Sometimes the best way to clean out your pantry is to share it. Many of us donate used clothes, shoes, and furniture. We may sometimes purchase food to give to a food pantry. But how often have you shared an open bottle of low sodium soy sauce just because you don’t like the flavor of it?
I’d never considered anyone besides family might be interested in an open container. Then I saw a community group that posts free items within a few neighborhoods in a city. People were posting all sorts of partially used items and getting multiple responses wanting them. This changed my mind.
And just in time. My pantry was full of expired, about to expire, and no longer wanted items. I was tired of shifting things around to get to what I needed. I boxed up unopened organic palm and coconut oil shortening along with gluten-free low sodium soy sauce, individual instant mashed potatoes my grandkids hated, sardines, pickled okra, and more.
I was preparing to take photos and post when I saw the chef across the street out working in his yard. I asked if he might be interested. He was! The next day, I handed him the box plus an All-Clad pan I had accidentally melted plastic in and a mixing bowl I no longer use on camera because it has a small chip.
I met the chef during the eclipse earlier this year. We exchanged phone numbers with ambitious ideas about comparing recipes. Hasn’t happened. We’ve talked briefly once or twice, but mostly we wave getting in our cars.
Nonetheless, he felt comfortable with the exchange. He walked over to get the box. I was thrilled. He was thrilled. And we got to share that moment.
I don’t get the same feeling when I post something online or drop it off in a drop box or on a dock. This moment reminded me of all the times I went with my grandmother to take groceries to some regulars she had adopted.
She knew how to give. They knew how to receive. There was no distance, no embarrassment, no separation, just kindness, gratitude, and eye contact. I’m not sure you can top a moment like that.
But my exchange offered additional rewards. The next day, the chef and his girlfriend brought me a generous portion of braised beef and mashed potatoes. He was thoughtful enough to text me for dietary restrictions before he prepared it.
The timing was perfect because I had spent my cooking time preparing food for a neighbor whose husband is in ICU. This chain of kindness permeates my neighborhood. Does it get any better than this?
Next time you prepare for a clean-out, I encourage you to share your pantry. The reward may be greater than you imagine.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”