This Reader Organized a Grocery Swap w/ Extra Pantry Items
How long have your canned goods remained in the pantry?
Let’s face it; we all have excess amounts of canned goods that we probably forgot were even in the pantry. This week’s Happy Friday reader Madonna definitely related to that. However, she came up with an amazing alternative way to trade her canned foods and receive some new ones in return!
Since groceries are getting on the pricey side, and a few items in my pantry are closing in on expiration dates…I had to do something. I called some friends and neighbors and organized a “swap shop”. They went through their shelves and found foods that weren’t moving or that they had more than enough of and we met at our neighborhood park.
We laid out our items and let the swapping begin. We also shared recipes and dishes we use the item to make. When it was all said and done, everyone was taking home items they needed or had seen at the grocery store but hadn’t tried yet. This included new recipes to try, too.
Everyone left feeling they had either left with more or an equal amount of what they traded. We hope to repeat it after the holidays.
What an innovative way to try new foods, Madonna! With zero waste, this trading method is a really awesome way for communities to come together for a greater cause.
HAPPY FRIDAY! 
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Chck out these kitchen pantry organizers!
That’s a really neat idea. I hate wasting food, that’s a great way to not be so wasteful.
What a fantastic idea!
Love this idea!! We have a lot of little pantry libraries throughout our city so we donate to those if things are unused and getting near expiration.
Great idea!!!
Great idea! Also a good way to try new things. It seems like I am always buying the same things over and over -t would be interesting to get a peek at somebody else’s extras😉
Periodically I’ll go through my pantry and donate unused (but still within expiration date) to our local food bank. Win win!
Our church takes canned food up to 1 year after the best by date. Check around before you toss food away. There are websites that discuss food being edible after the expiration dates.