How to Get Free Vegetables
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. You may be able to get free or very cheap vegetables to meet your dietary needs. Here are a few ways to maximize your resources and get fresh vegetables in your diet.
Searching Your Neighborhood
- Ask around in your local neighborhood for seasonal vegetables that may be in season and free.
- Visit local farmers’ markets to get free samples and lower cost produce.
- Look around for community gardens where anyone can pick free vegetables.
Food Rescues
Rescue efforts are organized by local people to collect food that would otherwise be thrown away.
- Look for community kitchen projects in your area and ask if they are in need of additional volunteers.
- Contact local stores, wholesalers, and suppliers. Ask what they do with their unsold produce and whether you can have some.
- Check out organizations and charities that are active in your community and ask if they are involved in any food rescue efforts.
Freezing Vegetables
Another way to get free or cheap vegetables is to freeze them.
- Look for vegetables that are on sale or discounted. Buying in bulk can get you a good deal and you can freeze what you don’t need right away.
- On seasonal produce, you can bargain a better rate if you buy a large quantity.
- Vegetables that are about to go bad are also a good option to freeze for later.
The Bottom Line
Getting free or cheap vegetables doesn’t have to be hard. Ask around, look for community projects, and take advantage of seasonal produce to get the best deals. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive—it is possible to get free or very cheap vegetables if you know what to look for and where to look.
