family, so the bulk goods we purchase are all economical. Not to mention when we buy during a case lot sale, we don’t need certain items for months and months! There are so many other reasons why I prefer the commissary. MilitaryShoppers has an awesome list of reasons why you should shop at the commissary.

One of my favorite reasons for shopping at the commissary is the international aisle. It’s one of the only local locations that offer Filipino cuisine, so I can get my cultural fix. My parents drive to their local commissary in Texas for the same reason to stock up on the different Filipino groceries because it’s priced well. It’s difficult to find certain items sometimes! No matter where you’ve been stationed, I’m sure there is a good representation of it at your commissary. I love that there is a chance to try international food without having to be stationed there too.

The commissary continues to modernize by incorporating online resources to help families get the most out of their commissary experience. Military families can sign up for the commissary rewards card and app. The commissary rewards card gives you the capability to redeem coupons online. In addition, they have the Click 2 Go program for select commissaries that allows military families to buy goods online and pick them up at a later date. It saves time and is convenient.

Despite its age, the commissary is still a wonderful resource for the military community. That’s why I keep shopping trips to the commissary on my agenda.

Why do you think the commissaries are a good benefit for military families and retirees?

6 Pumpkin Treats for Care Package

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Are you putting together an autumn-themed care package this year? It is really difficult to find the commonly available fall goodies outside of America that we all stateside have come to know and love. Take some time this season to pack up a few pumpkin treats for your loved one in an autumn-themed care package. A little reminder of home can go a long way to make the day of a service member missing this great season.

Here are 6 delicious pumpkin-flavored treats available for a limited time at your military commissary. Stop by and stock up, not only for your service member’s care package, but also for yourself.

1. Pumpkin Spice Oreos

Yes, these absolutely delicious cookies do exist. I might of already eaten more than my fair share of them. The overpowering aroma of cinnamon and spice will have your loved one instantly in a state of fall euphoria.

The packaging for Pumpkin Spice Oreos is small enough that you can fit a couple of them into an autumn care package. You will want to send more than one, because they will be requesting more. Pumpkin Spice Oreos are only around for a limited time, so stock up today.

2. Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts

Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts are a great way to start a morning. Your service member will be thanking you for sending them in the care package. Delicious right out of the package, but even more so hot out of the toaster, these treats are sure to have anyone on their way to a good day.

Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts are only available in the large box that contains 12 toaster pastries, so fitting more than 2 boxes into a care package my be difficult. But it’s worth it.

3. Quaker Pumpkin Spice Instant Oatmeal

This is another pumpkin-inspired breakfast item to add to your autumn care package. While it isn’t quite cold here, your service member may be experiencing chillier weather where they are. Help them start their day off with a delicious fall breakfast with Quaker Pumpkin Spice Instant Oatmeal. It will surely bring back memories of autumn days in America.

4. Starbucks VIA Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte

You don’t need to make a special trip to Starbucks to pick up their VIA Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte for this care package. Instead, simply venture down the coffee isle in your commissary. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much less they cost at the commissary as well. The packaging is very small so you will be able to put multiple Starbucks VIA Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte packets into an autumn care package.

5. Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Spice Ground Coffee

Does your service member love pumpkin spice coffee? No need to add calorie loaded pumpkin syrup to their morning brew. Dunkin’ Donuts has released their Pumpkin Spice Ground Coffee again this year and you’ll find it in the commissary. Add a bag to your autumn care package and delight your service member with this delicious coffee.

6. Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pepperidge Farm actually has 2 different pumpkin spice cookies. You can choose between their Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies or the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies. Both are very sweet so if you have a service member with a sweet tooth, this is for them.

The Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are actually made with real cream cheese and are amazingly soft. Your autumn care package will be stuffed with greatness with either of these 2 cookies.

Don’t forget to add other personal touches to your autumn care package. Take the children to a local pumpkin patch and take their photos. You can have the kids color a frame for it or draw a picture. Make a few fall themed greeting cards and add some popular fall movies. Hocus Pocus is a good non-scary movie that may bring back memories of family movie nights.

Looking for pumpkin recipes? Search MilitaryShoppers’ recipe contest page.

Make your service member’s day by surprising them with an autumn care package full of delicious pumpkin-inspired treats.

What are your favorite items to send in care packages this time of year?

