8 Tips to Use What You Have Left Before Summer

In preparation for a long school break over the summer or during the holidays, consider the following tips to use up any ingredients you have left or to store food properly. 

1. Plan ahead  

Find recipes that use the ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can make pancakes with leftover applesauce and oats. If you have leftover eggs, make some sandwiches!  

2. Adapt recipes to what you have  

Switch out the fruits or veggies called for in a recipe with what you have on hand. You can do this with other ingredients as well, like flour or oil.  

3. Make smoothies, sauces and compotes  

Smoothies, sauces and compotes are the perfect way to use leftover fruit! Freeze leftover fruit from a few breakfasts and when you have enough, throw it into a smoothie, sauce or compote. 

4. Host a theme day or celebration breakfast 

Celebrating with a special breakfast will help you use up ingredients in new recipe and menu ideas. 

5. Cook and freeze in bulk  

As summer approaches, cook big batches and freeze them. You’ll see that your inventory of fresh ingredients is going to get smaller and smaller.  

6. Shop smarter  

Toward the end of the year, order only what you need. Reduce quantities in your final weeks to avoid leftover food and minimize waste. 

7. Try mix & match menus 

Use up a variety of small-quantity items by offering flexible, build-your-own options like yogurt parfaits, breakfast wraps or toast stations. It’s a fun way to let students choose while reducing waste. 

8. Don’t forget your egg coupons! 

Check your supply and redeem any remaining egg coupons before summer.