How Military Families Can Save on Food During a Government Shutdown

Published: October 31, 2025

With the government shutdown affecting paychecks, managing everyday expenses can be especially challenging for military families right now. To help, we’ve collected a list of grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and restaurants that offer military discounts — so you can save on meals and essentials while navigating this period. From favorite dining spots to popular grocery chains, these discounts are designed to stretch your budget a little further during the shutdown.

Discounts can vary by location, so be sure to check with your local store or restaurant before visiting. For more timely resources and support during the government shutdown, visit our Government Shutdown Resource Hub inside the Blue Star Neighborhood, where we’re sharing the latest guidance and tools to help military families through this challenging time.

 

🛒 Grocery & Food Stores

Aldi – Aldi is offering a discounted Thanksgiving meal that feeds up to 10 people for $40. Visit your local Aldi location for more information.

Fred Meyer – 10% off purchases for current military members, veterans, and families with ID every third Thursday. Covers private‑brand groceries, apparel, home goods, most electronics.  

Publix Super Markets – 10% off groceries for veterans and active duty on Veterans Day; year‑round discount availability varies by location.

Food Lion – 10% off for active and retired military on Veterans Day; year‑round policy may vary by store.

Tops Friendly Markets – 11% off total grocery purchase for veterans/active duty at participating stores.

Kroger Family of Stores – Up to 10‑25% off promotions for military members depending on region/store; verify locally.

BJ’s Wholesale Club – Discounted membership and exclusive grocery/household savings for military members.

Sam’s Club – Military membership promotions and grocery benefits with military verification.

Target – Active-duty military and veterans receive a 10% discount on purchases, usable twice per person. This offer runs from October 26-November 11, 2025, and is available in-store and online. You must be a Target Circle member and verify your military status. 

Costco – Military‑special membership deals for active duty, veterans, and families.

Sprouts Farmers Market – Some locations offer ~10% off for military members; depends on region/owner.

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) – On‑base commissaries give significant everyday savings (around ~25%) on groceries for eligible service members/families.

 

🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés

Outback Steakhouse – Approximately 10% “Heroes Discount” for active duty, veterans, and participating law enforcement/first responders at many locations.

Applebee’s – Free full‑size entrée for veterans and active duty on Veterans Day at participating locations; many locations also offer ~10% off year‑round for military.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Approximately 10% discount for military/veterans at participating locations; verify locally.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Approximately 10% off for military members via “WeSalute” program at many locations; verify locally.

Chili’s – Some locations offer free meal or discount specials for military on certain days; franchise dependent.

Cracker Barrel – Select locations offer free dessert or military discount when ID presented; confirm locally.

Denny’s – Many franchised restaurants offer ~10‑20% off with military ID; details vary.

IHOP – Some locations offer ~10‑20% off or free breakfast for veterans/military; verify local store.

Golden Corral – Free “Thank You” dinner for military annually in November; many locations have other ongoing military discounts.

Hard Rock Cafe – Offers military discounts on meals and non‑alcoholic drinks and gift shop items at many locations; check local café.

Ninety‑Nine Restaurant & Pub – 10% off daily for military members & veterans at participating restaurants.

Subway – Many individual franchise locations offer ~10% off for military members; depends on the local owner.

Panda Express – Some locations provide ~10% off for active duty and veterans; check your local store.