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Meal Planning 101 – Starting a Stockpile

by Donna Leave a Comment Post Updated: April 2026

Meal Planning stockpile
 

I had discussed in the previous post that I like to have a good stockpile of food on hand. I think that it really helps when you’re on a tight budget. Because of the move, I’ve decided to focus on having a well-stocked pantry in our new house. This includes canned goods, frozen meats, and prepared meals. Stocking up on everyday foods that have a long shelf life is an easy way to help with your meal planning.

What should I have in my stockpile?

It depends on what you eat. Don’t stock up on black olives and artichoke hearts if you don’t like them or if you don’t have a recipe for those ingredients. I usually have a bunch of casserole and crockpot recipes that use the items that I have in my stockpile. Usually, I only have to run to the store for fresh vegetables, fruit, and dairy. I try to have plenty of meat and vegetables in the freezer and plenty of other ingredients in our pantry.

What food do I have in my stockpile:

  • Assorted Pastas
  • Rice, quinoa & dry beans
  • Cream of soups (mushroom, Cream of chicken, Cream of celery)
  • Canned Fruits
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Canned Veggies – Corn, green beans, olives, Carrots
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Stewed Tomatoes
  • Tomato Paste
  • Evaporated Milk
  • Black Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Chick Peas

I usually have an extra one of each of the following, so I don’t have a meltdown when I use the last drop or when I grab the mayo and realize that the bottle had been put back in the fridge empty!

  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Soy Sauce
  • BBQ sauce
  • Honey
  • Mustard
  • Vinegar

Having a stockpile saves me from running out for everyday items and allows me to always have a few meals on hand.

Filed Under: Organizing and Decluttering

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Hey there, I'm Donna!

I help overwhelmed moms manage life. You'll find tips and tricks to help with mealtime, home management, parenting, and productivity. Read more HERE

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