Stocking the PantryHow it works & interactions with other cards

Building the Supply

The first ability of Stocking the Pantry is a triggered ability that looks for +1/+1 counters being placed on your creatures. It doesn't matter how many counters are placed at once or how many creatures are affected; if the event involves putting one or more +1/+1 counters on a creature you control, Stocking the Pantry receives exactly one supply counter. This trigger checks the final result of the action, so replacement effects that increase the number of counters won't grant extra supply counters.

Cashing In

The second ability is an activated ability that costs two mana and the removal of a supply counter. Since this is an activated ability, you can use it at any time you have priority, including on an opponent's turn. There is no limit to how many times you can activate this in a single turn, provided you have the mana and the supply counters available to pay the cost.

Timing and Counters

It is important to note that Stocking the Pantry only triggers when counters are 'put' on a creature. This includes creatures entering the battlefield with counters. If a creature you control is already on the battlefield and its power/toughness changes due to a continuous effect (like an anthem) without using +1/+1 counters, Stocking the Pantry will not trigger.

Interaction examples

Scaling Up the Pantry

Hardened Scales

If you have both enchantments on the battlefield and an effect puts a +1/+1 counter on a creature, Hardened Scales increases that to two counters. Since those two counters are put on the creature simultaneously, Stocking the Pantry triggers exactly once, adding one supply counter to itself.

Constructing a Lead

Urza's Saga

You use the second chapter ability of Urza's Saga to create a Construct token. As the token enters the battlefield, its internal static ability gives it +1/+1 for each artifact you control. However, these are not +1/+1 counters, so Stocking the Pantry does not trigger. If you later use an effect to put a +1/+1 counter on that Construct, Stocking the Pantry will then trigger and receive a supply counter.