Some people seem to think that preppers stockpile food and supplies and it’s a waste of time and money. Prepping obviously isn’t for everyone and there’s no crime in not doing it but it’s the people who think their way of doing things is the ONLY right way to do things that send me over the edge. If you don’t want to prep, that’s fine . . just don’t come to my house looking for food or supplies if you ever need them. If you don’t want to prep, please respect those who do. Just because you don’t see the value in it, doesn’t mean there’s NO value in it.
The preppers that I know . . we all eat what we buy or can. We use what we store. If I find green beans on sale for 50¢ a can and I buy 200 cans and you see them for the same price and buy 3 cans and then the rest of the year, you pay 89¢ (or more) for a can each time you want green beans, whose plan makes the most sense to you?
If I’m cooking roast beef and gravy for dinner, I can make one or I can get out the huge pot and make 5 roasts and can all the leftovers. Same amount of time (less really because the roast gets tender in the canner). Then any time I want roast, instead of getting a roast out of the freezer or buying one at the store (I probably bought the 5 I canned when they were on sale), seasoning it, browning it and cooking it for however long, depending on whether I’m using the stovetop, the pressure cooker, the crockpot or whatever or . . I can open a jar of perfectly seasoned and tender roast beef, heat it up for about 5 minutes and serve it. Which plan makes the most sense to you?
Pinto Beans
Today for lunch we were having leftover smoked brisket. Literally at the last minute, I wished I had some pinto beans, I grabbed a jar of home canned pinto beans, perfectly seasoned, opened them, heated them up and in 5 minutes, we had home cooked pinto beans. Without having home canned pinto beans, I would not have put homemade beans on the table in 5 minutes. Also, the beans I canned have salt, homemade jalapeno pepper powder and cumin. That’s it. Here’s the ingredients list from one brand of canned pinto beans.
Ingredient List
Do you know what Calcium Disodium EDTA is? According to the website, Food Construed, calcium disodium EDTA is made from formaldehyde, sodium cyanide, and Ethylenediamine. It’s probably perfectly safe but I don’t think I need it in my food.
So, which plan makes more sense . . using storebought pinto beans or using yummy home canned pinto beans?
That was my last jar of home canned pinto beans so you know what I think I will do this afternoon? Yep, I have 2 – 25 pound bags of dried pinto beans so I think I’ll get some out and make a double batch of canned pinto beans!
As preppers, I assure everyone that we are not buying and hoarding but we are buying, getting good deals, and having what we need on hand and we’re just fine . . we’ll use every drop of what we have whether there’s a zombie apocalypse or not.
Diana says
WHAT SHE SAID!
I can’t agree more. I am canning more than ever now and nothing is ever wasted. We share some with friends and my daughter when appropriate, I never buy anything at regular price and I also stock up when there is a really good price. I especially love that it is good wholesome food (a lot that we grow ourselves). We have been staying away from all processed foods and additives. I applaud you. I also have learned a LOT from you personally. Thanks for taking the time to share so much. I appreciate you!
SaraF says
I’m constantly surprised at the number of people who feel that because their way is the only way, they have the “duty” to set everyone else straight. I think prepping is a great idea. I’ve been without power for a week after an ice storm. The things that currently keep me from canning more is time to do the canning when I work 50+ hours a week, and someplace to store it afterward.
Karen says
Assuming you have $100 to spend out on in one go on can! Does your son prep? I hope he does as he could very well knock on a door with a starving baby and get turned away.
JudyL says
We taught our son to be responsible for himself and his family and yes, he is prepared to take care of them. I don’t have a lot of sympathy for those who think it’s the responsibility of others to take care of them, whether an emergency or not. I’m not exactly sure what you’re saying about the $100.
Karen says
If you have a $100 to spend just on one type of can in one go then great, but sometimes ( i think for a lot of people) that $100 just isn’t there to spend on something to put in a cupboard. Some people just don’t have the funds to pay for ‘prep’ to a such an extent not through any type of financial irresponsibility but because of living pay to pay with a family and not having the cash to spare. When I mean cash to spare, not because the money has been spent on a holiday or dinner out, but because after bills there is nothing left. Now, I’m not saying that taking care of yourself is anyone else’s responsibility, your family is your own responsibility but prepping to a large extent is not attainable for everyone. But fear not I wouldn’t be knocking on your door with my children, there’s a rather large pond between us 😉
JudyL says
We would all have to make a decision as to who or how many we would be willing to share with. One family obviously cannot store up enough to save the entire neighborhood. I would definitely be willing to help those who need help and if you’ve read my blog for a while, you know I’m pretty generous with what I give away, but there are many who say “I’m not going to bother . . I’ll just come to your house” and those are the ones who choose to be unprepared just because they don’t take the time, even though they have the resources. I would have a real hard time helping those folks when there are so many in need.
