Pantry Challenge- What Is It?

     This month our family is participating in a Pantry Challenge.  Have you ever done one? If you haven’t tried it read here how it’s one of my favorite ways to save money and reduce wasted food. 

                Our family participates in a Pantry Challenge about twice a year. Here is what a Pantry Challenge is:

-Minimal grocery shopping, only bare bones basics for our family grocery trips during a pantry challenge typically include milk, eggs, bananas, apples, block cheese and coffee if we run out.

-Helps use up all the food in the pantry and freezer to avoid waste

-Encourages more baking

-Encourages meal planning

-Challenges the folks who cook to use what there is and try ingredients in different ways.

-Helps kiddos try and open up their willingness to try new foods

-Saves money that can be put toward other monthly budget items.

Ways to keep it smooth sailing:

-Make a meal plan at least a week at a time. Write it down! Read here about my preferred meal planning method.

– Use up bread, rolls or even use your bread machine to round out meals. Warm bread with butter always makes a meal feel fancy and filling to my family.

-Remember that meat doesn’t have to be the star of your meals, use it as an accompaniment if need be.

-Bake and get creative to fill in lunch boxes as your pantry empties of prepackaged snacks for on the go eating. Think popcorn, granola, crackers.  Check here for my list of summer snacks that can be enjoyed all year long.

-Make a meal plan at least a week at a time. Write it down!

-Use up any treats in the freezer or pantry or whip up treats as a little “high five” to your family for positive participation.

I’ll be posting weekly with my meal plans, updates and what we have been cooking and eating as well as how much money we saved through the month. Be sure to stop by and if you are participating share what you are cooking and eating!