Because tuition is increasing and because of the struggling economy, Ohio State’s Undergraduate Student Government is giving students a new way to save money.

The Student Savings Club, a program that gives students discounts at local businesses through their BuckIDs, is in its first year at OSU.

The club is a Chicago-based organization that works with universities nationwide and in Canada to set up discount systems with businesses near campuses.

When the Chicago Student Savers Club approached USG president Micah Kamrass, it was Micah’s brother, Jared Kamrass, and USG director of student life Brian Ashton who advocated for the program.

“Tuition went up and that can be a burden to students economically,” said Jared, a second-year USG member. “We wanted to find as many ways as possible to help students offset the costs.

“There’s only an upside for students. If they don’t use it, they’re not losing money. We at least wanted to make sure the option was available.”

Differing from programs such as BuckID Merchant, which gives students discounts at select businesses each month, the Student Savings Club extends throughout the year, and businesses don’t need to renew membership.

The Student Savings Club website shows all the available discounts at involved businesses.

A majority of the participating businesses at OSU are restaurants. Deals include 20 percent discounts from Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza, a free beverage for customers who buy a sandwich at Phat Wraps and 50 percent discounts on meals bought weekdays between 2 and 4 p.m. at Mad Mex. Walmart, iTunes and Footlocker are also a part of the program.

Jared said USG plans to expand the program by inviting 300 to 400 more businesses. He said he is confident they will participate.

“Businesses are eager to help because it increases their traffic,” Jared said.

Jarrad Bloom, manager of Mad Mex, said OSU students account for most of Mad Mex’s business.

Bloom said Mad Mex often gets an afternoon rush because of the discount.

It isn’t likely that on-campus business will be involved in the program because they already provide discounts to students with BuckIDs, Jared said.

Pat Moriarty, president and founder of Collegiate Services and the Student Savings Club, said businesses are hesitant to make the program available to faculty and staff.

“Businesses don’t mind giving discounts to students. They don’t always want to give discounts to everybody, though,” Moriarty said.

Mad Mex is one of the few that offers discounts to faculty and staff.

Moriarty said he hopes the program will change the way people spend.

“We want everyone to save $2,000” per year, Moriarty said, adding, “Save is the new spend.”