When Your Pantry Is Exploding

I am leading a short-term group of 40 women in a pantry organizing project that I call “Pantry Peace.” It’s a private online group where people can share their photos, ask questions, offer tips to each other, and I do some teaching there as well. We just launched this week, but it has been a delight!

A common theme in the group is this: how much food should someone have at home?" Every home/family/pantry varies so there’s no one right answer to that question, but when there is too much food, organization becomes impossible.

If you have a pantry that is too full, consider downsizing your inventory in one of three ways: chunk the expired, eat up what you KNOW your family will eat, donate extras to a food pantry or charity. This website is a great resource to find a local food pantry in your area.

Once your inventory is lower, commit to shopping for what you will USE, not what you are scared you won’t have enough of, especially if your grocery store is nearby.

—Tara