It's easy to get in the mind-set that because we don't have medium or even large amounts of money to work with, that we can't do anything towards stocking our pantry. Nothing could be further from the truth! It's true that our pace may be slower, but we can still do something.
Yesterday, hubby dropped me off at a DG store on the way to the post office. I wanted to see what I could add to my pantry for $5 ...
Each of the items pictured were $1 each and every one of them are items we use on a regular basis!
For such a time as this we need to think about what we can do, instead of what we can't! Do you have an example to share?
What are some things you've added to your pantry for $5 or less?
If you find this series helpful, please share it with others. If we all do what we can to help each other whether it be through writing, sharing, teaching, coming along beside each other or any other means, the world will be a better place!
Until the next post,
patsi
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
A Working Pantry is a way of life, a lifestyle if you will!
My pantry is intentional, purposeful, simple, practical, frugal and what works for my family. It’s the food items and household supplies that keep my household running smoothly ready and available when they are needed. It’s my contribution to our family’s economy and my work-from-home ‘job.'
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I always enjoy this series...shows what you can do with minimal money to spend. Thanks for all you do---I enjoy your column. Jane in Florida
ReplyDeleteJane, thank you and you're welcome!
DeleteLove the encouragement to focus on what we CAN do!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thank you!
DeleteThis is a timely post for me as earlier in the month I spent most of our grocery budget stocking up on non-food items like toiletries, detergent, etc. at Sam's Club. Everything I bought was on sale, and it feels good to be stocked up in those areas, but it means I have little left for actual food items. No problem, as this was planned, so I am taking this opportunity to rotate and use up some things that are nearing expiration or are about to be past their prime. For example, I have a big can of Nido (bought for preparedness/emergency purposes) that is about to expire, so I've been making that and adding it to store bought milk by the glass to stretch the store bought stuff. I'm also taking things I have and turning them into other pantry items. I filled up a 5 gallon bucket with pinto beans, but they wouldn't all fit (50lb bag), so I'm adding to my pantry by canning the rest. Colton bought a watermelon and I plan on pickling the rind instead of throwing it out. I can turn my egg shells into calcium powder. Colton is also in the process of making sausage from some of the frozen venison that he harvested last winter.
ReplyDeleteSome things I would buy for $5 or less include bags of sugar, salt, pasta (as you did), boxes of tea bags (summer = ice tea as a frugal treat for us on hot days), and hydrogen peroxide. We also always check the clearance section of our grocery store because you just never know what you'll find!
Kelsey, your post is filled with great ideas! I've done the very thing that you did with stocking up on non-food items and then living out of the pantry. It's a win win situation as far as I'm concerned.
DeleteA few other things I forgot about for less than $5: canned veggies, small bags of frozen veggies, a gallon of vinegar (for cleaning or preserving, making your own salad dressings), yeast packets, non food items like canning lids, and sewing notions such as thread. I know everything is going up in price, but there are still a few things that can be acquired for little.
ReplyDeleteKelsey, you're right, there are still things that can be acquired and that's what we need to focus on!
DeleteAt our salvage grocery store I can get 6 packages of Pepperidge Farm bread, buns, bagels, etc. for $5! Today we went to Ingles where boneless, skinless chicken breasts are on sale for 2.78 a pound. I got 4 packages for $5 and some pennies each. Each one will be grilled for a a supper meal and a week of sandwiches and salads with chicken which is way cheaper than sandwich meats right now.
ReplyDeleteLana, you got some really good deals!
DeleteOne of my nearby grocery stores has chicken leg quarters on sale this week for $1.49/lb. Not sure how many are in a pound, but I intend to find out and restock my supply of chicken in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteLori, sounds like a good plan!
DeleteUpdate: Got a 4# package of 8 huge drumsticks for $3.90, a 4.25# package of huge thighs for $6.32, and also got a 1# package of 90% lean ground beef marked down from $6.36 to $3.82, and a .75# Prime boneless rib-eye marked down from $8.00 to $5.44. All were vacuum sealed and went into the freezer for future use.
ReplyDeleteLori, you did good!!!
DeleteI have always loved when you've done a $5 pantry challenge, Patsi! I've added quite a bit to my pantry when I am able to play along. With prices the way they are, I haven't been able to find really good deals lately. Even the DT prices have gone up! However yesterday I was able to find a deal on cough drops (desperately needed as IT goes through our house) and purchased two large bags for $5 and a little change each. Hope you and your DH are feeling much better!
ReplyDeleteJennilee, we are feeling better, thank you! Yes, 'IT' has a nasty lingering cough that is no fun at all! Are you dealing with 'IT' at your house too? I hope I read your comment wrong!
DeleteUnfortunately, I am dealing with IT at my house! Everyone is one the mend now, though, thankfully!
DeleteJennilee, I'm so sorry!
DeleteOnce a month I go to the outlet bread store and purchase our bread for the month. I freeze it until we need it. So far we have never had a bad loaf and it is so much cheaper. We eat a LOT of sandwiches for lunch so this helps with keeping the budget down a little.
ReplyDeleteMamaHen, that is an excellent idea! No bread outlet stores in our area or I would do the same!
DeleteLove this series. Going to head to the Dollar General and see what I can find!
ReplyDeleteLisa, thank you! Be sure to come back and let us know what you found!
DeleteThis week I was all about accepting what others offered me. For no outlay of money at all, I have two cases of black beans that don't expire until Aug 2023, peaches and the promise of whole chicken with the request I make broth for the person giving it to me. Since I have frames in the freezer, I can make broth and sort the chicken out for our meals. I also acquired bricks that I used to outline a flower bed, and two tall shepherd's hooks to use in my flower beds.
ReplyDeleteLike Kelsey I've also made a big point this week of using what is about to expire. I'm glad she posted because I remembered I have powdered milk that I need to use up and stretching my whole milk with it is good sense (and cents, lol!).
Terri, sounds like you're making wise choices in lots of areas!
DeleteWe had to get a new tire for our mower today and since we would pass a DT to get there we made a stop at both. Even though the DT has raised their prices to $1.25 there were still some bargains to be had. According to some friends all there is no pasta to be had anywhere. Well, DT had every kind of pasta you can imagine, made in Italy with durham wheat and in 20 oz boxes rather than 16 oz boxes. I bought a box of rotini and a box of penne. Also added a package of disposable pans to use to take meals people who have illness in the family. Yesterday I used some dry milk to make an equal to cans of condensed soups such as cream of celery and cream of chicken and added them to the freezer. I noticed that a jar of mayonnaise was about to go out of date so I will be making a very old recipe for a mayonnaise chocolate cake. The mayo takes the place of oil and eggs in the cake.
ReplyDeleteCookie, mayonnaise chocolate cake ... please share the recipe! You did good at DT! I haven't had any trouble finding pasta either.
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ReplyDeletetealady, that was a great find!
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