Guide To Free Food And Discounts In Des Moines Birthday Deals Military Offers And Community Resources

Des Moines offers a variety of freebies and discounts for residents and visitors, ranging from birthday freebies at popular restaurants to special offers for military personnel and community assistance programs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available offers, eligibility requirements, and how to access these benefits in the Des Moines area.

Birthday Freebies in Des Moines

Many restaurants and food establishments in Des Moines offer special birthday freebies to reward customer loyalty. These offers typically require enrollment in rewards programs or email clubs, which may involve providing contact information such as email addresses or phone numbers. Birthday freebies generally become available at the start of the birthday month and may be valid for a limited time, often extending at least one month beyond the actual birthday date.

Popular Birthday Food Offers

Several well-known establishments in Des Moines provide attractive birthday freebies:

• Starbucks offers a free drink or menu item, though this must be redeemed specifically on the customer's actual birthday.
• Red Robin provides a birthday burger and unlimited fries with a minimum $5 purchase.
• Splash, Des Moines' upscale seafood restaurant, offers a substantial $40 discount on orders of $100 or more.
• Krispy Kreme gives away a dozen free glazed doughnuts.
• Perkins and Denny's offer free breakfast options.
• Baskin-Robbins and Culver's provide complimentary ice cream and custard.
• Ruby Tuesday and Famous Dave's offer various food items including burgers and desserts.

Additional Birthday Treats

Beyond major chains, several local establishments provide birthday freebies:

• Local bakeries offer free cookies and cake slices
• Some cafes provide free bagels and cream cheese
• Restaurant birthday clubs may offer complimentary beverages
• Local grills sometimes provide free pretzels
• Theaters may offer free fountain drinks

How to Access Birthday Freebies

To claim birthday freebies, customers typically need to:

1. Visit the establishment's website
2. Enroll in their rewards program or birthday club
3. Provide necessary personal information including birth date
4. Wait for email notifications around the birthday time
5. Present the offer when visiting the establishment

It's important to note that while some offers are completely free, others may require a minimum purchase or come with specific conditions. Customers should also consider tipping generously when redeeming these offers to ensure businesses continue to provide them.

Military and Veterans Day Discounts

Des Moines businesses show appreciation for military personnel and veterans through various free meals, discounts, and special offers, particularly around Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Offers

Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, brings numerous special offers:

• Blank Park Zoo hosts "Salute to Our Heroes" from November 8-11, offering free admission to veterans and active-duty military members, with half-price admission for up to four guests.
• Veterans can receive any size coffee or fountain drink and a car wash for free on November 11th.
• Active-duty military and on-duty, uniformed first responders can enjoy the coffee and car wash offer year-round.
• Fareway offers 15% discounts to all military personnel, both active and retired.
• Veterans and active-duty military can receive free admission to certain gardens on November 8th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• A free dine-in breakfast is available for veterans and active-duty military on November 11th from 6 to 10 a.m.
• Some grocery stores offer 15% off in-store and online purchases on Veterans Day.
• Jethro's provides a 50% discount on any entrée for veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day.

Eligibility Requirements

To access military and veterans discounts, individuals typically need to:

• Be a veteran or active-duty military member
• Bring valid military ID or honorable discharge card as proof of service
• Some offers may extend to family members

It's recommended that customers call ahead to confirm that specific locations participate in these offers, as participation may vary by location.

Community Resources and Assistance Programs

Beyond commercial freebies, Des Moines offers several community resources that provide essential services at no cost or significant discounts.

St. Vincent de Paul Services

The St. Vincent de Paul organization operates several valuable resources in Des Moines:

Sobering Center - Located at the Polk County Life Services Center, 1914 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines - Provides immediate care for individuals struggling with alcohol use - Offers a safe environment for regaining sobriety under medical supervision - Services include monitoring vital signs, providing hydration, and ensuring overall well-being - Serves intoxicated adults aged 18 and older in a confidential, non-judgmental environment - Operates without legal detention or unnecessary emergency medical visits - Partners with Polk County law enforcement and Community Navigators to provide recovery resources

Clothes Closet - Operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. - Provides clothing to individuals and families in need - Helps maintain dignity and self-esteem when applying for or re-entering the workforce - Particularly focuses on children's clothing needs for the school year and winter months - Requires appointment with Social Services staff - Contact information: - 1426 6th Avenue: 515-282-8327 Ext. 140 - 500 Army Post Road: 515-282-8328 Ext. 230

Furniture Assistance - Provides furniture at significant discounts on a case-by-case basis - Availability depends on current inventory and demonstrated need

Knowledge/Written Testing - St. Vincent de Paul is an approved location for certain knowledge or written tests - Service helps community members complete necessary testing requirements

Tips for Maximizing Freebies and Discounts

To make the most of the available freebies and discounts in Des Moines:

1. Sign Up Early: Enroll in rewards programs well before your birthday to ensure you receive notifications in time.
2. Verify Participation: Especially for military discounts, call ahead to confirm that specific locations participate in offers.
3. Bring Proper Documentation: For military discounts, always bring valid military ID or discharge papers.
4. Check Validity Periods: Understand when offers expire and plan visits accordingly.
5. Consider Combined Offers: Some establishments may allow stacking multiple discounts or promotions.
6. Practice Responsible Consumption: When redeeming alcohol-related freebies, always plan for safe transportation.

Conclusion

Des Moines offers numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy free food, discounts, and essential services. Birthday freebies from restaurants like Starbucks, Red Robin, and Splash provide celebratory treats, while Veterans Day discounts at establishments like Blank Park Zoo and Jethro's honor military service. Community resources like the St. Vincent de Paul Sobering Center and Clothes Closet provide critical assistance to those in need.

By understanding the available offers, meeting eligibility requirements, and planning ahead, individuals can maximize these benefits while supporting local businesses and community organizations. Always verify current offers directly with establishments, as promotions and availability may change seasonally or due to special circumstances.

Sources

1. Ultimate Guide to Birthday Freebies in Des Moines
2. Where to find free Veterans Day meals, freebies and discounts in Iowa
3. Birthday Freebies: Free food and more
4. St. Vincent de Paul Social Services