Grilling 101: Commissary meat savings, BBQ combine for sensational seasonal sizzle

FORT LEE, Va. – As legions of backyard chefs take the covers off their barbecue grills, they’re reminded to use their commissary benefit for significant savings on their meats and other grilling needs.

“You simply cannot beat the savings at your commissary,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka N. O’Neal, the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the agency director. “Now that it’s barbecue season and we’re preparing for graduation parties, pool parties and unit organizational days, it’s a no-brainer to hit your store for deep savings on meat, sauces, condiments, side dishes, aluminum foil, charcoal briquettes and more.”

Patrons can go to their stores’ meat department to get the freshest cuts on some of the commissary’s most popular items for barbecuing such as ground beef and hamburger patties, steaks (T-bones, rib eyes, sirloin), baby back and spareribs and brisket, said Darrell Clary, DeCA’s category manager for meat.

“Our stores have everything our patrons need to get delicious meats at even tastier prices,” Clary said. “And here’s a tip: If you’re looking to save even more on your barbecue, look for forequarter meat such as chuck meat, as well as pork and chicken – chicken legs and thighs are cost savers.”

Commissary patrons can also access the DeCA website and check out the Savings Center for current promotions, featured recipes, “Your Everyday Savings” items, the “Sales Flyer,” commissary store brands and digital coupons with the Commissary Rewards Card.  

They will also see their stores promoting local sales on top of everyday meat savings. Ongoing meat-related promotions include the following:

• It Has To Be Heinz 150th Ketchup Anniversary: Heinz Ketchup is celebrating 150 years and commissary customers can join the fun by throwing a backyard barbecue party of their own with a $150 commissary gift card. Additionally, commissary customers can take home a basket full of savings by using high-value coupons on the following participating brands: Heinz, Kraft, Ore-Ida, Delimex, TGI Friday’s, Devour, Smart Ones, Smart Made, Cracker Barrel, Miracle Whip, Jack Daniels, Oscar Mayer, Velveeta, Country Time, Capri Sun, Kool Aid, Crystal Light, Maxwell House, Gevalia, Planters and McCafe. 

• Sidewalk Sales: The majority of commissaries worldwide are holding a sidewalk sale in conjunction with May’s Military Appreciation Month. Weather permitting, every commissary worldwide will have one event – a two- or three-day outdoor sidewalk weekend sale (a maximum of four days) – offering extra savings including special deals on some case- and club-pack items. Several commissaries will partner with exchanges for certain promotions linked to this event. Patrons are encouraged to check their store’s web page for sale dates and hours and more details. In addition to the case lot formats found in commercial club stores, commissary sidewalk events also offer additional “mix and match” packages of similar items in bulk-size cases. This event runs until May 31.

“When you start preparing for your barbecue, whether it’s for your family or for all the folks in your unit, make the commissary your first stop for quality meats at great savings,” O’Neal said. “You cannot do better on the prices for everything you need to make the grill the place to be this summer.

“By the way, if your barbecue grill is showing its age, you can also save on a new one at your local exchange store,” she added. “Just another reason why shopping your commissary and exchange is worth the trip to the installation.”

-DeCA-

Note: For photos related to commissary meat savings, go to DeCA’s Flickr page, and go to the agency's YouTube page to see a video on food safety at the barbecue.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.