When I read about this challenge on Crystal’s blog, I nearly fell out. But the longer I think about it, the more I know that I can do it. So, I may totally be sticking my foot in my mouth, but I am going to try to “Eat From The Pantry” only in January! To kick start it, I will be doing a Freezer Baking Day next week with lots of items I have on hand that need to be used up. Be sure to join me and check back for dates.
What is giving me doubt and holding me back? …I don’t want to miss out on any stocking ahead opportunities. But I am going to trust in God’s provisions for us this month. I will still be going to the store, but I will be sticking to produce, milk and absolute necessities, not wants. I love how God’s word is so encouraging in His Provision. Luke 12:22-24 is my favorite…
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ” – Luke 12:22-24
One thing I want you to think about as you read on is that each persons goals and resources are going to be different. Do me one favor…do not compare yourself with others as you read their comments. Use the information shared as an encouragement, something to motivate you, not something to hang over your head.
As you watch my progress I want you to know, I am blessed with a large pantry and an outside freezer to pull from. It might be much easier for me to do this than some of you who might not have as much space for your stockpiles. But, what I want to urge you to do is to create this challenge to work for you and your family. Maybe yours is just two weeks, or you pledge to eat only at home for a certain amount of time – no trips to fast food or out to eat, or you could pledge to reduce your spending by 50%. Whatever your challenge is, set a goal and try to stick with it. See if you can do it. If you are up for it, leave your personal “challenge” in the comments.
Are You Taking The Pantry Challenge? What are you fears, concerns or questions? Share with us what you are going to pledge to challenge yourself with in January 2010. What is your ultimate goal? Mine is to show myself that I don’t “need” to purchase groceries every week, just because there is a deal. My goal is to decrease my spending, not increase my savings…make sense? I want to gain more self-control in my grocery spending.
For more Pantry Challenge information and encouragement, be sure to check out Crystal’s and FishMama’s blogs! You can also join the Eat From The Pantry Challenge on the Facebook Page! While you are there be sure to follow Faithful Provisions on Facebook.
Kelly, I so needed that verse today. Thank you!
I am going to attempt this with a twist since I am not as stocked on certain foods as I used to be. So I will still be buying some meat, but plan on buying only what we need.
I will also be attempting the Eat from the Pantry Challenge but I guess I am afraid, like Susan, of not having enough meat in the freezer. I could do without it for a month but I’m not sure about my carnivorous hubby. I think we will cut back on the portions of meat though and add more WW pastas and rice to compensate.
I must confess that I am doing the challenge for the same reasons as you. I have found that I have become obsessed with finding the best deals, and while my hubby is happy, I don’t think my child is. So my goals are to save more money and spend less time hunting down deals and more time with my little girl. Hope we can keep each other motivated.
I’ll be doing the challenge too, I’m hoping to use up some of the items in my stockpile that are coming close to expiration… I hate to waste anything when so many people go without.
.-= JusFrugal´s last blog ..Eat From the Pantry Challenge =-.
We’ll be doing this at our house too. I’ve got my first two weeks planned out. Check out my plan:
.-= Cate´s last blog ..The Pantry Challenge =-.
I really want to do it but I have almost no meat left and just not enough in my pantry. So instead, I am going to try to stick to a very strict $75/week for groceries this month. I have been drifting from the budget a lot lately so I am hoping this will help me get motivated to get back on track.
Before I saw your own goal, I had already decided to do this myself as I am so well stocked from the last few months of good deals (thanks to you and the other great bloggers). I am starting the cash envelope system also and set a budget for each week. I have done this for three weeks so far and have been amazed at how my attitude about spending cash is so different from using my credit card to pay for groceries. I am truly only buying the best deals and the highest quality I can afford. I’m also trying to eat healthier so this helps set my priorities. The $$ we’re saving on groceries is going into our emergency fund each month and it is finally growing!
I am a little late getting into this, but what a wonderful challenge! Thank you for the verse… it definitely reminds me there is much in my life that falls into the ‘wants’ instead of the ‘needs’. (Especially following Christmas!) I pledge to clean out and organize my pantry and eat at least four dinners from the pantry/freezer per week.
I’ve recently started this pantry eating challenge for myself. I’m relocating soon, so I figured it’s a good time to try to clear out the pantry and not waste food. I realized I have a lot of grains, beans, and flours I rarely use.
http://www.lookytasty.com/2010/04/operation-eat-pantry/
.-= Cindy Waffles´s last blog ..Operation: Eat pantry =-.
Embracing the pantry challenge sounds like a great way to exercise self discipline and trust in provision. Your approach to adjusting grocery habits is inspiring and your reminder not to compare is wise. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
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