One day this summer, I went to the farmer’s market and came home with two free boxes of vegetables.



How did I end up with a boatload of free food? It’s easier than you think: Enter contests and look out for promotions.

Sometimes local groups, papers and companies will give away free tickets or items to promote the event or the company. All you have to do is enter in the contest – if you win, then you got something for free. If you don’t win, then all you lost was the 30 seconds it took to sign up. Keep an eye out for these promotions on local websites, Twitter or local newspapers.

Even Gal’s Guide gets in on the freebies now and then!

In the Minneapolis area, I sign up for free promotions from City Pages and subscribe to Secrets of the Cities, which often has email contests. The MPLS Onion AV Club/Decider page also has free tickets from time to time – just last week I went to an advanced showing of The Informant! through the AV Club.

Even though you should sign up for free contests, be careful with the type of information you’re giving out. If an organization wants financial information or something too personal, it’s probably a scam and avoid it. Give out the amount of information you feel comfortable with – don’t risk your identity or safety for 10% off at some shady restaurant.

This afternoon, my sister and I are going to a movie showing at the Walker for free – just because she entered the contest and won. Not bad, right?