Stocking Your Pantry on a Budget

Written by Alison Tice
Part of National Nutrition Month 2013

How nice would it be to come home to a stocked pantry every day, while keeping the money in your pocket? I know that it may seem like a daunting task to fill your pantry while keeping your budget in mind; however you can overcome both of these obstacles at your local grocery store by just taking the time to complete a few simple steps.  

Picture by Alison Tice

The first step, check out your pantry before you go grocery shopping.  This way you have an idea of the items that you do have so you don’t buy items that you really don’t need.  

The second step is to plan your meals for the week.  By doing this, you can make sure that you have all the ingredients you need for the week.  It is also a good idea to stock up on the ingredients for your “go to” meals.  

The third step is to check out the local sales before heading to the store.  This opens up the opportunity to stock up on bulk items and nonperishable that you tend to use a lot, while saving money.  

The last step, and one of the most important steps, is to stick to your list!  Believe me I know how easy it is to walk by the snack isle and throw in some extra chips that you don’t need.  

After you have successfully stocked your pantry, make a standard weekly shopping list, checking off the items that you will need to purchase the next time you go to the store.  Being prepared is the best way to stay on your budget!

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