Keeping a Well-Stocked Pantry

 

Cold weather is under way, and so are a new series of restrictions due to the pandemic. This is the time of year where it’s easy to get wrapped up in the warm comfort of your home, not wanting to get out much, especially since days are shorter. When it comes to grocery shopping, it’s a necessity – but there are ways you can limit the amount of times you visit the grocery store, helping keep you and your family safe. Maintaining a well-stocked non-perishable pantry can help you shop less and keep your family nourished.

 

Here are a few tips on how to keep your home pantry stocked with everything you need:

 

  • Go through your existing pantry and start discarding and inventorying.  Odds are, you might have non-perishable items that are past their sell date, and you might also have food items that you bought once but don’t plan on using in the future. Discard anything that has expired, and look for local food drives in your area to donate qualified non-perishable food items – it’s the best time of the year to do it. Also, use this time to keep a list or inventory of what you do have in your pantry that’s still in good shape.

 

  • Build from the bare necessities.  Once you’ve taken into account what’s still in your pantry after going through it, create a list of the bare necessities – cooking oil, spices, flour and sugar, pasta, canned veggies, rice and beans, and plenty more. If you find yourself stuck on what you need to buy, take a look at this detailed list from a reputable cooking website to get started. This list will also help you determine the perishable / freezable items to buy to keep your kitchen well stocked.

 

  • Start filling it up!  Once you’ve covered your staples, now you can expand upon what food items will go a long way with your family. If you, your significant other, or your children have favorites – such as snacks, lunch items, beverages, quick meals – add them to your list. Does your family have favorite go-to meals that you cook often? Look up the recipes and make sure you have the ingredients so you can whip up a delicious home-cooked dinner. Also, considering that we’re in the midst of cold season, think about stocking up on chicken soup / broth, applesauce, herbal tea, honey, and saltine crackers.