By Tristin Taylor
Staff Writer

When we see food, it makes our eyes twinkle and our mouths salivate in pure ecstasy, I know it does for me being the die-hard foodie that I am. But when I hear that the food is free, the euphoria is on a grander scale and tickles my fancy, as it does for other students on campus. Free food is an anomaly that is hard to fathom, but there are ways to ‘finesse’ the system and get free food! There are so many ways to get free food at neighboring restaurants near campus. Not only do you avoid chipping into that savings account, you also satisfy your cravings and survive on an impeccable budget. I have the scoop on where to snag free food deals.

A lot of these ways to get free food around neighboring joints is to simply download the apps that go along with it. For the burger loving fanatics that crave juicy beef patties and crispy french fries, Smashburger is the way to go when it comes to snagging a free burger. Simply download the Smashburger app and you got a free burger in your account with the purchase of a side and a drink. The side can vary between french fries or tots, either regular or adorned with garlic truffle and a fountain drink, which will cost no more than $5. You can find Smashburger on the corner of Avalon and Del Amo near the Southbay Pavillion.

Craving french fries? I always am! Wingstop in the Southbay Pavillion offers free french fries when you sign up for their e-club with the purchase of wings. You can’t beat a deal like that, plus you receive a surplus of french fries and a myriad of sauces to dip them in.

For you sweet tooth lovers out there who scream for ice cream, there is a Baskin Robbins located on University Drive right before you hit Avalon Blvd. Download their app and receive a coupon for any free scoop of ice cream. The flavors are endless, with 31 to choose from when you developed that special hankering for ice cream. Every now and then I go to get “chocolate wasted.”

Do you savor pastries and cookies like I do? Panera in the Southbay Pavillion gives you a free pastry or cookie of your choice when you download the MyPanera app. This app has saved me from so many “hangry moments” commuting to my 8:30 am class because they offer free coffees and bagels during certain months throughout the year. This app is definitely a favorite in my list and a keeper.

Not only are apps good to download, but joining email clubs help a lot. Yes you’ll receive emails nonstop, but at least you get free food out of it. Del taco has a raving e-club in which you join and receive a coupon for two free grilled chicken tacos, which are delicious especially because they’re free! Located on Avalon and Albertoni right before you hit the 91 east.

It is true that free food tastes so much better. Definitely take advantage of the deals and use them to your benefit and save your pennies. I hope you found this little list helpful, happy eating and finessing, Toros!