Stock Your Pantry on the Cheap

There are many excellent reasons for stocking your pantry well, many ideas on what's best to stock, and plenty of ideas on where to find more room for pantry items. But some of you have asked: How can I afford to stock my pantry? Here are some ideas.

Slow and Steady
First of all, remember that almost none of us can afford to go out and fully stock our pantries in one shopping trip - or even in one or two months. Instead, focus on slowly building up your supply.

Budgeting
Set aside a portion of your weekly food budget for pantry stocking. Even spending as little as an extra $5 a month eventually will get you where you need to go.


Focus on the Basics
Some foods are simply cheaper than others. Stock up on those first. For example, dry beans last a long time and are cheaper per serving than canned beans. You might also consider the cheapest meals you cook; what ingredients do you need for those meals? Stock up on those first.

Sales & Bulk
Shopping sales is a fantastic way to stock your pantry for less. Keeping a simple price book makes it easier for you to realize when something is a really good deal. Also remember that some items go on seasonal sale. For example, around Thanksgiving, you'll find stock/broth and pumpkin on sale. Stock up then, rather than when the prices double or triple in December.

I am careful about for from bulk bins; while it's often (not always!) cheaper, it's usually not as fresh. (It's been in non-air tight containers for a while, and who knows how many people have touched it...Ick.) If you do buy bulk, be sure to put the food in air tight containers as soon as you get home.


Costco
Sometimes Costco and Sam's Club are a better deal - and sometimes they are not. When they are, stick to staples; don't be tempted to purchase items you rarely use or have never used before, because they may end up taking up space but not being used. When Costco items come in large containers, take them home and divide the food up into smaller ones. For example, put a week or a month's worth in an air tight can and put the rest in a larger air right container. (Although those pretty glass containers you see in Pinterest pantries are lovely, they are usually expensive. I reuse my husband's coffee cans; just soak them in vinegar for a few days first to remove the coffee smell.) The Dollar Tree also sells some glass pantry containers, but I can't vouch for the thickness of the glass.

Couponing

I know couponing is popular right now, but I'm not a fan. I do use coupons for non-food items, but it's so rare to find coupons for non-processed food, I've given up looking. So use coupons, if you like, but do try to avoid stocking your pantry with unhealthy, processed food.

I must add, though, that I just read The Joyful Momma's Guide to Shopping and Cooking Frugally, and she mentions that her grocery store, which has a loyalty card, now sends her coupons based upon what she actually buys. This even includes discounts for produce. Now those would be useful coupons! She also discusses combining coupons with store sales for amazing prices without hours of couponing work.

Co-Ops - Make One!
If you have a co-op in your area, this is probably a great place to get inexpensive food. If you don't have one, create one! Or simply get together with a group of other people and approach local farms. For example, I know women who buy all their produce for canning together, thereby getting a bulk discount from a local farm.

Can and Garden
Sometimes canning really is cheaper - check out my post on this topic from last summer. And yep, home gardens can be cheaper, too.

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