$5 Summer Pantry Challenge | Week 2: Restocking with Rice!
Welcome back! We’re in Week 2 of my $5 Summer Pantry Challenge! This week (June 27–July 3), we’re stocking up on another essential pantry staple: rice. For just $5, try to pick up a 1 to 2 pounds bag of white or brown rice, a super versatile and filling base for so many meals. I was able to get SIX POUNDS of white rice for less than $5.
Here’s what I got for less than $5 at my local Walmart:
One 5 lb bag of long grain white rice ($3.34)
One 1 lb bag of long grain white rice ($0.92)
My total was $4.39 after tax!
Why rice? It’s affordable, stores easily, and stretches meals like a champ. Stir-fries, soups, casseroles, burrito bowls: rice can do it all. It’s also a great partner for last week’s beans, which makes it a smart, budget-friendly pantry pairing.
Pantry Tip: If you’re buying rice in bulk, keep it in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and pests. Thrifted jars, buckets, or even large coffee cans work perfectly!
Do you have a favorite rice-based recipe? I’m planning to make a simple fried rice sometime soon with whatever veggies I have on hand. Let me know what you're cooking!
Let’s keep building our pantries with wisdom and intention this summer, one week (and one $5 bill) at a time.
Happy stewarding!
