Hellobee Boards

@Shybee23: could you get a small fridge like one you might use for a dorm room? I can’t imagine spending all that time without a fridge!

Can you get a hot plate so you can boil water? Something like this (if your cookware is induction compatible...if not, there are similar burners that are just regular electric): https://www.amazon.com/Duxtop-8100MC-Portable-Induction-Countertop/dp/B0045QEPYM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=induction+burner&qid=1595570910&sprefix=induc&sr=8-3. Then, you could at least make pasta, rice, soup, etc. I second the idea of getting a mini fridge, as well. Otherwise, look for shelf-stable prepared foods you can heat in the microwave (Trader Joe’s is good for this) and things like peanut butter and honey sandwiches since none of the components need refrigeration. You could do microwave baked potatoes/sweet potatoes, and most fresh veggies would probably be fine in the cooler for a few days as long as they’re not right on top of the ice (kale, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, etc). Tomatoes don’t need to be refrigerated and summer squash is fine on the counter for several days. Since it’s summer, salads are always good and you can add some canned beans or tuna for protein. Meals would probably get pretty boring, but I think you could make it work most days and only get takeout here and there.

Breakfast: protein bars, muffins, microwave scrambled eggs in a coffee mug, toast with PB, oatmeal, cereal (you can buy milk in shelf stable tetra packs. Horizon organics sells one like juice box size that doesn't have to be refrigerated)

Lunch: PB&j, planned dinner leftovers (one night in the cooler should be fine for leftovers), crackers/veggies/hummus, easy Mac

Dinner:
Grilled chicken and veggies (make the day you shop then repurpose leftovers for the next day's lunch and then turn the last of it into a toasted sandwich with pesto)
English muffin or pita pizzas and bag of salad
Grilled burgers and corn (buy frozen patties and use one or two days later)
Bratwurst/potato/broccoli sheet pan style in the toaster oven. Brats should be fine in the cooler for a day or two. Or buy precooked hotdogs for extra security.
Enchiladas (toaster oven with tortillas, canned beans, canned chicken, canned sauce, cheese)
Ziti bake (uncooked pasta, sauce, cheese, zucchini, water, etc baked in a dish)
One night of take out. That's one week. Repeat for week two!

Just realized this might not work with some toaster ovens. I was assuming you had one of the bigger ones people often use to make chicken nuggets, etc

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One other idea on the fridge - if you have space in a basement or garage, would it be helpful in the long run to have a second full-size fridge in one of those spots? Maybe you could find one second hand to use for now while you wait on your new appliances, but then still be able to use in the longer term for extra space?

We have an old mini fridge that my husband uses in our basement bar. I’ve definitely had luck with FB Marketplace for things we are looking for used, maybe try there?

Yes, if you have storage space for a second fridge, I would just get one anyway. My parents use their second fridge all the time for things like keeping drinks cold. And we got a chest freezer for my milk when I was nursing twins, and now it is full of all kinds of other frozen stuff. Not necessarily a waste of money if you have a big family and have space to store the extra applicances.