40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 10 • Pantry Survival Game • Everyday Cheapskate

We’ve all stood in front of a full pantry and thought, “There’s nothing to eat!” Today, let’s turn that frustration into fun. Welcome to the Pantry Survival Game! Between now and Christmas, skip a grocery run or two and see what creative meals you can make from what’s already on hand. You’ll clear out old pantry items, save money, and cut down on food waste, all while giving your holiday budget a little boost.

Day 10: Pantry Survival Game

Here’s the idea: your fridge, freezer, and pantry probably hold enough food for at least a week or more without stepping into a store. Sure, the ingredients might feel mismatched… pumpkin puree, extra tomato sauce, a few bags of rice, but that’s exactly the challenge. Turn it into a game: skip the grocery store for a week or two and see what you can create.

Yes, your dinners might be quirky, breakfasts a little unexpected, but think of the satisfaction of clearing out your stash and the cash you’re saving. Every dollar you don’t spend on groceries can go straight to your holiday fund!

Action Step

Take inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. How many meals can you make without a store trip?
Try skipping the grocery store for at least one week.
Each time you save on groceries, stash that money for holiday treats or savings.

Get your free Pantry Survival Game worksheet to track meals, savings, and creative combos →

Why It Matters

So much food hides in plain sight, forgotten in the pantry or freezer. By using what you already have, you save money, reduce food waste, and stretch your resources further. Bonus: you’ll discover new ways to cook creatively!

Cooking with a Formula, Not a Recipe: You don’t need a specific recipe to make something delicious. Learn to turn pantry staples into meals with simple formulas. Think of it as a “choose-your-own-adventure” for dinner! Read now →

Semi-Homemade Meals: Short on time or energy? Combine pre-prepped foods with pantry basics for quick, cost-effective meals. Perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade touch. Read now →

Need Inspiration? Apps and sites like SuperCook let you enter what’s on hand and generate recipes immediately, helpful for clearing out long-forgotten ingredients while keeping meals fresh and exciting.

More Ways to Participate in #EC40DayChallenge:

Question: How’s your Pantry Survival Game going? Share your most creative meals, surprising ingredient finds, or clever shortcuts! Snap a photo of your creation or pantry setup and post it with #EC40DayChallenge. We can’t wait to see what you come up with.