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A pantry (or freezer) challenge is a great way to trim your grocery spending for a specific period of time. Here’s how you can keep 75% (or more) of your monthly grocery budget in your pocket!
What is a Pantry Challenge?
A pantry challenge is a set period of time, usually a month, when you plan meals based solely on ingredients you already have in your kitchen pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Then, try to eat what you have on hand as much as possible before buying new ingredients from the store.
Why Should I Do a Pantry Challenge?
Maybe you’re spring cleaning or preparing for an upcoming move. Or maybe you need to save extra money this month. You might just enjoy a good ol’ challenge! These are all great reasons to take on the challenge!
Eating down your pantry/freezer allows you to:
- Save money on groceries.
- Save time shopping for groceries.
- Clean and reorganize your pantry and freezer.
- Reduce waste.
- Involve your whole family in thinking of creative meals.
- Donate unwanted non-perishable items to a local food pantry.
- Did I mention…Save money on groceries?
How Does a Pantry Challenge Work?
It’s really up to you! The challenge can be done in a variety of ways, on your terms!
Start by determining your goals. Do you have too much food in the house and want to cut it down to create extra space? Are you moving and need to reduce waste? Have you vowed to eat healthier and need to clear the junk first? Is your budget tight and you want to save extra cash? Your goals will drive the rules you make for the challenge.
Next, decide which (if any) items you will buy during the challenge.
If you’re brave and adventurous (or desperate for cash!), you could choose to make it a no-spend challenge, and hold off buying anything at the grocery store until you have no other option!
Or, opt for a less extreme option and allow yourself to buy fresh produce and milk (or whichever items you choose) as needed to complement your meals and keep things healthier. I recommend this option; just remember to keep it a challenge!
It’s a good idea to take inventory of what you have when you begin. A thorough inventory will assist you in planning your meals as well as help you to estimate how long you may be able to eat from what you have. You may even find that you can extend the challenge longer than you expected!
How Much Money Will I Save?
You would probably be very surprised by how much money is sitting around your kitchen in the form of food you’ve already purchased! Try postponing shopping for new items throughout an entire month, and you could easily save 50-75% or more of your regular monthly grocery budget! (Obviously, the amount will vary depending on the goals you set for your challenge.)
Ready to begin? See my 5 Steps To Begin A Pantry Challenge.
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