Pantry challenge

It seems that stocking food has become very important to some, as it should. For awhile, many homesteaders have been encouraging those around them to buy a little at a time to stock up. Sometimes it becomes hard to know where to begin. What are the important items? How much should I buy? Where will I get the extra funds to use? This is just a short blog post to give you some direction on how to start. Keep in mind this can be tailored to your families needs and your financial situation. I'm hoping to create another 6 week challenge after this one so we can continue growing our pantry. PDF DOWNLOAD BELOW

Where will I get the extra funds?

Given our current economic situation, sadly, everyone is strapped for cash. Here are just a few suggestion on how to save for pantry stockpile.

• Don't buy take out or go out to eat for a couple weeks... Instead set the money aside for the pantry.

• Take the cash you would use for entertainment (movies, games, extra hobbies) and set aside for the pantry.

• Have a change Jar? Use it for pantry items

• sell unused items... set side cash for the pantry.

• Have any 'extras' that you buy at the grocery that you don't have to have (coke, candy, snacks, chips)? Set that money aside for the pantry for 2 weeks- a month

I think you would be surprised at the amount of money that you could save to put toward the pantry.

What are the important items?

This will totally depend on your family's needs and will vary.

Here are my suggestions:

• Buy items that your family uses often (one of the biggest mistakes I think some make is spending money on items, that in reality, they're never going to use).

• focus on simple dry, canned, and long storage items ( forget about specialty items). Stick with vegetables, broth,fruit, rice, beans, baking ingredients. Understand some long term storage items are not the healthiest BUT I would rather you have food in an emergency than starve because you didn't have long term storage items based on health quality.

Where should I buy these items?

With pantry stocking, be prepared to shop around and buy up deals when you see them! I personally shop at Walmart, Dollar Tree, Aldi's, Krogers, among others. Keep an eye on deals whether online or paper ads. Coupon if you're good at it.

Storing

Storing extra items may be an issue for some and could cause you to get creative. Unused closets, bedrooms, shelves with just 'stuff' on them, under the bed, in high, unused kitchen cabinets. IMPORTANT: Again make sure to buy items that you WILL use and that you rotate items.

This pantry challenge isn't just about food. Think about items that you would need in an extended emergency.... books (resource), first aid items, batteries, candles, etc. Begin making a list of things you may need ( I have added SOME to this challenge). I will be adding challenges as we go along to help set back. I, by no means, included everything that could be set aside for your pantry, etc.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF BELOW FOR THE LIST

First-6 week Pantry Challenge (2).pdf

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