With the rising cost of living, grocery bills have become one of the most significant expenses for students living off-campus. However, with careful planning and strategic shopping, it’s possible to eat well without breaking the bank. The key lies in knowing where to shop, when to buy, and how to take advantage of available resources—both in stores and through campus support systems.
Timing Your Shopping for Maximum Savings
One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to shop during discount days at major grocery chains. Many stores, including Food Basics and Metro, offer reduced prices on select items from Tuesday through Thursday, when promotions are often refreshed. For example, Metro’s weekly flyer deals typically start on Thursday, making it an ideal day to stock up on discounted staples like pasta, canned goods, and fresh produce. Additionally, shopping early in the morning or late in the evening can help you snag markdowns on perishable items like bread, meat, and dairy that are nearing their sell-by dates.
Bulk Buying and Membership Discounts
If you have access to a Costco membership (or know someone who does), buying in bulk can lead to substantial long-term savings. Items like rice, frozen vegetables, chicken, and household essentials (toilet paper, detergent) are significantly cheaper per unit when purchased in larger quantities. To make this feasible for students, consider splitting bulk purchases with roommates or friends to avoid waste and reduce upfront costs. Costco’s rotisserie chickens, priced at just $7.99, are another budget-friendly staple—perfect for multiple meals when paired with rice or salads.
Meal Planning and Reducing Waste
Impulse buys and unused groceries are silent budget killers. To avoid this, plan your meals weekly based on flyer discounts and what you already have at home. Simple, versatile ingredients like eggs, beans, oats, and seasonal vegetables can be transformed into multiple dishes (stir-fries, soups, omelets) without monotony. Leftovers can be repurposed—for instance, roasted vegetables from dinner can become a next-day frittata or wrap filling. Storing food properly (e.g., freezing bread or batch-cooked meals) also extends its lifespan.
Campus Resources for Food Support
Queen’s University recognizes that food insecurity affects many students and offers several free or low-cost resources:
- The AMS Food Bank provides non-perishable groceries and fresh items to students in need—no questions asked.
- Good Times Diner offers pay-what-you-can meals in a welcoming, stigma-free environment.
- Community gardens and food recovery programs (like Loving Spoonful) distribute surplus produce to students.
More information and other resources can be found on the Student Affairs Food Access Resources page.
These services exist to help, so don’t hesitate to use them if you’re struggling.
Additional Tips for Cutting Costs
- Flashfood App: Purchase heavily discounted near-expiry items from Loblaws-affiliated stores. (2good2go)
- Loyalty Programs: Sign up for free rewards cards at Metro, Shoppers Drug Mart, or PC Optimum to earn points on groceries.
- Store Brands: Opt for no-name or store-brand products, which are often 20–30% cheaper than name brands but of similar quality.
Final Thoughts
Eating affordably as a student requires a mix of savvy shopping, planning, and resourcefulness. By aligning your grocery trips with discount days, leveraging bulk purchases, minimizing waste, and utilizing campus food programs, you can significantly reduce expenses without sacrificing nutrition. Remember, seeking help from food banks or community services isn’t a failure—it’s a smart strategy to stay nourished while managing tight budgets. With these approaches, you’ll gain control over your food spending and free up funds for other essentials.