Use this simple checklist with the $10-a-Week Pantry Challenge. Each week, set aside about $10 and choose the items your family will actually use.
Week 1 — Rice & Pasta
- ☐ Rice
- ☐ Pasta
- ☐ Macaroni
- ☐ Egg noodles
Week 2 — Canned Vegetables
- ☐ Green beans
- ☐ Corn
- ☐ Peas
- ☐ Carrots
- ☐ Mixed vegetables
Week 3 — Budget-Friendly Protein
- ☐ Black beans
- ☐ Pinto beans
- ☐ Kidney beans
- ☐ Chickpeas
- ☐ Tuna
Week 4 — Tomatoes & Sauces
- ☐ Pasta sauce
- ☐ Canned tomatoes
- ☐ Tomato sauce
- ☐ Tomato paste
Week 5 — Breakfast Basics
- ☐ Oatmeal
- ☐ Pancake mix
- ☐ Syrup
- ☐ Cereal
- ☐ Peanut butter
- ☐ Grits
Week 6 — Quick Meals
- ☐ Soup
- ☐ Broth
- ☐ Mac & cheese
- ☐ Rice/pasta mixes
- ☐ Ramen
Week 7 — Baking Basics
- ☐ Flour
- ☐ Sugar
- ☐ Cornmeal
- ☐ Baking mix
- ☐ Baking soda/powder
Week 8 — Flavor Builders
- ☐ Garlic powder
- ☐ Onion powder
- ☐ Taco seasoning
- ☐ Italian seasoning
- ☐ Bouillon
- ☐ Gravy mix
Week 9 — Snacks & Extras
- ☐ Popcorn
- ☐ Crackers
- ☐ Pretzels
- ☐ Applesauce
- ☐ Raisins
Week 10 — Fill the Gaps
- ☐ Replace what you’ve used
- ☐ Stock up on a good sale
- ☐ Buy what your family needs
10 weeks × $10 = about $100 toward a better-stocked pantry
Remember: You don’t have to buy everything listed. Shop your pantry first, choose store brands, watch for sales, and buy foods your family will actually eat.
Real Life, Real Money
Simple money advice for everyday life.
realliferealmoney.com
