Restocking the Pantry

I've been cleaning a bit today-putting totes away in the garage, folding and going through clothes, and going through our pantry. Mark and I stock our pantry like we're getting ready for a natural disaster. Seriously, sometimes the food is stacked so high, it falls out on you when you open the door (ala-cartoons). While going through it today, I found TONS of expired food, which got me thinking..."Is it really expired or do food companies just put those dates on there so you will replace said item?" I think it's a little bit of both because I don't remember having so many dates on food when I was younger or even while I was in college. So, I threw out some (desserts with milk or milk powder in them, old candy that looked hard) and kept some (Hamburger Helper, stuffing). I've decided that although I will restock some, I am going to make it a point not to stock it so full that I can't see the dates on anything. I am also going to try to go through the pantry as often as I go through the refrigerator (once or twice a month). We'll see if it actually happens! In the meantime, it looks like we'll be having old Garlic & Herb Chicken Penne tonight!