Many sources suggest that studying can make you hungrier. For many students, mealtime arrives during school hours. Packing lunch is a very frugal idea, but what if a student hasn’t got the time or a kitchen to make it happen? I’ve taken some time to find the best bang for as few bucks as possible. For those who can relate to a tight budget and enjoy a good deal are sure to find their palates full at one of these local options.
I started my journey with just a few bucks, this circumstance prompted my interest in discovering where and how to procure a meal for near to or free. The answer came in apps.
Many fast-food restaurants offer in app rewards and deals in return for purchases. Some also offer rewards and discounts just for downloading the application.
My first try was the Taco Bell app. The reward for downloading via Taco Bell was a choice of the five-layer beefy burrito or the cantina chicken taco, no purchase required. I went with what I hoped to be the more filling option, the five-layer beefy. The Taco Bell burrito layers beef, rice, beans, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and nacho cheese all wrapped into a warm tortilla. The cooks did an acceptable job. The burrito was satisfying and filling to eat and the consumers will get the best possible price, free.
With limited time between class and work my next frugal lunch search took court at Burger King. For downloading the app, the reward is one free cheeseburger with a minimum $1 purchase. My reward expired before I was able to collect so I scoured the app for the best deal. With purchase of the bacon cheeseburger for $3.19, the deal includes any size fry for free.
The burger is two beef patties on a sesame bun with bacon and ketchup. The fries were unsalted, some might find that enjoyable, but I did not. The taste of the fries was very hot, with very little flavor. The small burger was largely unsatisfying. This coupled with only being able to use a reward or earn points for the purchase, but not both makes the Kings’ deals more fitting for a court jester.
My final fast-food try was Little Cesars on a lunch break. Upon entering I was spared a few minutes to look over the menu before the service cashier approached. It being quite some time since I last dined with Little Cesars, I asked the servicer for her best opinion of the pepperoni bites. She happily assisted, “You are asking the right person!” she said, “Cause I love pepperoni. I will eat anything with pepperoni in it!” A biased opinion, but I went with the pepperoni lovers’ suggestion. After asking me a few questions about my tastes and appetite and offering a few of the other items, the personal pan pizza, which was decided too large and the crazy bread, which I wasn’t going nuts over, I placed my order for the bites.
The Little Cesars lunch deal was four pizza bites and a 20-ounce coca cola product (dipping sauce is extra). I ate mine plain, but there are a few sauces to choose from for dippers. The deal was $4.99 before tax, only $3.99 for just the bites. They were unexpectedly delicious, especially for the cost. The bites are inner palm size, crispy edges all the way around and semi-deep dish. This turned out to be my favorite deal.
While fast-food options can quickly take away hunger, most low cost and free choices don’t offer much in the way of nutrition. A learning mind needs proper nourishment.
Searching for a reasonably priced salad, took the length of East Washington. While most grocery stores offer salad bars, it is usually priced at $8.99, weighing in at one pound, including the container, the cost outweighed the value, but not the necessity. A good deal was finally found at Festival Foods. Beyond the salad bar in the refrigerated section an assortment of pre-made salads from $5 to approximately $7. I purchased my salad for $5 and change, a great buy and healthy meal.
For some, waiting for school funding or starting a new job to fit their school schedules, even a few bucks seem out of reach. Fortunately, a couple of free choices exist in the area. The Second Food Harvest Munch Truck arrives every Tuesday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the East Madison Community Center.
The munch truck offers free lunches and snacks to the public. There is no sign up or ID requirement to receive the nutritionally balanced meal. My lunch sack included a turkey sandwich on a hard roll with white American cheese, a bottle of water, one applesauce and a bag of cheese-it baked snack crackers.
Within the local area there is much more to explore whether the intent be from value to anything imaginable, the East side eateries are boasting with tasty solutions to try.