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons

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Each of us has our own rules for life. My sister never eats dessert after 8 p.m. My husband will only eat a banana before a 5k race. I have a very predictable routine in the morning that hinges on one simple rule: Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my first cup of coffee.

When it comes to coupons and saving money, I also have a few guiding principles. For example, a coupon must be worth my time to redeem it. I don’t get excited about 25 cents off 1 product coupons. But I’m always finding a way to use a $1 off coupon. That’s my $1 coupon rule.

There are items that I need to buy, but I won’t buy without a coupon. Those items include deodorant, razors refills, shampoo and conditioner, nail polish, hair products, face and body wash. I have learned that these items regularly have coupons available for them and I’m a fool if I buy without a coupon. It’s my plan-to-save-when-I-buy rule. (Confession: This was a tough rule to teach my husband.)

My final rule is never-buy-without-scanning rule for the commissary. Remember how I browse the list of available digital coupons offered through the commissary rewards card each Sunday night. That’s only the first step to savings.

Next, I need to remember to follow my rule of always remembering to hand my cashier my commissary rewards card. Without scanning my commissary rewards card, I can’t save money. You can’t save if you don’t scan.

Here are 10 commissary rewards card coupons every military spouse should clip before shopping at the commissary this month.

1.Save $3 on one 13-pound or larger bag of Purina Beneful Dry Dog Food. It can be any variety. Purina Beneful dog food is also on sale this month at the commissary. Use this commissary rewards card coupon to buy the original Purina Beneful, Healthy Weight or Healthy Puppy dog food.

2. Save $1 on any Mars brands candy. Must purchase 2 bags. Halloween is right around the corner. Save money this Halloween by buying M&M, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix or Milky Way Fun Size for the trick or treaters in your neighborhood.

This is my first Halloween living in base housing. Here’s the math problem currently rolling around in my head: There are 60 kids living in my neighborhood. How much candy should I buy to ensure that I don’t run out of candy on October 31?

The answer? A lot.

3. Save $2 on any OPTI-FREE Solution. Contact solution! Eye drops! Both of those items are included in plan-to-save-when-I-buy rule. Whenever there’s a coupon, I stock up on contact solution so I’m paying full price for something that I use daily.

4. Save $0.75 on  MorningStar Farms Chikn Nuggets. Yes, I know this coupon is for less than $1, but I still added it to my commissary rewards card last night. Have you tried MorningStar Farms’ chicken nuggets? They are delicious. My children love them as much as the chicken nuggets at McDonalds. This commissary rewards coupon requires one purchase of a 8-count or larger package.

5. Save $1 on Newmans Own Frozen Pizza. Like MorningStar Farms’s chicken nuggets, Newmans Own Frozen Pizza is convenient cooking that tastes good. Usually convenience and flavor don’t find themselves together, but when they do, I’m the first mother to buy this product for my family.

6. Save $6 on Venus Razor Blade Refills or Gillette Blade Refill Package. It’s his and her savings, thanks to your commissary rewards card. Last month, you saved money when you bought the razor, this month you save on the refill pack. This commissary rewards coupon only applies to 6-count or larger refills and can’t be applied to trial or travel sizes.

7. Save $1 on Tide PODS, Gain Flings, Downy Fresh Protect, Bounce Bursts, Dreft Blissfuls or Gain Fireworks. Laundry detergent is another item that I wait to stock up on until there’s a sale or I have a coupon. The best combination is when I have both for extra savings.

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

8. Save $2 on any 6 Gerber Organic or Gerber Graduates Grabbers Pouches. These baby food pouches are the best invention for parents who need to travel with small children. When we flew from Japan to the United States with our 18-month-old daughter, the Gerber Graduates Grabbers Pouches were a lifesaver. They are easy to open, delicious (according to my toddler) and don’t require a spoon. I love that I don’t need to (and therefore, don’t forget) to pack a spoon and my kid can still feed herself. Now we use them on road trips as our no-more-messes-in-the-car snack.

9. Save $2 on Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants or UnderJams Absorbent Night Wear or Splashers Swim Pants. After diapers, the next step is training pants and just like diapers, they are expensive. Always check your commissary rewards card app before buying Pamper Easy Ups.

10. Save $1 on any 2 packages of Hefty cups. Make clean-up at your next potluck a snap with these convenient cups.

What are your rules for using your commissary rewards card? Share them in the comments section.

