Buy, Use & Manage Food

Pantries are all about food and all the tasks surrounding bringing food into the home.

Buying food involves food budgets, couponing, taking inventory, using apps or paper grocery shopping lists. Keeping on top of food expirations dates is a must, as well as the occasional pantry challenge to use food up.

Good management involves a first in, first out system with attention to rotating food in and out of your pantry. Learning to buy food in bulk is an idea new to some folks. Food management skills are important and within everyone’s reach!

Stocking a Pantry, Food Staples, and Food Rotation

This is at the core of keeping a pantry. Learn how to stock a pantry, basic food staples to keep on hand, and watching those experiation dates!

Fill Your Pantry With These Staples
Oats and Oatmeal, Wonder Food of the Pantry

Food Budgets, Grocery Shopping, and Pantry Challenges

Although grocery pickup is a convenient service these days, everyone needs to go into a grocery store or supermarket at some time. Skills involve financial budgeting, looking for good buys, and mastering grocery store aisles. Don’t overlook saving money by simply eating up what’s in your pantry cabinets and shelves with a good ‘ol pantry challenge!

Why is Grocery Shopping So Exhausting?
How to Make the Best Grocery Shopping List (ever)!
Take the Lentil Challenge!
Can You Eat Groceries Before Paying?
Why Do Supermarkets Have High Ceilings?

Preparing Food and Cooking Skills

So many skills! It’s impressive all of the tasks that go along with preparing food. Even packing a lunch is a skill!

The Art of Packing Lunch
Hot and Cold Lunch Ideas for Farmers
Simple Meal Planning for Beginners

Food Safety & Quality

Food management covers making food is safe for you and your family. Experienced pantry owners know what to look for in questionable food status and if it’s “ok” to still eat it. Guided by experts and personal experience, you too, can expand your knowledge on this topic.

Spam Shelf Life
What Foods Are Better Stale?
Are Lunchables Safe to Eat?
Do Crackers Go Stale in the Fridge?
What Does “Take With Meals” Mean?
Can You Put Food in a Cedar Closet?

Storing Food

Storing food can involve every nook and cranny of your house, as well as refrigerators and freezers. We explore basements, garages, under stairs, and laundry rooms, as well as traditional pantry space.