‘Tis the season to visit commissary for savings

  • Published
  • By Sallie Cauthers
  • Defense Commissary Agency
FORT LEE, Va. --  Holiday savings on top of everyday low prices are plentiful in December for commissary customers, said the Defense Commissary Agency's sales director.

"Any time of the year our customers know to make their commissary their first shopping stop if they want to enjoy the savings they've earned," said Chris Burns, sales director. "And, during the holidays, they will see shelves stocked with discounted groceries and other household products to make this time of year even merrier."

Throughout December, DeCA's industry partners will host many in-store promotions and provide extra savings focused on the holiday season. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for the following super sales events:

Coupon for free Coca-Cola product.
Commissary and military exchange customers can download an Internet coupon for a free 20-ounce Coca Cola product redeemable only on Dec. 16 and 17 at a commissary or military exchange. This promotion celebrates the 125th and 70th-year anniversaries of the Coca-Cola Company and USO, respectively, as well as these organizations' historic relationship with the U.S. military. To access the coupon go to www.uso.org/coca-cola/. 

Holiday recipe contest.
Through midnight Dec. 31, DeCA and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service are offering shoppers opportunities to win shopping sprees just by entering their favorite holiday recipes. To enter, go to www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patriotfamily/contests.htm for contest details and a link to an email address to send recipes.

There are three categories: main dish, side dish or dessert. Participants must submit a description of the recipe, 50 words or less, or the origin of the recipe. Recipes must include specific ingredient measurements and preparation directions. Limit two entries per immediate family. There will be four winners for each category - 12 chances to win. First-place winners in each category receive a $500 Exchange gift card and a $500 commissary gift card donated by DeCA's industry partners.

Holiday Helping recipe book.
ConAgra will offer a Holiday Helping recipe book with $10 in coupon savings. Customers can find additional commissary coupons at www.conagracommissarydeals.com.

"Dear Santa."
J.M. Smucker Company will offer its 2nd annual "Dear Santa" promotion featuring savings on in-store product displays and a contest to win commissary gift cards. Some companies will also donate $5,000 in coffee to the troops deployed overseas.

"Believe in Heroes."
Acosta continues this event in support of the Wounded Warriors Project, offering flyers with high-value coupons. The Wounded Warrior Project raises awareness and enlists public aid to help severely injured service members. For more information, go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org and www.believeinheroes.org. 

"Huddle to Fight Hunger."
Commissary shoppers will see in-store displays, flyers, recipe books and tear pads, special pricing and coupons on Kraft products related to the company's "Huddle to Fight Hunger" campaign to help provide 25 million meals to families across America. For more details, go to www.Facebook.com/KraftFightHunger.

"Our commissary staff and industry partners wish all our customers a very happy, safe holiday season," Burns said. "We hope you enjoy your time with your families, and remember commissaries can also help you save on New Year's Eve party goodies."