AARP Grocery Savings: Beyond the Supermarket
Many people assume their AARP card will grant them a percentage off at the checkout line of any grocery store. The reality is more nuanced; AARP's approach to helping members save on groceries is multifaceted, focusing on a variety of avenues rather than a single, all-encompassing discount. By understanding the full range of benefits, members can effectively reduce their overall food budget.
Digital Coupons and Local Deals
AARP's website is a valuable resource for finding coupons that can be used for groceries. Members can access and print manufacturer coupons for leading brands, which can be combined with store loyalty programs for maximum savings. This approach allows for targeted savings on the specific products you buy, rather than a blanket discount that may not apply to your purchases. Furthermore, the AARP website and app allow members to find coupons for local shops in their area, including grocery stores and specialty food markets.
Discounts on Meal Delivery Services
For those who prefer the convenience of having meals delivered, AARP offers discounts with specific services. For example, members can receive savings on prepared meal delivery services like Silver Cuisine™ by bistroMD. These services provide healthy, chef-prepared meals delivered directly to your home, and the discount can make this convenient option more affordable. The savings apply to meal kits as well, offering flexibility for different cooking preferences.
The Walmart+ Membership Discount
One of the most significant grocery-related benefits for AARP members is the discount on a Walmart+ annual membership. A Walmart+ membership includes free grocery delivery from your local store, with no per-delivery fee, for orders over a certain amount. This provides significant savings on both food and everyday essentials, and also offers free shipping on Walmart.com orders. This can be particularly beneficial for members who prefer to have their groceries delivered to their home, saving both money and time.
Senior Discount Days and Store Loyalty Programs
While not an official AARP benefit, many grocery store chains across the country offer their own senior discount programs. These discounts typically provide a percentage off on a specific day of the week for customers who meet a certain age requirement. Savvy shoppers can combine these store-specific deals with the coupons and rewards they get through their AARP membership. It is always a good practice to check with your local store to see what they offer and on which day. For example, some chains offer 5% or 10% off for seniors on a specific day each week.
Making the Most of Your AARP Benefits
To maximize your grocery savings, it is important to be proactive and utilize the various tools AARP provides. Instead of waiting for a discount to appear, actively seek out coupons on the AARP website and check for local deals. If you use meal delivery services, check if your preferred service offers an AARP discount. If you frequently shop at Walmart, the discounted Walmart+ membership is a clear winner. For those who prefer in-store shopping, researching local senior discount days is essential for stacking your savings.
AARP Grocery Savings Comparison
| Type of Savings | Description | Example Benefit | How AARP Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Coupons | Printable manufacturer coupons for specific products. | Save on brands like General Mills or Kraft. | AARP website provides a hub for finding and printing these coupons. |
| Meal Delivery | Discounted prepared meal delivery services. | Get a percentage off orders from Silver Cuisine™ by bistroMD. | AARP partners with specific services for exclusive member pricing. |
| Walmart+ Membership | Discounted annual membership for free grocery delivery and more. | Save $40 off an annual Walmart+ membership. | AARP offers a special rate for members to save on this service. |
| Local Store Coupons | Printable coupons for general discounts at local retailers. | Find coupons for regional grocery stores or specialty shops. | AARP provides a searchable online database for local offers. |
| Senior Discount Days | Retailer-specific discounts for a certain age group on select days. | Harris Teeter offers 5% off on Thursdays for those 60+. | While not an AARP benefit, it can be combined with AARP coupons. |
The Importance of Strategic Shopping
Beyond just looking for discounts, strategic shopping can significantly lower your grocery costs. AARP provides resources to help with budgeting and financial planning, which can help you make more informed decisions at the store. Planning your meals around sales, buying generic store brands, and making a shopping list are all effective strategies. Combining these smart shopping habits with your AARP benefits will result in the greatest overall savings. For more general healthy living tips and resources, visit the AARP website.
The Verdict: AARP Offers More Than a Simple Discount
So, while there isn't a single answer to the question of whether AARP members get discounts on groceries, the truth is even better: members have a variety of flexible ways to save on their food expenses. The benefits extend from digital coupon access and meal delivery discounts to exclusive savings on memberships like Walmart+. By taking advantage of these diverse options, along with local store discounts, members can effectively reduce their grocery spending without being limited to a single retailer or day of the week.
