Kid-Convenience and Nutrition in my Freezer!

     Last Thursday heralded my sons' summer vacation.  Which means they were"starving" and bugging me within an hour. I've been streamlining our routines, so my first project was to make the kitchen more kid-friendly, convenient and nutritious, starting with the Freezer.  My project objectives were to:

1. Make kid-favorites more accessible;
2. Inventory what I have for this week's menu plan and grocery trip; and 
3. Purge the icky stuff.

With my objectives in mind, and as with all kitchen organizing projects, I started with a clear work space (photo #1).

Next, I dumped the contents of the top freezer shelf (photo #2) on the counter (photo #3).  Then I:

• Discarded unidentifiable items and excessive packaging;
• Was distracted by frozen raspberries and cool whip - dessert?!?;
• Found we have way too many frozen green beans, then grouped veggie bags in their bin;
• Re-stocked the breads, leaving out a loaf, for a change. We usually freeze our bread and defrost just what we need, but we use it faster in the summer (my oldest makes great grilled cheese!). 
• Note: Bins (I get mine from Target) are great in the freezer forlending structure to slumpy bags, making it easier to stack and access stuff.
• I really appreciate the removable ½ shelf in my freezer (see photos above) for protecting our bread from getting squished.

On to the bottom shelf:

• All contents to the counter, and wiped off the shelf.
• We store mostly meats on this shelf, so I sorted the contents of the two baskets. 
• I moved the breakfast meats within easiest reach of the door, and packaged meats like hot dogs and meatballs next to that, for when the boys want to make a meatball sub or hot dog for lunch.
• The dinner meats are all together, and I've made this week's menu. Pork Chops and Green Beans, anyone?

The Freezer Door (photo #4):

• This is the kids' go-to place in the freezer.
• Upper left bin is designated for buns and bagels, visible and accessible.
• Upper right bin hold ice packs for lunches and coolers.
• Bottom shelf is self-serve for lunch items and snacks.

Other things I did this morning to make good nutrition more convenient:

• Hard-boiled and peeled a dozen eggs, since self-sufficiency and good nutrition are the objectives and the youngest can’t peel yet.
• Cleaned and cut fruit and veggies for snacks and re-stocked the granola / breakfast bar stash.
• Explained the updates to the boys.  The real test will be in an hour, when they’re hungry - again.  Maybe the big guy will make me a grilled cheese!    

     The freezer project took 30 minutes last week, and this morning’s kitchen prep time was minimal. Think about your family, home and routines - there are lots of quick projects you could accomplish together that would make your life simpler, too. If you need a place to start, check out your Freezer!

Copyright (C) 2012 M. Colleen Klimczak, CPO