by Mary Ann Kelley
I am often asked by other moms what kind of items I keep in my pantry at all times. Because I base my menus on the Busy Cooks Pyramid, my list may look a little different than yours. I have broken down my list into Pantry, Refrigerated, and Freezer Items.
Once you get in the habit of keeping a stocked pantry, you will find that your grocery bill decreases. It is not because you are buying less, but because you are paying less. If your pantry isn't stocked, you have to pay whatever the current price is for basic items, but with a stocked pantry you simply refresh your supply when you find the items on sale.
For items that I buy regularly at a deep discount, I have noted the price I pay and where I purchase them. You may not find that same price, but it will give you an idea of where you might be able to look for better bargains.
Where I have indicated a discount grocer as the source, this refers to an outlet type store that sells overstocked items, dented cans, or out of date items (most of which, like cereal, are so preservative-filled that they will never go bad) for a discount. We have a locally owned discount grocer where I get many items, but there are also small chain stores like Aldi and Sharp Shopper that have several locations. Save-A-Lot is another chain that has over a thousand locations, although it does not offer discounts quite as deep as Aldi and Sharp Shopper. Unfortunately I have not been able to find an online directory of the small locally owned discount stores, but if you ask around your area or even use the Yellow Pages you might find one near you. Many discount grocers can accept food stamps, but please check with each store. The ones I have visited do not take coupons.
Part 1: The well-stocked pantry
Part 2: Pantry items
Part 3: Refrigerator items
Part 4: Freezer items