Helen Koenig1 says
Karen – I built a stockpile of food when I was putting myself through school and taking care of a hungry baby! Oh yeah – food budget – $30 a month – and this wasn’t that many years ago! Now I would be spending $60 or slightly less a month for the two of us. I didn’t buy a prepared anything, made it myself or did without, hand ground my own wheat, bulk purchased what I could – and our meals were good – with entirely too many treats! LOL And I canned as well. did I live in the country at that time? No -I lived in a small city of a little over 100,000 people and commuted to school by bus, went to school full time and worked 2 part time jobs as well.. I’m sort of like Judy. A person may not be able to afford much at one time – but they CAN do something – and that something is always better than nothing!
Theresa says
Even if it’s just beans and rice, that’ll keep you going in an emergency. And they’re pretty cheap. I had my daughters in California buy dry beans and rice, and keep as much water on hand as they have space for, in case there’s an earthquake.
Donna Williams says
I am with you sister. Been broke and going through couch cushions to look for food money when the first hubby was in school (and other times truth be told), so I learned early on to be a “Plan B” kind of girl. I just finished making soup and I made enough for 10 dinners. So you go girl, and I’ll be right behind ya’.
Linda Enneking says
It’s great for you to be able to buy 200 cans of green beans when they are on sale, but not so good for other shoppers on limited budgets who might want to buy some too. I get really annoyed when I get to the store and the specials are sold out. I do agree with your idea of being prepared, and try to do it on a limited basis. I can and freeze food from my garden, and keep a stock of basic supplies,, but don’t have the money or the space to store a huge amount. As Karen said, not everyone can afford to buy a lot of extra food, or items like a pressure canner, dehydrator or other gadgets you have.
JudyL says
Near Thanksgiving, when I see those prices on green beans, it usually lasts for several weeks and they have stacks of cases of them out in the aisle. If there is a limit, I honor the limit but if there’s no limit, I figure it’s first come, first served. It isn’t like I’m buying more than we will use and I don’t feel bad about getting what I get. Many stores will give rain checks. Honestly, it never occurred to me to feel annoyed because someone got there before I did. Amazing!
There was a time when I couldn’t afford the toys that I have now and again, I don’t feel bad for the things I have. I use them and I think many of them pay for themselves either in time or savings in utility costs.
JudyL says
I might add that there are some very reasonably priced canners on the market and used ones are available through Craig’s List, Goodwill and similar places. If someone truly wants to can, they can find a way to do it. Excuses don’t get very far with me.
Linda Enneking says
I’m sorry I posted my comment about why some people choose not to stock up on things. If that is making excuses, I am sorry. I was not speaking for myself, just trying to point out that some are not so fortunate as others. And you are right, if they really want to do it, some of them could find a way. Others are too poor and uneducated to do these things. As for myself, I have always believed in being prepared, I have a good deal of food and basic supplies on hand so I can easily get along for a few weeks without going to the store, except for milk. And yes, I do have powdered milk and canned milk in my pantry.
Cactus says
I don’t think you can use “uneducated” as an excuse. If you are “uneducated” in anything, all you have to do is learn. There are tons of resources. If you stay uneducated, it’s by choice.
Linda Enneking says
Where my sister lives there is a lot of poverty. The high school drop out rate is very high, about 20% I believe. She is the director of the library and deals with a lot of the homeless people. The library puts on programs for children, many of whom have never held a crayon, cut paper with a scissors, or used glue. Before he passed away her husband spent a few years teaching biology to non-readers. There are lots of high school students in that area who cannot read. These are the people I was referring to when I used the word “uneducated.”
Sherrill says
Oh yeah, I think a lot of people could purchase extra when stuff’s on sale (if they know it’s a good price which often I don’t cause I’ve never really paid much attention) if they think about it and plan ahead. Often I see your post about a good deal on something at Kroger and have to make a late run to get it. I figure if you’re saying it’s a good deal, then it’s a GOOD DEAL!! LOL The other day when at the grocery store, I purchased an extra salt and suger because of what you experienced (even though there was plenty on the shelf and I didn’t need any at that moment).
JudyL says
I was back at WM a few days later and the sugar, salt and oil shelves were still almost empty but Kroger had plenty. I wasn’t concerned but it makes you think twice when you see an empty shelf in the grocery store.
