Challenge Tips

Take a Food Inventory

Knowing what’s in your fridge, freezer, and pantry helps you avoid overbuying at the grocery store. It saves you time, money, and the need to toss spoiled or expired food. There’s only one way to know for sure what food items you have on hand at any given time: Keep a current inventory.

Your Action for Tonight

Start by logging the food items in your pantry or your fridge. You can use notebook paper, a notes app on your phone, a spreadsheet, or an AI-powered inventory app — whatever system works for you. Update it weekly so always know what’s stocked.

If you haven’t completed a food inventory before, it might take a little time to document everything. It’s OK to tackle one shelf at a time and take breaks as needed.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Check the expiration dates as you go. This is the time to make sure your pantry or fridge items are safe to eat. Toss the expired food — and know that you’re taking steps to prevent food waste in the future.

• Don’t skip items. Even if you aren’t sure how/if you’ll use it, jot down everything. Sauces, powders, spices, drink mixes — it all needs to be inventoried so you can have a clear picture of your food stores.

• Organize as you take inventory. This is your chance to create a more efficient kitchen! Group like items together and create storage “zones,” like breakfast foods, canned goods, baking ingredients, etc. Zones make it easier to track items in your inventory and find ingredients when it’s time to get cooking.

If the thought of writing down every box, can, and bottle in your home feels overwhelming, try using voice notes or taking pictures instead. These low-effort alternatives will still help you stay on top of your inventory.

Day 10 sneak peek: Celebrate your wins — and build on them.

Missed Day 8? Catch up here.