They say never to shop for groceries when you’re hungry because you’ll end up with a much higher bill. But even when you shop on a full stomach, grocery bills can add up.
Whether you’re living on a fixed income or shopping on a budget, senior discounts and other savings programs can help you spend less when shopping for groceries.
Unfortunately, Food Lion does not offer a universal senior discount. But there are other ways to save when shopping at this retailer, including signing up for their MVP program.
In this article, we’ll share strategies for saving money while shopping at Food Lion and alternative grocery stores to consider if you’re looking for a traditional senior discount.
Key takeaways
Food Lion does not offer a universal senior discount.
To save money when shopping at Food Lion you can sign up for their MVP rewards program, plan ahead, collect manufacturer and competitor coupons, and stack discounts.
Other grocery stores that offer traditional senior discounts include Harris Teeter, Publix, and Gristedes.
Does Food Lion offer a senior discount?
No, unfortunately Food Lion does not offer a universal, store-wide senior discount.
Alternative ways to save at Food Lion as a senior
Although Food Lion does not offer a senior discount, there are other strategies and programs that can help you save money when shopping with this food retailer.
Food Lion MVP rewards program
Food Lion’s MVP program offers its members unique savings opportunities, including:
Shop & Earn monthly rewards, where you can earn an average of $20 in additional savings every month
Personalized weekly digital coupons
Early access to weekly deals and other exclusive offers
Access to in-store kiosks where you can automatically clip new coupons before shopping
Access to Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offers
Plan before you buy
Whether or not you’re an MVP member, you can browse Food Lion’s weekly sales and coupons online before shopping in-person. Consider making a note of the items that are on sale and plan your shopping list accordingly in order to reap as many savings as possible.
You can also look up the “Weekly Deal” at the store nearest you before shopping. Take note of which items are on sale only for MVP members and which items are on sale for the general public.
Collect manufacturer and competitor coupons
According to their coupon policy, Food Lion accepts “manufacturer and store coupons that can be obtained from newspapers, flyers, the internet, our MVP Savings center, foodlion.com, or our Catalina coupon machines at each register.”
Food Lion also accepts competitor coupons (not including wholesale or warehouse clubs), though each store’s management team has the right to decide which stores and coupon manufacturers are considered competitors.
Collecting as many coupons as possible, including manufacturer and competitor coupons, can help you to save when shopping with Food Lion.
Keep in mind that all coupons must be in date and original (not a copy of an original coupon). Purchase requirements and restrictions of each coupon must also be followed.
Stack discounts
Most stores allow you to stack discounts, including store sales and coupons (digital or physical), to maximize your savings.
Other grocery store options for seniors seeking traditional senior discounts
Even if you’re a frequent shopper at Food Lion, it can be helpful to know which stores offer universal senior discounts.
The following grocery chains offer dedicated, universal senior discounts:
American Discount Foods: 10% off every Monday for seniors aged 62 and up
Fry’s Food Stores: 10% off the first Wednesday of every month for seniors aged 55 and up
Fred Meyer: 10% off the first Tuesday of every month for seniors aged 55 and up
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Thursday for seniors aged 60 and up
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday for seniors aged 60 and up
Gristedes: 10% every Tuesday for seniors aged 65 and up
Bottom line
Though Food Lion doesn’t offer a traditional senior discount, there are other ways to save when shopping at Food Lion, including signing up as an MVP account holder, looking up weekly deals before shopping, and stacking discounts and coupons from the store, manufacturers, and even competitors.
If you’re looking for a traditional senior discount, consider shopping at Harris Teeter, Publix, Gristedes, or another supermarket that offers a regular senior discount.
Sources
MVP Program. (n.d.). Food Lion. https://foodlion.com/pages/mvp-program
Coupon Policy. (n.d.-b). Food Lion. https://foodlion.com/help/savings/article/809606