Joyce says
How low do you let a supply of something get before you re-stock. Your example of finding green beans on sale so you buy 100 cans. Do you restock as soon as they are on sale again no matter how much you have on hand, or do you wait until a certain point and then buy more?
JudyL says
I usually only see them for that price in the fall . . around Thanksgiving. I try not to buy anything that isn’t on sale. If I run completely out of green beans, I just do without til I see them on sale again.
swooze says
Well you just answered a question I had for you in this post. I wondered pre-solar what you would; do if you lost your freezer contents as far as meat goes. Of course, you have canned meat dishes. I need to find a canning mentor or start with a good no to low fail recipe for a first time at canning.
I appreciate all the thought provoking posts. I don’t imagine you are buying out the store of their sale items but rather are illustrating your point. Point taken. If there is a will there is a way for whatever you want to accomplish.
Hugs Judy!
Joni says
You are such a joy to read! I, too must be considered a prepper. I have 1/2 a garage full of home canned goods and a well stocked pantry. It has gotten me thru some very tough times to be able to rely on my stocks to feed the family. All the preparation is worth the bounty! I applaud you and enjoy your posts, keep it up!
Cathy Smith says
People never cease to amaze me! I’m a single mom, working full time. Instead of complaining about not having the time to can and the money to stock up, I’m trying to figure out a way to work in canning, maybe on a day off. I’m figuring out a way to get some extras a little at a time. If I am buying can food, buy two instead of one. Eventually, I’ll have a stockpile. I can’t expect other people to take care of me and my kids. That’s my job.
Diana says
That is exactly the right approach and attitude to have. GOOD ON YA!
Patty says
The first sentence in your post today made my final decision that I will be looking for blogs that are more about quilting(my original reason for watching your blog), I have enjoyed many of your non quilting blogs but have had my fill of feeling chastised for not following your thoughts on prepping. And just so you are comfortable I will never knock on your door for help in a time of need. Please also respect those that don’t share your zest for prepping.
Thanks,
Patty
JudyL says
There isn’t much quilting going on here lately so I certainly understand that anyone looking for quilting content isn’t finding it here.
Barbara says
I think the title of your blog says it all:
Patchwork Times sharing the good life
I don’t think of it as a quilting, knitting, chicken, prepping etc. blog…but just what the title says…
sharing the good life…you share a lot about a lot of different subjects…and you’ve helped a lot of people in many different ways.
I’m glad your focus didn’t stay with just quilting, but all aspects of your life!
Sandy says
I came for the quilting and stayed for the chickens!
JudyL says
The first sentence is this: “Some people seem to think that preppers stockpile food and supplies and it’s a waste of time and money.” You have a problem with that? I think if you read just a bit farther before getting your feathers ruffled, you would see that I wrote “prepping obviously isn’t for everyone”. I most certainly am respectful of anyone who does or does not prep. I wish I could say the same for all who have left comments today.
Frankie says
Well said Judy! Honestly folks, you DON’T have to run out and spend $100-200 on food today if you don’t have it to spare. But do you have an extra $5, or $10 or $20? Use it to buy the foods you need to store. All those little amounts add up over time. It won’t be long before you don’t need to spend a whole lot to restock if you’re doing it as you’re using it.
I have to say that there have been several times over the years that I’ve been grateful for having stored food for our family. Twice DH was out of work and we were able to live almost entirely off what we’d put away. It’s worth the effort!
Dottie N. says
Hear, hear! Your post is GREAT! I feel like I’ve been a prepper all my life (influence from my parents and grandparents). My grandparents, as well as my Dad suffered through the Great Depression and my Dad and grandparents lived through the Dust Bowl (I think we’re close to that now, in the Texas Panhandle). My Dad ALWAYS bought a lot of canned goods when they were on sale for a good price, as did my mom (who grew up in Germany during WWII).
We ate the chickens my grandparents raised, as well as the cattle and my grandparents and parents canned fresh produce for the long winter months.
There is NOTHING nicer to realize you don’t have to go out and buy groceries on a daily or weekly basis, you can “shop” in your stored canned goods or freezer for things you’ve already prepared.
Have to say as much as I’d like to be participating in the prepping, we’re in the process of moving across country and have gone out to eat because we’re not always home to eat. BUT, we usually take sandwiches (made at home) to eat on the road :-).
Dottie N. says
I do want to add that I started following you because of the quilts, but LOVE that you share your life with us too. A lot of food for thought and for that I THANK YOU!
