7 Best Grocery Discounts for Boomers and Retirees in 2024
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Food prices went up 5% from 2022 to 2023 — a significant jump for anyone but especially those living on a fixed income. For pre-retirees and retirees, many of whom are baby boomers, it’s crucial to find more ways to save money at the grocery store.
The good news is that many supermarkets nationwide offer discounts to those over a certain age — usually 55 and up. Some even have loyalty programs and other storewide discounts, regardless of age.
These are the best grocery discounts for older individuals, as well a few key grocery discounts that are worth looking into, no matter how old you are.
Club 60 Senior Discount (Harris Teeter)
Harris Teeter offers senior discounts to those ages 60 and up every Thursday. You’ll need to have a VIC card, which is the grocer’s free loyalty card. If you do, you’ll get a 5% discount as long as you tell the cashier when checking out. The discount applies to all purchases with a few exceptions: pharmacy items, tickets, gift cards and fuel.
This discount gets applied after all other discounts from the store’s loyalty program and any manufacturer coupons. This makes for some great savings potential.
Senior Discount 55-Plus (Fred Meyer)
Fred Meyer has a senior discount for those ages 55 and up. With it, you can get an extra 10% off select items. The discount is available only on the first Tuesday of the month, so be sure to plan your shopping trip accordingly.
You can use this discount on nearly anything in the store. This includes apparel, shoes, accessories, toys, sporting goods, garden supplies and auto supplies. It also includes private-brand and store-brand groceries.
A few exclusions apply, though. Notable ones include items that are measured and sold by the pound — like produce, bakery, meat, deli and seafood department goods. Some electronic items, like Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo gaming consoles, are also excluded.
Senior Discount (Brookshire’s)
Brookshire’s has a senior discount for those ages 60 and up. Every Tuesday and Thursday, you can get 5% off nearly anything in the store. All you need to do is ask for it at checkout and present your ID.
Notable exclusions include Western Union services, tobacco, alcohol, postage stamps, event tickets and gift cards.
Senior Day (American Discount Foods)
A small grocery store located in Mesa, Arizona, American Discount Foods has its own senior discount. With it, you get an additional 10% off your purchase — after applying other coupons and store discounts. You must be 62 or older to qualify and have a valid ID at checkout. The discount is available only on Mondays.
American Discount Foods also has a veteran discount day on Thursdays. This provides veterans up to 10% off their purchases with a valid ID.
Senior Discount (Grocery Outlet)
Not every Grocery Outlet is the same, since many are independently owned and operated. However, some offer special discounts to boomers and older retirees. It’s worth asking about these possible discounts at your local store, as well as any restrictions or requirements.
Senior Citizen Discount Days (DeCicco Family Markets)
DeCicco Family Markets is a small grocery store with four locations in New York. Despite its size, the grocer still offers discounts for regular-priced items to those ages 62 and up. Since it is a smaller store, you’ll need to reach out to a specific location to see what days they offer discounts.
Be prepared to show your DeCicco Preferred Card, registration and ID to receive a discount.
Amazon Prime Discount (Whole Foods)
This one isn’t just for boomers or retirees, but it’s worth mentioning. If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can get 10% off Whole Foods sale items (excluding alcohol). This could lead to some significant savings.
Certain individuals may also qualify for additional savings opportunities on Amazon Prime. For example, you could get a membership for just $6.99 a month rather than $14.99 if you also qualify for Medicaid, SNAP or other government benefits.
As an Amazon Prime member, you also get additional benefits — and not just on groceries. These can include free two-day shipping, Prime Video and up to 5% cash back for those who use an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card at Whole Foods Market.
Other Discounts for Older Individuals
Not every grocery store publicly lists their senior discounts. Given this, you might want to ask your local store what it offers — if anything. You never know when you might find more savings opportunities.
Some discounts are age-dependent, while others aren’t. Some are geared toward active military personnel or veterans. Still, others are available on specific days of the week or month.
Here are just a few other grocery discounts to keep an eye out for.
- Albertsons: A senior discount is available at select locations.
- Food Bazaar Supermarket: Seniors can get up to 10% off their grocery bill.
- Kroger: A variable discount for those ages 55 and up is available.
- Super 1 Foods: Those ages 60 and up receive up to 5% off all purchases on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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