First In, First Out Rule

The First In, First Out (FIFO) system is used for old and new foods that need to be rotated in the fridge.  Specifically when food and box cartons are labeled with an “opened” date or simply the expiration date.  Now in a home fridge (versus restaurant) you probably aren’t going to date your food since it’s your fridge, but you can watch for expiration dates.  FIFO for a home fridge is more to be aware of food that is opened, old, or needs to be used up.  FIFO = food that goes in first, needs to be out first.

In my fridge, this pertains to opened boxes of broth, jars of sauce or pesto, vegetables, fruit, eggs, etc.  Simply look in your fridge (or pantry) first to see what items should be used up before buying new ones.  Or get inspired to make an easy “refrigerator dinner” with leftovers, especially vegetables!  The refrigerator can get so packed and items lost in the back.  In the long run, this will save you time and money so you don’t have to keep buying ingredients, eat fresher foods, and this keeps the fridge organized.

Make an activity out of it (or with the kids): pull everything out of the fridge and see who can create a meal or a list of meal ideas first!

Photo Credit:

Ello on Unsplash

Jason Briscoe on Unsplash