Let me just say this right up front: I do not enjoy grocery shopping. Not even a little.
The only thing that makes it bearable? If I can see extra green in my wallet at the end of the month.

Back when my boys were younger, I kept a small freezer stocked so I could shop less often and still have options for busy nights. With sports, homeschooling, and activities on the calendar, having meat and frozen veggies on hand meant I could throw together a meal without overthinking it—or making another dreaded store run.

That same idea helped me succeed in my first No Buy July challenge.

What is No Buy July?

If you’re new to the idea, I shared this year’s goals in this post. But here’s the quick version:

No Buy July is a one-month challenge where you commit to not buying anything that isn’t truly necessary. You use up what you already have, get creative, and save money.

Last year, I challenged myself to eat from our freezer and pantry before buying more groceries. It was eye-opening. I saved over $500—mostly by shopping at home first. And when our old freezer quit at the end of the month, I didn’t lose a cent in spoiled food because it was already nearly empty. That’s a win.

If you’d like to try this for yourself, start by taking inventory of what you have in your kitchen. Here are four practical ways to save on food this month:

1. Shop your kitchen pantry and freezer.

Do you know what’s actually in your freezer and pantry? Most of us don’t.

Start here:

• Take 15–20 minutes to list out the meats, veggies, and meals you already have frozen.
• Toss anything that’s expired or unidentifiable. (Check this cold food storage chart for reference.)
• Do the same for your pantry—declutter expired items and donate specialty items you know you’ll never use.
• Don’t forget your fridge! Condiments often linger far beyond their shelf life.

Tools to help:

• My Fridge Food and SuperCook are great for entering what you have and getting recipe ideas.
• Plan a week of meals using what you already own to reduce waste and avoid impulse purchases.

2. Cut Back on Eating Out

Eating out used to be an occasional treat—now it’s a regular habit for many families. I get it! With multiple adults in our household on different schedules, it’s tempting to hit a drive-thru when I don’t have time to cook.

Even if you can’t eliminate eating out entirely this month, you can reduce how often or how much you spend.

Tips:

• Use restaurant apps to collect rewards or find deals.
• Skip the drinks—ask for water instead.
• Brew coffee at home and take it with you (you might save $100 this month alone!).
• Use rewards you’ve already earned. I save up Chick-fil-A points all year to use in July.

3. Skip the Delivery Fees

Grocery delivery and curbside pickup can be convenient, but they come at a cost. You might pay delivery fees or inflated prices—even when it feels like a bargain.

What to watch for:

• Membership fees for “free” delivery.
• Markups on curbside items.
• Extra impulse buys when shopping online (especially if you’re hungry or tired).

If you can plan ahead and shop in person, you’ll likely save more than you realize.

4. Avoid Convenience Temptations

A quick stop for gas shouldn’t turn into a mini shopping spree. But somehow, every fill-up turns into a snack run, a soda grab, or (worse) paying $7 for shredded cheese you forgot to buy earlier. (Ask me how I know.)

Instead:

• Only buy gas at convenience stores—skip the snacks.
• Plan your meals so you’re not making emergency ingredient runs.
• Use gas station apps for rewards you can later use for a little treat.

Live it Out  

No Buy July is more than a money-saving experiment—it’s an invitation to pause and pay attention. What do you already have in your home, in your pantry, and in your habits that’s going unused or unnoticed?

This week, challenge yourself to:

• Take inventory of what’s in your freezer and pantry.
• Plan at least three meals using what you already have.
• Skip one restaurant or drive-thru trip and eat at home instead.
• Think before you tap: avoid delivery unless it’s truly necessary.

By choosing to use what you have, you’re building mindfulness and stewardship into your everyday life. It’s a small shift that can lead to big results—not just in your wallet, but in your sense of peace and purpose.

You don’t have to do it perfectly—just start.

Next Week:

I’ll share 4 ways this challenge helps you get back in control of your time and routines—especially when life feels scattered.

---

Photo by Maria Lin Kim on Unsplash