Does the Commissary Raise Prices on Payday?

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It’s a common misconception that the commissary raises prices on payday. For those that shop at the commissary regularly and purchase specific items on a continuous basis, we’ve all come to know the item’s price. When the price jumps up one day, the rumors start among military spouses.

Did the commissary raise the price because it’s payday?

Let’s put that rumor to rest. No, they do not raise prices on payday.

The commissary changes its prices twice a month, which happens to fall on the 1st and 16th of each month. It doesn’t mean they raise their prices on those days. That’s the cycle of sales. Those price changes last for 30 to 45 days, so while it may appear that the price went up, it really could be that you have enjoyed the sale price all month and that sale has now come to an end.

Many grocery stores out in town change their prices weekly or more often. This 30- to 45-day window is simply a longer business model.

At the same time prices are going up, they are also going down; it is usually a 50/50 mix.

Don’t forget that DeCA is required by law to sell all items at cost plus surcharge. They do not make a profit.

The commissary truly can be “worth the drive” as they say. By selling products at cost DeCA is passing on a huge savings to military families. Shopping at the commissary regularly can save you 30% overall on your grocery bill. Some people question this savings saying that they can find a particular item for less at a civilian grocery store. There are many reasons for this.

Their store model is most likely different so their prices might change more often than the commissary. Commercial stores can also buy into deals that manufacturers offer them in order to pass that savings on to consumers. Those types of deals are not necessarily available to the commissary.

These stores may also offer items at a loss to entice patrons into their store in hopes that they will spend more on higher profit earning items. Since the commissary can only sell goods at cost and does not make a profit, they do not engage in this sort of marketing.

There are many wonderful reasons to shop at the commissary and saving money is at the top of the list for many people. DeCA knows this, and that’s why they work so hard to bring the products we all love to commissaries around the world. Now that you know they do not raise their process on payday, shop easy the next time you’re at the commissary knowing you’re getting great products at good prices.

If you want to save even more, pick up a commissary rewards card at the checkout next time you shop. You can also find out when sales start by signing up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter and by visiting MilitaryShoppers anytime.

What questions do you have about shopping at the commissary? Share them with us in the comments section.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Specials

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As a child, my mom and I had a Sunday ritual. After Sunday dinner, we would sit at the kitchen table together. She would clip coupons from the Sunday newspaper while I discarded the expired ones from her coupon envelope and added in the newest additions.

While recently reflecting on this weekly ritual, I had to chuckle to myself. This routine seems so old-fashioned in today’s high tech e-coupon world. I don’t buy the Sunday newspaper. I don’t clip paper coupons. I don’t have a coupon envelope that I carry in my purse.

Instead I use my commissary rewards card app to conveniently download digital coupons every Sunday night.

With the commissary rewards card, I don’t have to remember to bring my coupons with me, just my card.

I don’t spend time sorting through the paper coupons to find the one I need for each product in the commissary. I simply hand the card to the cashier and the discount is taken at the time of purchase. And best of all, I don’t waste time digging through coupons checking the expiration dates. The commissary rewards card automatically removes the expired ones from My Coupons List.

This Sunday, I logged onto my commissary rewards card account to load digital coupons on to my card for this week. This week, like every week, there are some terrific money-saving coupons available through the commissary rewards card that paired with September’s commissary specials will remind you that the commissary is worth the trip.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons that You Should be Clipping Today

1. Save $0.75 on any 2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs. Requires a minimum purchase of 2. Even though the summer barbecue season is over doesn’t mean your family can’t enjoy hot dogs as a quick dinner on Tuesday nights. In my house, hot dogs are a staple for a kid-friendly meal year-round. If you don’t have a commissary rewHow often do you add digital coupons to your commissary rewards card?ards card yet, you can download and print that $0.75 Oscar Mayer Hot Dog coupon here.

2. Save $1.50 on any 3 Classico® Red Sauce Products. Requires a minimum purchase of 3. Speaking of quick and easy dinners that your children will eat without complaining, let’s talk spaghetti. My kids are obsessed with pasta and would it every night, if we let them. Stock up and save on Classico sauce in September.

3. Save $6 on any 1 Nasacort® Allergy 24HR 120 Spray or Larger. Act quick to take advantage of this coupon available through the commissary rewards card. This offer expires September 20.

