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Are you ready to take the pantry challenge? Here are 5 simple steps to follow to help you get started.
(Learn more! Visit my previous post: How to Save Money with a Pantry Challenge)
1. Completely empty your pantry and/or freezer.
Remove all items from your pantry and/or freezer. As you go, throw away any expired items and old leftovers. (Yes, get rid of that curious substance in the unmarked Tupperware container shoved in the back of your freezer!)
Make a pile of any items you know your family doesn’t like and will never eat; either throw them away or, if unopened, place them in a bag to donate to your local food pantry.
Then, clean and disinfect the freezer and pantry shelves.
2. Take inventory of all food items.
Taking inventory of the food you have is the best way to see exactly what you have to work with and assist you in planning your meals.
Make a list of the food items you have using these Freezer Inventory, Fridge Inventory, and Pantry Inventory printable sheets. If you choose not to use all 3 sheets, I highly recommend at least using the Freezer Inventory.
Tip: All of the sheets can be used year round, not just during a pantry challenge! Laminate the sheets and use dry erase markers to keep track of your inventory at all times! I find the most helpful sheet to use constantly is the Freezer Inventory.
3. Return items to the pantry and freezer.
Organizing your food as you restock your pantry and freezer will save time when you are ready to prep your meals!
Try stacking larger items behind smaller items so nothing is hidden. Keep similar items, such as condiments or baking ingredients, together. Group ingredients for meals together (pasta with pasta sauce; rice with beans, etc.).
Tip: Kitchen storage bins can be wonderful for organizing kids’ snacks, canned goods, and more, and will fit in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry!
4. Start meal planning.
Use this simple Meal Options Printable to begin listing as many meal ideas you can think of, working from the ingredients listed on your inventory sheets. Browse recipes online or use cookbooks to find ideas.
You will probably come up with more meals than you expect; however, if it’s difficult to find recipes that work with your food inventory, check out Super Cook, where you can enter your ingredients and it will give you a list of recipes you can make! The sheet also has a column for a recipe source, so you can refer back to it later if you forget where you found the recipe.
If a recipe requires a few ingredients you don’t have, list the items needed in the last column. Depending on the rules you’ve set for your challenge (whether or not you’re going to purchase some items), you may or may not want to use that recipe.
The beauty of the Meal Options sheet is that it is flexible! Think of it as your rough draft that can easily be changed. You are simply jotting down as many meal ideas as you can come up with. Think creatively!
5. Determine the length of your pantry challenge.
Transfer the meal ideas you listed on the Meal Options sheet to a Weekly Menu (complete as many weeks as you can).
After you’ve completed the Weekly Menu sheet(s), you’ll be able to count how many days of meals you have. This will be the length of time for your challenge!
Tip: You may not need to plan a new meal for each day of the week; you most likely will have leftovers from some meals and should build those into your menu accordingly.
Congratulations! You’re ready to begin the challenge!
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