June Pantry Challenge, 3 Easy Steps!

Its time!  Time to have a fresh start and begin a No-Spend month including a Pantry Challenge!

What is a pantry challenge?  Im glad you asked!  A pantry challenge is simply using every little bit of food in your house before buying more.  Easy!

Some are concerned this may be counterproductive, like, ‘but then I will have to buy double groceries next month!!!’  Generally that is not the case.  Eating everything in your house means digging into that bag of lentils you were never going to use....  and all that whole wheat flour you have is going to become bread for your childrens lunches!  Major $$$ savings!

Just 3 easy steps...



Step 1: INVENTORY.  Assess all food and make a list!  pantry, fridge, freezer, deep freeze...  write it all down!

Step 2: IDEAS.  Print out a blank calendar for the month. i usually just google for one, i used this one this time, any will work though :)

Step 3: PLAN IT.  Get creative and write down meal ideas checking off each ‘used’ item as you go!  Be sure to write down special ingredients needed on a separate list!  Of course, this is the month we want to do without the special ingredients, but some meals 'require' ingredients...  like brown rice for stir-fry, its a necessity in my house!  Be sure you post this list in a easy to access place!  You will be viewing it a couple times per day.

Inventory

Uh, oh!  Didnt get your whole calendar filled in?  Its okay!   This is a great time to pay attention to store sales or stock up on some frugal dinner items...  a quick session of bulk cooking can provide a handful of delicious chili dinners to pop in the freezer for the month....

my organized deep freezer

Be sure to keep your items fairly organized, I do a LOT of bulk cooking and label those items as well as keep a (sloppy) list on the outside of my deep freezer so I can access meals in a hurry!

my haphazard list taped to my deep freezer, each section matches a shelf

Don't forget the pantry too..  Its a great idea to keep snack bins for family snacking...  the last thing we want is to discover a crucial ingredient needed for dinner was already eaten by a hungry kiddo!

fun fact: my hubby installed an electrical outlet so we can keep our ugly microwave in our pantry!  
i highly recommend it :) 

I have completed my dinner menu for the month, earlier this week, and hardly have to buy a thing, mainly fresh produce throughout the month.  Easy for me, right?  Remember, ive been doing this for years :) 

I Will be challenging myself and printing a breakfast and lunch menu as well!  Will share that soon!

Good luck!