Looking to trim your grocery bill this month? The Pantry Challenge 2017 is a simple way to save by using what’s already in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were full of family, friends, and good food. My family enjoyed a quiet break at home, with a day trip to Grand Junction for shopping and lunch. The teens had fun spending gift cards, and I cherished the relaxed time together.
With the new year here, I’m kicking off one of my favorite traditions: the Pantry Challenge 2017. I always look forward to this reset — it helps me rethink grocery habits and encourages mindful use of what we already have. Want to join me?
Why I’m doing the Pantry Challenge 2017:
There are several reasons I do a Pantry Challenge. This year my goals are straightforward.
- Reduce waste. The challenge forces me to take inventory and intentionally use what we have. It’s surprising how much gets pushed to the back of the pantry or freezer. I’d rather eat food I paid for than toss it because it expired.
- Declutter storage. My two refrigerator/freezers and pantry are overflowing. While sorting through stock I joked that we could survive a long siege — a sign I need to use what we have before buying more.
- Save for bills. An unplanned surgery last fall left us with medical bills, so I’m directing grocery savings toward those expenses. In past years I’ve applied savings to vacations or debt repayment.
- Control overspending. My grocery trips late in the year tend to balloon, especially around holidays and when the kids are home. A couple of December trips topped $350; a little planning could have trimmed at least $50–75 from that total.
Customizing the Pantry Challenge 2017:
Every family’s challenge looks different. Tailor the rules to fit your needs — there are no penalties for adjusting the plan. Here are a few tweaks that work well for me after several years of trying this:
- Three-week duration. I’ve found three weeks is my sweet spot. By the fourth week creativity and patience run out, and nobody wants questionable meals just to empty the pantry.
- Small weekly budget. Instead of a strict no-spend rule, I allow $30 per week for essentials like produce, milk, bread, and a few treats for the teens. This keeps meals balanced and the peace at home intact.
- Target the extras. I’m not trying to use up every staple bought at a great price. My aim is to focus on the other 80% of items that sit unused so they don’t go to waste.
Getting started on Pantry Challenge 2017:
Some preparation makes the challenge much easier. These steps help me succeed:
- Inventory everything. Check the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. An initial inventory shows what you have, highlights items that need to be used soon, and reveals anything past its expiration date. Use this chance to organize your stockpile.
- Make a meal plan. Plan meals from your inventory, prioritizing perishable items. Meal planning makes it simple to use what’s on hand and prevents impulse purchases. Cross items off your list as you use them.
Download the Pantry Challenge 2017 inventory sheet to get started:
Shop the Pantry Inventory Sheet
I’ll post weekly recaps on the blog and share photos of meals on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to see what you make — share progress in the comments, post on social media with the hashtag #pantrychallenge, or leave a photo on my Facebook page so we can support each other.
If you want more inspiration, check other blogs and resources that focus on pantry challenges and frugal meal planning. They’re full of practical ideas and recipes to help you use what you already have.
Follow A Reinvented Mom on social platforms for recipe ideas and updates.
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