Keeping a Well-Stocked Pantry

What this current pandemic has shown us, is that no one knows what’s coming around the next corner. As the pandemic continues, many have come to notice that they have never thought about shopping further than next Sunday let alone actually stocking a pantry.  But while the pandemic put a spotlight on this issue, that the evidence has been surrounding us for years. Just think back to your last public holiday grocery trip — it’s like the world is going to end.

This kind of behaviour is a relatively new trend. Back when our parents were kids, it was the norm to have a well-stocked pantry just in case. Outside of major cities and well-connected areas, this is often still the case. In my home country, Australia, farmers and others who live outside of populated centres still heavily rely on shopping trips once a month. On their trips into town, they buy enough provisions to feed the hungry, tired workers every day! Now I wouldn’t suggest that everyone goes out and buys enough food for a month, but I do believe having a well-stocked pantry can have some fantastic benefits!

Remember that time you came home after a long workday only to realise that the fridge was empty? Or when the leftovers didn’t taste quite so delicious anymore? Such days often end up with take-out meals or deliveries. That’s not only expensive but if repeated, it can also affect your health goals. Likewise, too many shopping trips can also have negative effects. Many find that they will deviate from their shopping lists and buy items that they didn’t plan on buying such as junk food. Shopping only once a week can also help you regain some time that you otherwise spend on travelling to and from the shops and shopping itself!

Now you may be wondering, what does she mean by a well-stocked pantry? Well, it’s not all about buying 30 packets of toilet paper or buying every can of tin spaghetti on the shelf. Saying that I may have brought a little too much in recent months. But that’s ok because I can use it over time. It’s about making sure you have a few essentials that you and your family can use day in, day out.  Make a list of items that you use frequently. You can include anything that doesn’t need to be refrigerated and has a long shelf-life in your pantry. Alternatively, you can take a look at an example list I have compiled here. For example, my husband and I love pasta. Typically, we eat pasta once or twice, so I always make sure that we have at least two packets of pasta in the pantry at all times. The same principle also goes for items such as canned tomatoes, pesto or lentils. With these items, I can easily prepare a quick and delicious meal regardless of how tired or stressed I am.

The best way to building your pantry is to begin slowly and add items over time. Alternatively, you can start strong by buying a large amount of your basics. But you probably will notice that your grocery cost for that week will be much higher than usual. Another option is to save a bit here and there by looking at the specials. Some items such as my precious canned tomatoes or flour are often on special, so I’m sure to stock up when prices are low. I find that every three to four weeks, certain items are on special. So, if I can buy enough to last for a month, I don’t have to worry about paying the higher price in between. In the long run, saving on specials can make a significant difference to your weekly bills. Some weeks you may even find that you may need to do a small shop as you only have a small number of items to buy.

The biggest problem with stockpiling is making sure you have space, appropriate areas to stock certain items and the ability to do so financially. To have a better understanding of storing different types of food, head to my article on storing foods.

Now it’s time to get started yourself! Take a bit of time to make a list and think about what you and maybe your family eats every week. Are there particular breakfast options or snacks that someone eats day in, day out? Or are you using a specific staple like rice or potatoes every week? Then they should go on the list. Remember if you need help, you can always take a look at my list here.