Who does most of the shopping?

The Unsung Hero of the Full Fridge: Mom, the Chief Procurement Officer

We often take for granted the overflowing fruit bowl, the perpetually stocked coffee station, and the seemingly endless supply of snacks. But behind this abundance is a dedicated individual, working tirelessly to keep our pantries full and our caffeine cravings satisfied: Mom. While the role of primary shopper may shift in some families, in many, Mom remains the unsung hero of household procurement, the Chief Procurement Officer of the kitchen and beyond.

It’s not just about weekly grocery runs. It’s the constant mental inventory, the remembering of preferences (oat milk, not almond!), the anticipating of needs before they arise. It’s the last-minute dash for birthday cake ingredients, the sourcing of the perfect shade of glitter glue for a school project, and the constant replenishing of the coffee beans that fuel our mornings.

This often-invisible labor goes beyond simply purchasing items. It involves meticulous planning, comparison shopping (because who knows the best deals better than Mom?), and strategic maneuvering through crowded aisles. It’s a constant juggling act, balancing budgets, dietary needs, and the ever-changing whims of family members.

Think about it: who knows that your brother only eats a specific brand of cereal? Who remembers that Dad prefers his coffee with a splash of hazelnut creamer? Who anticipates that you’ll need extra snacks for that upcoming road trip? More often than not, the answer is Mom.

This isn’t to diminish the contributions of other family members. Many partners and children share shopping responsibilities. But the reality remains that in many households, Mom still shoulders the majority of this burden, often without fanfare or recognition.

So next time you reach for a perfectly ripe avocado or pour yourself a steaming cup of coffee, take a moment to appreciate the effort that went into getting it there. Acknowledge the unseen labor, the mental load, and the constant dedication of Mom, the silent guardian of the full fridge and the well-stocked coffee bar. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in recognizing the vital role she plays in keeping our homes running smoothly and our bellies full.