4. Save $5 on any 2 Gerber® Graduates® Formulas. Requires a minimum purchase of 2. Baby formula along with diapers are the two most expensive items that you buy for your baby. As a mother I would jump for joy when I found a coupon for formula. Then I would use it immediately. If you don’t have a commissary rewards card yet, you can digitally clip a $3 Gerber® Graduates® Formulas coupon here. There’s also a $3 off coupon for Pampers Cruisers or Extra Protection or Baby Dry Diapers.

5. Save $0.50 on any 1 Windex® product. Use this coupon as your motivation to wash your windows and shine your bathroom mirrors.

6. Save $3 on 1 Feline Pine™ Cat Litter. Enough said.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons that You Should be Clipping Today

Use the commissary rewards card app to save even more money at your commissary.

7. Save $3 on 1 Gillette or Venus Razor. Smooth savings for you and your husband.

8. Save $2 on any 2 AVEENO® products. Aveeno is my favorite. I use the baby wash with my daughters. I use the sunscreen. I use AVEENO® Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on my face every single morning and I can’t live without my AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion. The same $2 coupon can be digitally clipped here.

9. Save $1 when you buy any 1 Starbucks VIA® item. Instant coffee=instant happiness in my house. If you buy two, don’t forget to clip this e-coupon. You can save $2.25 when you buy 2 Starbucks VIA items.

10. Save $1 on any Glad® Food Protection Item. Through my church I used to deliver meals to new mothers, sick people and people who were recovering from surgery. I never wanted the person receiving my homemade meal to worry about returning my Tupperware to me, so I stock up on Glad food storage containers whenever they are on sale and I have a coupon. Then I can afford to deliver the meal without worrying about if I’ll get the container back.

This list are the coupons that I downloaded onto to my commissary rewards card last Sunday. I’ll log on again next Sunday to check for more coupons.

Want to know about the commissary rewards card? Here’s how and why every commissary shopper should be using a commissary rewards card.

Commissary Offers Cool Savings This Fall

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deCANEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

 

Release Number: 49-15
Date: August 20, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Your commissary offers cool savings this fall

By Sallie Cauthers

DeCA marketing and mass media specialist

 

Note: For a photo related to this news release, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157657490324951.

 

FORT LEE, Va. – As summer fades, commissary shoppers will see plenty of cool sales events throughout their store offering Labor Day promotions, Oktoberfest celebrations, case lot sales, and lots of in-store coupon flyers and instant coupons full of high value savings, said the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

“As we head toward the cooler days of autumn, we want commissary customers to know we’re offering plenty of promotions to help them save money and maximize their benefit,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA director of sales.

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

Now and continuing through September, stateside commissaries are offering Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales. Each store hosts individual two- or three-day case lot sales on one weekend between mid-August and the end of September. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

These sales provide commissary shoppers super deals — up to 50 percent savings on some items — on bulk buys of cereals, breakfast bars, chips, beverages and paper goods. During these “parking lot” sales, commissaries also offer sale pricing on some seasonal fresh produce on sale and provide high-value coupons for products inside the store. Look online, http://www.commissaries.com/stores/html/store.cfm?dodaac=N&page=case_lot_dates, for the schedule of your local Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale.

From late September until early October, commissary shoppers who cannot attend Oktoberfest in Germany can still find in-store products for their own celebrations. Commissaries have a full line of German products from chocolates, cookies, sauerkraut, mustard and red cabbage, to rich German coffee and more.

Unilever is offering their annual “Italian & American Festival of Savings” from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7. This year’s promotion features Unilever brands such as Hellman’s, Lipton, Knorr and Breyers, as well as personal care brands such as Dove, St. Ives, Vaseline, Q-Tips and Tresemme. More than 125,000 high-value in-store coupon flyers will be distributed worldwide. A donation of up to $20,000 on behalf of commissaries will be made to the Fisher House based on the total commissary sales for this savings event.

“Don’t miss these fall savings,” Russ said. “It’s worth the trip to your local commissary.”

-DeCA-

 

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

 

 

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

 

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

 

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

 

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

 

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

 

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

 

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

 

 

 

How to Request Specialty Items at Your Commissary

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I’m going to let you in on a little known detail about the commissary.

Did you know that we can request specialty items?

If your favorite brand or grocery item isn’t found at your location, you are encouraged to request it and there are a couple ways to do so.

