How to Make Groceries Last

Some of you may have a spouse or children that deplete the groceries before you can get them out of the bags and put in the cupboards. But there is a way to stop your groceries from disappearing within the first hour of purchase, and even make them last!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Hiding places

1. Talk to your family about the food you just bought and how it needs to last until next payday. Explain that there will be no snacks in their lunch or for after school if they eat everything right away.
2. Buy less junk food. Having a lot of junk food is like playing a recording, it's the voice of that evil angel on their shoulder that is calling them to the pantry or cupboard. Less junk food means less cost and better eating habits.
3. Don’t buy convenient foods. Cooking means less eating when they’re rummaging around in the cupboards. If they have to cook it they are less apt to eat it.
4. Tuck the snacks on the bottom shelf, far in the back. Place those goodies in an out of the way place where they won’t see it as soon as they open the door. It is true that if they have to dig for it they won’t bother. You know the old saying, If they have to bend over to find it, then it is safe!
5. Hide those goodies and some of those groceries! Take half the snacks you bought and hide them. There will be snacks for lunches and your groceries will last longer.
6. Make them eat leftovers. Why throw the food away if it is still good? When they complain tell them they can get a job and help buy groceries. It will quiet them very quickly!

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that eventually your family will get desperate enough to actually bend over while looking for snacks! Putting them on that bottom shelf will not work forever!
• When you hide the snacks it’s best to be prepared for complaints! They will come at you with hunger for goodies, which can be worse than the wrath of a woman scorned.