How to score free food

[ZarakiKujata]

wtf happened to CNN

- For many Americans, nothing beats the flavor of free -- and national chains are taking note. Tuesday, Starbucks is offering a free pastry with the purchase of any brewed or iced coffee until 10:30 a.m.. The same day, Ben & Jerry's is celebrating Free Cone Day -- a tradition of the ice cream shop since 1979.
In challenging economic times, companies are increasingly turning to giveaways like these to bring new customers to the stores. In February, lines snaked outside and around Denny's restaurants nationwide for a free Grand Slam breakfast advertised during the Super Bowl. KFC's 2009 Oprah-backed grilled chicken giveaway led to overwhelmed franchises and some empty-handed customers. And National Pancake Day at IHOP was the largest one-day event in the 51-year history of the company.
Marketers hope that if customers like what they eat, they'll come back.
But when freebie days aren't on the horizon (Dunkin' Donuts' annual free iced coffee day has yet to be rescheduled), here are some resourceful ways -- both practical and extreme -- to score some nosh for nothing.
Eating contests and challenges
This freebie will certainly deliver the most caloric bang for your non-buck, and comes with a great big side of bragging rights. Beware though -- usually if you can't finish the restaurant's signature 40-ounce chiliburger belly-buster or gallon-sized oyster bucket in the allotted amount of time, the meal won't be quite so gratis -- and neither will the antacid.
Dumpster diving
As the old saying (sort of) goes, "One man's trash is another man's afternoon snack." With a little luck and dumpster savvy, you can find food still in its original packaging in the refuse of major grocery stores.
Bakeries are also another popular destination for "freegans" -- practicioners of a lifestyle that embraces anti-consumerism -- as bagels, donuts and loaves of bread not sold that day are thrown out. If you're willing to risk a little reek, broken glass and a chance of botulism, dive in.
Child's play
Baby-sit around meal time. As parents head out for date night, they'll give you free rein over their pantry or offer up pizza money. No one wants a hungry, cranky toddler on their hands.
Wedding crashers
Make like Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson and make yourself an unexpected plus-one at a wedding; phenomenal finger food and oftentimes an open bar await. Come prepared with a story about how you know the bride or groom and stay away from sit-down dinners, as a seating chart is a surefire way to blow your cover.
Museum and art openings
To the delight of starving artists and students, light hors d'oeuvres and beverages are regularly served up to art-lovers as they ponder newly unveiled sculptures, paintings, photographs and exhibitions. Nibble some hummus as you get chock full of culture.
Fake your birthday
If you're willing to risk the embarrassment of tone-deaf employees droning the traditional song, many restaurants will spot at least one free, candle-adorned dessert in celebration of your very merry unbirthday.
Grocery store "buffet"
If you've ever been grocery shopping on a weekend afternoon, you know the free samples are aplenty. With a little planning, it's possible to make a small meal just by strategically navigating the aisles. Just check your sense of shame in the parking lot.
Happy hour
Many pubs offer free grub during happy hour. Pile your plate high with chicken wings, loaded potato skins and beer nuts all for the price of a single brewski.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/23...food/?hpt=Sbin

[Soa]

Its been a slow news cycle these past few days

[Dmitry]

Wait, they reported on getting free food?

Do you have the original link to that story?

[ZarakiKujata]

Wait, they reported on getting free food?

Do you have the original link to that story?

sorry forgot to add it, edited it in.

I fully expect Cream Soda to get in on this shit asap.

[Mizango]

I fully expect Cream Soda to get in on this shit asap.

^

[Khajit]

Wait wait wait. The entire structure of Israel-US relations(America is trying to not be thier bitch anymore) is dissolving and shifting before their eyes and they talk about free food?

[Guyverarmor]

Wait wait wait. The entire structure of Israel-US relations(America is trying to not be thier bitch anymore) is dissolving and shifting before their eyes and they talk about free food?

You really think they would report that over this? This is REAL NEWS

[Qalbert]

maybe if there was free matzoh involved...

[Dmitry]

I'm all for free food, idk about you guys.

I don't know if I could bring myself to go dumpster diving though. Actually that's probably the only one I could do. Damn

[Guyverarmor]

Me and a friend have totally done the unbirthday gig when we went to Olive Garden..before they stopped giving free desert to Bday customers

[Alleya]

I fully expect Cream Soda to shit on this asap.

ftfy

[Qalbert]

I think free overrides shit as far as urges go.
he might then shit in the restaurants when it is no longer free though

[Olo401]

What in the fuck.. ok I've done dumpster diving before for some idiot's password or computer/telecom parts with some old hacker friends behind the phone company...

....but actually diggin' in the can for food? Dude, just go inside the grocery store and hit up the dented can rack and save yourself the risk of fuckin' botulism.

[Qalbert]

Did you miss the part about still being in the original packaging? Very little food actually goes bad on its expiration date, but they can no longer sell it. I used to be the trash guy in high school, taking out trash from classrooms and the cafeteria and periodically they would have to throw out all the hot pockets that had been in the freezer for longer than like two weeks. If I timed it right I could get them home before they'd been out of the freezer for long enough to thaw.

[ZarakiKujata]

Did you miss the part about still being in the original packaging? Very little food actually goes bad on its expiration date, but they can no longer sell it. I used to be the trash guy in high school, taking out trash from classrooms and the cafeteria and periodically they would have to throw out all the hot pockets that had been in the freezer for longer than like two weeks. If I timed it right I could get them home before they'd been out of the freezer for long enough to thaw.

You've just set a dangerous precedent for getting one upped by the equivalent of a story about shitting in McDonald's.

[Guyverarmor]

You've just set a dangerous precedent for getting one upped by the equivalent of a story about shitting in McDonald's.

I am listening....

[Takedown3]

probably posted this because everyone gonna be broke by being FORCED to buy healthcare!

[NotGreyheim]

Dumpster diving
As the old saying (sort of) goes, "One man's trash is another man's afternoon snack." With a little luck and dumpster savvy, you can find food still in its original packaging in the refuse of major grocery stores.
Bakeries are also another popular destination for "freegans" -- practicioners of a lifestyle that embraces anti-consumerism -- as bagels, donuts and loaves of bread not sold that day are thrown out. If you're willing to risk a little reek, broken glass and a chance of botulism, dive in.

What in the 31 different flavors of fuck CNN?

[ZarakiKujata]

I am listening....

Gonna have to keep listening I didnt say I would post the story.

[Kainos]

Happy hour
Many pubs offer free grub during happy hour. Pile your plate high with chicken wings, loaded potato skins and beer nuts all for the price of a single brewski.

haha, this one is pretty good if your underpaid/overworked. Nurse a couple of drinks and discretely pile up 2-3 plates of dinner in between cigarette breaks