Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week ... week #12

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #12

Here we are at our final week of our $5 a week Pantry Building Challenge!  

This challenge has helped me to take note and focus on getting the most from my $5 as well as look closely at what needed replenishing in my pantry.  This was a no frills challenge for me and helped me restock several of our basics.

I hope it has been helpful to you as well.

Okay, what about this final week, what did I add to my pantry for $5 or less ...

I did a repeat of the organic carrots for a total of $3.98.  I was delighted to see that they were still on sale so I grabbed up 2 more bags and like before, I plan to turn them into fermented carrots.  (Each bag was $1.99 each)

And now, let's take a look at what I added to my pantry throughout this challenge utilizing just $5 a week ...

Small amounts add up!

Small amounts spent wisely can make a difference!

Small amounts is a great place to start when building up your pantry!

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Next Monday, we'll meet back here for the details on our next pantry challenge, this time it'll just be for the month of October!

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week ... #11

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #11

I hope everyone is reading the comments; they are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of  $3.98 before tax this week ...

Each of these bags of carrots were on sale for $1.99 each.  When I saw they were on sale, I knew instantly what I wanted to do with them ... make fermented carrots!  Fermented carrots have become one of my favorite snacks and or a sandwich accompaniment.  These two bags should make approximately 6 - 8 quarts that will last for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

We've got one more week in this challenge, let's see what we can do with the last $5 allocated for this challenge!!

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week ... #10

 Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #10

I hope everyone is reading the comments; they are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $5.00 before tax this week ...

The store bought canned goods section of our pantry is getting a boost with this challenge.  This week we added sliced beets to our pantry shelves ... 4 cans for $5!  We like serving these as a side seasoned with a little butter.  Yummy!

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #9

 

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #9

I hope everyone is reading the comments; they are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $5 before tax this week ...

For us, when we have hot dogs we also have mac-n-cheese or in this case shells & cheese.  We were out of mac-n-cheese and shells & cheese so when I saw this sale, I purchased 2 boxes.  We have hot dogs in the freezer and now we have shells & cheese on the pantry shelf.  We're all set to have one of our 'football' watching convenience meals.  Of course, this meal is not reserved just for 'football season,' it's a good one when time is of the essence and you're trying to stay out of the fast food lane at your closest fast food store too!

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #8

 Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #8

I hope everyone is reading the comments; they are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

As mentioned last week, this week, in addition to my weekly challenge results, I'm sharing a collective picture of what I've added in the first 8 weeks of the challenge.  But first ...

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $3.96 before tax this week ...

I sent hubby to do the pantry challenge shopping this week and he found these ham steaks on mark down from $2.99 to $.99 each.  He would have gotten another one, but this was all they had.  I added them to the freezer part of our pantry for use this winter in making hot ham and cheese sandwiches.  Hubby did good!

And now it's time to take stock of what we've accomplished thus far ...

Here's what I've added in the first 8 weeks of this challenge ...

Look at what I've been able to add to my pantry with $5 or less each week!  I'm quite pleased with the possibilities these items represent and look forward to seeing what the remaining weeks in this challenge will add to these items!

How about you, are you surprised and pleased at what you've been able to add to your pantry with as little as $5 a week?  

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #7

 Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #7

I hope everyone is reading the comments; they are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry this week for the sum total of $5!

These chili ready tomatoes were on sale for 4 for $5.  They add just a bit more flavor to a pot of chili that needs to be put together and served quickly ... for those times when there is no time for that slow simmering that allows all the flavors to meld.

G & G camp is over and hubby and I are taking a few days to rest and recover.  I'll be back next week with lots of catching up and regular posting.  In the meantime, please post what you add to your pantry this week for this challenge, it's so inspiring to me and many others.

In next week's post, I'll be sharing a collective picture of what I've added to my winter pantry thus far from this challenge along with the week's challenge results.

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Are you finding this challenge challenging?

Are you beginning to see that every little bit helps!

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #6

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #6

I hope everyone is reading the comments; each week's comments are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is participating and commenting!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

G & G Camp will come to a close this week and with things winding down, my time is very limited.  So limited that I asked my hubby to do the pantry challenge shopping for me this week!!!

I chuckled when he brought home the following ... for the sum of $4.90.

It did meet all the criteria for the pantry challenge and hubby was so proud of himself!

How will we use these Vienna sausage ... hubby will use them for a quick snack or lunch when the occasion calls for it!

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week ... #5

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #5

I hope everyone is reading the comments; each week's are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is participating and commenting!  I don't have time to comment right now with G & G camp going on, but I do read every one!  You all are inspiring me to no end!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $5 before taxes ...

My granddaughter and I made a trip to a local Dollar General store and purchased these for the stationary part of my pantry.  (I am enjoying being with my grandchildren immensely.  They are keeping us hopping!)  

I'll use these sticky notepads in note taking, sending notes, making lists and things of that nature.

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

 

2026 Summer Series: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week: #4

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #4

I hope everyone is reading the comments each week.  They are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to share your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $4.95 before tax.

Mushrooms are a staple in our pantry and the last time I used a can, I made note that I needed to start watching for a sale on them, as we were getting low.  I found that sale this week!  The regular price for each can was $1.79.  The sale price was $.99 each!  That's a pretty good savings, so I used my 'challenge' money for this week to restock shelf stable mushrooms!

Can you see how maintaining a well-stocked pantry saves money?  Because we had the option of waiting for a sale instead of paying full price, we saved, in this instance, $4.

We use mushrooms in soups, casseroles, omelets, and as an ingredient in side dishes (sauteed green beans, onions and mushroom are delicious!).

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!