Jean S. says
My mother was born the year of the great depression. Our cupboards were always overflowing because of the conditions she grew up with. I don’t think she ever went hungry, but things weren’t always available so when they found them they stocked up. I tend to do similar things. We could probably live for quite awhile on what I’ve accumulated. I don’t fear a calamity, but when I stock up it saves me money and I always have something I can grab quickly. It certainly hurts no one and benefits us whatever may come. I don’t do much canning, but I do dry and freeze.
Katie Z. says
I appreciate all the info you’ve shared here about prepping as it gave me the courage to start changing our eating/buying habits. We have a deep pantry, with plenty of holes still, and we live on a single (Catholic school teacher’s) income, so it is doable to start out small and end up with plenty!
liz says
A few thoughts –
Many of us had parents who grew up in the depression or even in Europe during the war. My parents told me only some of the stories and spared me of many other details. When I was growing up, I observed their habits. Favorite one was that Mom would take Dad to the bus stop in the morning and then drop me off at school. In the evening, we waited for the phone to ring -only twice – that was the signal to go get Dad at the bus stop. He saved the dime for the next day. There are always ways to save money in your everyday life. If you are commenting here, you probably have internet access that you pay for, right? Drop that and go to your library to get access and that’s easy money to spend towards saving money via bulk purchases. Decide what is more important – items that could be considered to be “luxuries” or preparing for the future.
Re Prepping –
I’ll always take care of family and close friends in time of emergency. Over the last few years, my Christmas presents have come from the camping section/prepping section of stores – crank/solar lanterns, dry bags, multi-tools, camping items, nightlight/flashlight that plugs into an outlet. I think they were appreciated since they had all gone through some weather situations that should have waken them up to being prepared. But, I don’t go around telling people that I have a food stash. The few that know I have “stuff” also are preparing in their own way.
As Judy mentioned – if a special is sold out – ask for a rain check! Want to know when “things go on sale” – google that phrase. There are many posts that tell you the timing of many sales – think holidays, school-time, clearances, etc. When Judy mentioned that she gets tuna on sale, I started looking at the CVS flyer for their sales. When it’s posted, I’m over there getting my 10 cans at 88 cents for white chunk tuna. I might even go back the next day for a few more cans. But, I also like tuna so it’s a good deal for me.
Enough for now – looking forward to seeing more posts on your life.
P.S – is “Helen” back? There seems to be s few negative comments here…I’ve stopped looking at a few blogs from time to time, but I have never even thought about telling off the writer why I am not reading. I just remove the bookmark – very simple – maybe too simple? 😉
JudyL says
It’s ok Liz. I can take it. You think the comments have been negative, you should see a couple of the emails I’ve gotten today!
Katie Z. says
Uh-oh! It’s silly for them to get so worked up when you are clearly being very fair about this whole kerfluffle they’ve gotten themselves in!
Toni Wood says
My pantry definitely has a few hole but I work on it a little at a time. I have been stockpiling for fifteen years now and still need things. I never stockpile things we don’t enjoy eating!! Now hubby loves sardines and spam while I’d rather eat a peanut butter sandwich. We have plenty of both!
Theresa says
Hmmm…I’d forgotten about spam. That’s got a lot of calories in it, and doesn’t take up a lot of space. When I was a kid, spam was a treat (we only got meat once or twice a week, there wasn’t much money.) I still like spam, even though I don’t buy it (or much processed food) much these days.
Krista says
I like your philosophy, and it makes sense to me. I have relative who is a prepper – her idea is stockpile a bunch of food she’ll never touch except in an emergency. That seems wasteful to me and I think your “stock what you use” is a much more logical approach.
Cactus says
I’m hoping my kitchen remodel will be done in a month and I can start stocking. I enlarged my laundry area to include a pantry, so when the kitchen is done, all that stuff will go back where it belongs and I will have pantry storage. My hubby thinks I am installing too many cabinets in the kitchen but I am a firm believer in the fact that you can never have too much kitchen / pantry storage! lol
Donna says
If folks don’t like your blog content, way of thinking and doing things why don’t they just not read your blog. Why get ugly because they don’t agree with you. There are lots of blogs and surely they can find one that has the same point of view as they do. I for one love your blog. I’m not a knitter but I like seeing what you’re doing. I’m not a big prepper because my husband is very much a buy it as you need it person although I do keep enough for about 2 weeks at a time. I still love all the tips I get from you and I love yours and Vince’s adventures. If I didn’t I wouldn’t read your blog but I wouldn’t have to be nasty to you about it. Thanks for sharing your life with me because some days it’s the only laugh I get!
Shelley says
Exactly.
Chris at the Resort says
Ditto!!
