What is your zip code and what size crickets do you need? I can send you free crickets every now and then. I breed them along with hornworms and silkworms. Let me know and I'll see what I can do. No promises though!
Another way to drop the cost of feeders if you can't raise them yourself, is to buy from a local pet store instead of a nationwide chain like Petco, Petsmart, Walmart etc