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Pantry clean-outs are a great way for Arizonans to give back while decluttering

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As we approach 2025 and close out another holiday season, now is the perfect time to prepare for the new year. For some, this may include a refreshed look for either their home or appearance. If you decide your home is in need of a declutter, one of the best places to start is with your pantry.

Having a clean, organized pantry can help families and individuals throughout the year remember what food they have stored away and to be mindful of when it will expire. To get your pantry ready for 2025, it is important to start with a declutter.

Step 1: Expired foods

 Get rid of any food that has expired or will be expiring within the next week.  Most food items should have an expiration date; however, you should be able to tell by the look or smell of the food.

Step 2: Unnecessary foods

 It is common to have food stored in your pantry that you thought you wanted or needed at the time of purchasing but no longer want.

Instead of letting that food go to waste, put those food items in a separate pile. Any unopened, non-perishable and unexpired food items can be donated to your local food bank or pantry.

Step 3: Organize

Once you have decluttered any food items that have expired or are no longer of interest, it is time to organize your pantry.

This will vary depending on the size of your pantry, but make sure to separate your canned items, pasta, cereal, sauces, baking supplies and other non-perishable items. Storing similar items together will make it easier to find what you’re looking for every time. One way to help keep everything organized is with bins or storage tools.

Step 4: Label

It is important to label everything you have stored in your pantry. This can help you keep track of where everything is located and the expiration dates for each item.

Cleaning out and organizing your pantry can help you do more than declutter and remove expired food — it also can help provide food to those in need.

While expired food should be thrown away, you may decide you no longer want or need some of the non-perishable or canned food items in your pantry. Instead of throwing everything away, why not give back to the community and donate unopened, non-perishable food items to a food bank or pantry near you?

Food banks are always in need of cereals, oatmeal, chilis, soups, stew, canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, beans, rice, pasta and canned vegetables, fruit, milk and tomato products. However, it is recommended to check the website of the food bank or pantry where you plan to donate to see if there are food donations they can and can’t accept.

You also can use your clean-out as the perfect opportunity to host a food drive with your friends, family or neighbors. Most food banks make it easy to host by providing donation boxes and posters to make your food drive rewarding.

Editor’s note: Mandy Hodges is director of community engagement at Mesa-based United Food Bank. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

pantry, pantry clean-outs, declutter, food, food pantry, food bank

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