Pantry Challenge

We’re always trying to find new ways to cut our food waste here at Green Action Centre. Households contribute more than 20% of our country’s food waste, meaning that the choices we make in the home can have a big impact on greenhouse gas emissions (and wallet). If you’re a “typical Canadian family” of four, you spend $1,200 a year on food that goes in the garbage (or hopefully, the compost). Respecting our Earth means respecting the hard-won produce harvested from plants and from the animals we raise or hunt. That’s why GAC is challenging you this January with a pantry challenge!

The “Rules”

Do it for a week, a month, two months: whatever works for you. If you have a lot of food stored up, go longer; if you’re in a small apartment and just have a fridge freezer, for example, a week might be more than enough. Set your budget to a level that you can afford and maintain.

How to Be Successful in Your Pantry Challenge

1. Don’t go shopping frequently.

It’s so tempting to pick up good deals and sales and delicious-looking items when you’re in the store. Grocery stores spend a lot of money to figure out how to make their produce the most appealing for you, and we’re grateful that they supply the nourishment we need. But most of us have trouble resisting! So, try to shop no more than once a week or less during your pantry challenge.

2. Shop with a list when you go.

First make a meal plan, then figure out what else you need to finish off the plan, then write your list. It helps to organize it by section in the store! If you’re shopping online for pickup or delivery, it’s even easier to resist temptations and track your budget.

3. Don’t be afraid of leftovers.

Whether you’re just heating them back up to eat as-is or making a new concoction, leftovers are key to pantry challenge success. Reheating them in the microwave is convenient, but leftovers often don’t taste as good if you aren’t using the oven (or more efficiently, toaster oven), or the stovetop.

4. Use recipe-finding tools.

There’s a lot of recipe-finding tools on the internet to help you figure out what you can make from the weird combination of ingredients you’re trying to use up! Some websites have an advanced search function where you can just input what’s in your fridge/freezer/pantry and it generates a list of recipe ideas!

5. Focus on the perishables first, then the odds and ends.

By starting with the perishable foods, you keep them from going bad. Then use up the odds and ends while you still have lots of “regular” food to use them with.

Note: If you’re struggling to have enough to eat, this isn’t the challenge for you. Please connect with resources that can help you with emergency food.