Where do you begin?

You can start with picking up a “Your Action Line” customer form available inside the commissary. It’s typically found at the front, most likely where customer service is located. Utilize this form to list your specialty items and return it to the commissary. Another way to leisurely request your specialty items is to submit your request via the Customer Contact Form online.

Commissary stock is done by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Sales Directorate. The Sales Directorate is in charge of the different contracts that are filtered out to your commissary location. Therefore, your request for specialty items, whether filled out online or submitted in store will get sent to DeCA headquarters. Also, the Sales Directorate researches and listens to the community to determine the best products for a particular location.

There is another avenue that can help you receive a specific product at your commissary and that’s working directly with your commissary management. DeCA suggests that you request a meeting with a manager during a shopping trip or you can call your commissary’s management team. Find the contact info for your location by using this link. By establishing a relationship with commissary management on the specialty items you need, it will allow them to relay the request to the Sales Directorate straight.

Whatever method you decide to use, be sure you have the specific Universal Product Code (UPC) of each product.

That’s the unique information typically located under the bar code that would identify your specialty items for the Sales Directorate to possibly work with distribution channels to acquire your requested goods. I would be as detailed as possible in explaining the product like other known names, description, etc. It’s helpful to work with commissary management personally because they can walk you through the process and might be able to offer you any insight in the process.

For commissary customers that are overseas, it’s more of a challenge due to international shipping and the fact that goods need to be in DeCA’s Catalog Master File before it can be added to OCONUS commissaries. since it takes much longer because of rules and regulations that are in place, the product’s shelf life and packing makes it difficult as well, so that’s a huge factor to consider if you are overseas requesting specialty items.

Have you requested a specific product at your commissary? What was your experience with it?

Case Lot Sales at the Commissary!

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Stock up on products and SAVINGS at DeCA’s customer appreciation case lot sale!

What is a case lot sale?

Case lot sales at the commissary are sales that offer deep discounts on large quantities of various products.  Basically, you buy in bulk and save BIG.  When shopping the case lot sales, don’t forget to stock up on products with a longer shelf life, non-perishables and household products! For those items that you think might not last long enough for your family to use entirely, consider shopping with a fellow milspouse or military friend and splitting the cost.  It’s a great way to save and ensure that nothing goes to waste.

What will you find at your commissaries case lot sale?

There’s no definitive answer pertaining to exactly what your commissary will offer.  So go and find out!

You can find a list of the categories offered here.

“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.”

Will it be crowded?

Umm, absolutely.  DeCA’s customer appreciation case lot sales are an optimal time for saving, and in the military we know that every penny counts, so definitely expect a crowd.

Oh, and to really maximize your savings don’t forget your coupons and your Commissary Rewards Card!

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Always check with your commissary for date changes or cancellations before you go. Case lot sales may be cancelled due to weather or other events beyond our control.

Commissaries are not responsible for early sell out of items during case lot sales due to high customer volume or limited product availability.

Commissary Rewards Card Helps Military Families Save Money

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I’m always on the hunt for ways to save money when grocery shopping for my family. The desire to spend less and get a bargain is the reason that I shop at my military commissary.

When I want to shave a little more money off my grocery bill, I use my commissary rewards card. I use it every time I shop at my commissary as a convenient way to save money without the hassle of clipping paper coupons.

What is the Commissary Rewards Card?

Commissary Rewards Card Helps Military Families Save Money

How much money have you saved with your commissary rewards card this year?

The commissary rewards card program has been available in all commissaries since August 2012. Its main purpose is to give commissary patrons a hassle-free way to redeem coupons electronically. It’s an e-coupon program specifically for the commissary and can only be used at the commissary.

If you don’t already have a commissary rewards card, ask your cashier for one the next time you’re buying groceries. Then go online to register it. After creating your account, download the commissary rewards application for iPhone or Android. For busy moms, the free mobile app is key to getting the most out of your commissary rewards card.

Next comes the fun part: loading your coupons on your commissary rewards card.

Once your card is registered, you can log in and digitally clip the coupons easily. I usually start by comparing available e-coupons with my shopping list.

For example, Barilla angel hair pasta is my go-to family-friendly meal on hectic nights. Right now, there’s a coupon to save $1 on any 4 boxes of Barilla pasta. I’ll digitally clip that coupon. Then it’s ready for my next trip to the commissary. When commissary cashier scans my ID card, I also hand her my commissary rewards card. You want the cashier to scan the commissary rewards card before any groceries.

