How to Survive a Trip to the Commissary

…and save 30 percent on your grocery bill!

by Tonya Nash


A trip to the commissary can be overwhelming with all of the rules…written and unwritten. But it can also save you up to 30 percent on your grocery bill versus a local grocery store. Here are a few tips to guide you along your way.

1. Don’t forget your military ID card. You can’t get on base without it. Also, the cashier has to see it before scanning your groceries to verify that you have commissary shopping privileges.
   
2. Some commissaries have arrows on the floor to direct the flow of traffic down narrow aisles. Pushing your grocery cart down an aisle the wrong way can get you a few stares and glares.
   
3. The Commissary is always packed on the 1st and 15th. Checkout lines can get very long, so try to avoid going there on those days unless you have plenty of free time on your hands.
   
4. At lunchtime, military members in uniform have priority at the checkout, so don’t be surprised if they skip you in line.
   
5. Anything you purchase at the Commissary is tax-free. However, there is a 5% surcharge that is added to your bill to cover the cost of building new commissaries and other expenses.
   
6. Be nice and tip the person taking groceries to your car. They work for tips only and are not employees of the Commissary. Their assistance can be very helpful when you have small children to buckle up in the car.