The Savvy Life

Just how long can you eat using only the ingredients you already have in your kitchen? 

Often, we get into the mode that a well-stocked pantry needs to be static.  Everything in your pantry should be consumed within three months.  That is money sitting on your shelves.  If you see something sitting there for three months, eat it or donate it to a shelter and don’t buy it again.

An added benefit of the pantry challenge is that it forces you to get creative.  You’ll look at canned soup and dried pasta a little differently as you figure out how to make a meal from what you have on hand.  Over the years I’ve received a lot of feedback from readers who have come up with new family favorites based on the need to get imaginative while taking on the Pantry Challenge.

The longest any Savvy Life reader has gone without having to buy groceries (outside of milk, eggs and fresh produce) was three months!  Let me know how your Pantry Challenge goes.  Drop me an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Note: This challenge does not include the food in your emergency kit.  You should always have enough non-perishable food and water set aside to sustain you for 3 – 7 days.  Keep your emergency food and water supply in a waterproof bin along with your other emergency items.