As a discount double check, I use the commissary rewards app on shopping day. Before getting in line, I’ll pull up the app and double check the items in my grocery cart with the current e-coupons. (This is why I’m super excited about DeCA’s plan to improve the Wi-Fi inside their stores.)

Let’s face, I don’t always stick to my grocery list. But by using my commissary rewards card, I don’t feel so guilty about my impulsive purchase of Chex Mix. I saved $0.50 with my commissary rewards card.

Keep in mind that these digital coupons have expiration dates just like paper coupons. If you have an e-coupon on your card and a paper coupon, you can’t use both because it’s against DeCA’s double coupon policy.

The system is set up to accept the commissary rewards card coupon first so if you have a paper coupon that expires earlier and you want to use that one, don’t use your card on that commissary trip. Save it for your next trip.

Or you can buy enough to cover both items. For example if I have a Barilla paper coupon and an e-coupon, I buy 8 boxes of pasta. That’s enough to fulfill the requirements for both coupons.

DeCA said that “new digital coupons are posted two to three times weekly,” so be sure to log in regularly so that you don’t miss any savings. I also recommend subscribing to the commissary rewards card email alert. These emails remind you when new coupons are available.

Curious about your savings with your commissary rewards card? Look at the bottom of your receipt. Your total savings is printed there.

Do you have a commissary rewards card? How much money have you saved with it?

Back to School Commissary Specials on Sale in August

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August is here. School is starting back for a lot of people and summer is wrapping up. Might be time to host a back-to-school barbecue or get started on your kid’s lunches.

When we think about going back to school, we need to think about breakfast. Luckily the commissary has a few foods we can stock up on to eat in the morning.

If your house is like our house, school mornings can be quite busy and having quick meal choices before they go off to school is a plus.

Fiber One cereals are on sale for just $2.49. If your kids are older, they can even pour their own bowl making life a little easier for you in the mornings. This is a great item to stock up on.

You can also find the Pillsbury Toaster Scrambles and Toaster Strudel are on sale for $1.50 for a 4 or 6 pack. Click here a $0.50 coupon for Pillsbury Toaster Scrambles and Toaster Strudel. These can be something you can make and even take in the car with you. I am not a big fan of breakfast but foods I can stick in the toaster and then grab and good work best for me.

You can also find Nature’s Valley granola bars on sale which are good in the mornings but also a nice choice for lunches. You can download a $0.75 coupon for Nature Valley’s granola bars for extra savings.

Our house is really into yogurt, at any time of the day. Yoplait happens to be on sale, $0.50 for a 6-oz container. Don’t forget to combine this savings with a $1-off-of-10 coupon. Stock up on these to have a snack available for after school or something to eat in the morning with your coffee.

Speaking of coffee, you can also find International Delight Iced Coffee drinks on sale for $2.89. Pick up a few of these to have on hand for your early mornings or even afternoon pick-me-ups.

Moving on to lunch and dinner, some nights you don’t want to cook a huge meal. Especially with fall sports starting up. You also don’t want to depend on your local fast food restaurants. You can find a good deal on Wishbone dressings in August. They are on sale 2 for $3. You can stock up for the next few months. Buy a few different types of dressings and each member of your family can customise their salad their way. You could also plan to make salad in a jar to take to work with you.

You can also find Horizon Organic Classic Mac for just $0.99. I know my youngest son is a huge fan of that meal so I will probably go and stock up on a few of those for him. You can add the food to your list of easy meals to make when you have a busy evening with helping the kids with homework and getting used to the new school year.

If you are planning on one last neighborhood barbecue before Labor Day, pick up some discounted chips. Family-sized Lay’s chips for just $2 and Party size Ruffles and Tostitos for $2.98. You can also add some of the Dunkin Hines Perfect Size Chocolate Cake and Frosting mix. Make a yummy dessert for your guests to enjoy.

We can’t forget about our furry friends. Some Purina items (cat litter, dog and cat food and treats) are on sale until August 15. I know my Hound Dog will love the doggy treats they have.

When you go to the commissary, don’t forget your digital coupons. You will be able to save even more when you use them on products at the store.

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

For ALL of the items found in our Commissary Specials Flyer, click here.