Melissa G says
Started reading your blog for the quilting. Kept on for the cooking and canning tips. Now I don’t miss a day without checking in to see what’s going on. Love your blog. Like someone said, it makes me laugh – in a very good way.
At the grocery this afternoon, the flour I usually get was on clearance. Deep clearance. I thought of today’s post and smiled. I got the last 7 bags. It will keep until I use it all and I will have saved a bundle. I try to only buy things that are on sale and hopefully I also have a coupon. I plan my menu around my pantry and that saves a bundle. My kitchen and pantry are dinky, my budget is pretty small too, but it is a matter of making it work.
Thanks for your tips and ideas.
liz says
Gees – I wrote a nice long reply and lost it! So, here’s another try at it!
I’ve lost many bags of flour to pantry moths. So, get a Fresh Saver sealer ($16 at Walmart), Get the jar attachment ($28, but remember about regular vs wide mouth issues), get the half gallon size jars (I get them at Ace Hardware).
I have a bread recipe that calls for 6.5 cups of flour. That basically fills up a 1/2 gallon jar. Then I seal it and it’s ready to be used for bread or something else, since I did not add the other dry ingredients.
But, more important – the moths can’t get in! The paper bag is gone, out of the house, gone. It only takes one cleaning of the pantry of those darn moths to realize that you have to check every bag and box for webs, etc.
Norece says
I also buy canned goods when on sale, in large amounts. also buy meats that are marked down and can them, I do the same with produce. Aldis is a great place to purchase veggies to either can or dehydrate. It is the time of year that front yard produce stands are popping up. I found a great deal on spinach and bought and canned three bushels last week. Also check out the LDS cannery for inexpensive deals on sugar, beans, noodles, etc. their dehydrated refried beans are really good and really cheap. My LDS cannery is only open one day a week. My parents always had lots of canned goods, the freezer was always full, they had a garden and fruit and nut trees. For me this has been a way of life for as long as I can remember. It was just natural for me to continue after I was married.
If you choose to commit to this lifestyle you will find ways to make it happen. Judy has a lot of great ideas to help us along the way. Plus the added bonus of reading the comments of other folks and their blog posts.
Dianne says
It doesn’t have to be a natural disaster to wish you had prepped. All it takes is the loss of a job, loss of a loved one or finding out you have some terrible dreaded disease. BOOM!!
In this day and time, I think we should all consider how we would manage if we were ever faced with some type of disaster be it personal, national or worldwide.
Any of these can devastate a lifestyle that people have become accustomed to. I would rather be able to take care of me and my family during a difficult time.
Kim Kingston says
I am not sure I understand what has riled up some of us who read your blog. What you described makes economic sense to me.
— Put by extra if you have it by canning, dehydrating or freezing.
— If something is on sale that you like and you have the money, buy a little extra.
— Use the oldest item first when going to the pantry for something.
— Don’t go to the grocery store more than once a week if you can help it.
— Don’t buy anything you don’t usually use.
— Tailor the advice / comments to fit your lifestyle and storage
This challenge is just like a Block of the Month or a Quilt Along in that it is voluntary participation. No one is making anyone participate. I have no idea why this issue is a hot button for some people.
Also wanted to thank you for blogging about the food saver and using mason jars for dry food storage. It has helped my pantry a lot as I can now save ground grains, dry fruit and beans without worrying about bug infestation. Use to be I had to either freeze these items or throw them out after about a month or two. Using the food saver has saved me money and time as I don’t have to scramble to the store to replace something the bugs got to that I need NOW. I thank you. Plus, I think a mason jar is much more pleasing to look at than a half empty crumpled bag in a zip lock bag!
Mary H says
I think you are a very wise woman and love your ideas…even though I have teased you about the “zombie apocolypse” thing! I really appreciate the ideas here, and am going to try it myself. I have a small pantry, so may have to get some shelving for downstairs…we have room in the basement for that! Thanks for sharing and please continue!
Cathy says
I’m not a prepper like what you’d think. I do have a pantry and I do some miner canning. I am very fortuanate. I have 60 different grocery store chains (not duplicates) within a 25 mile radius of my house. Yes, you heard that right. If I added in the duplicates (i.e. target, target, Jewel, Jewel, Jewel, Jewel, Aldi, Aldi, Aldi etc.) it would top 100. This does not include farmers markets or smaller convenience stores. I literally could shop at a different grocery store every week for about 2 years. Soooooo…my point here is that I don’t prep because I think there will be a food shortage, I put up for basic emergencies and that’s about all. Everyone’s situation is different.
JudyL says
I would think I had died and gone to heaven if I had that many grocery stores near me. I miss Aldi so much!
Kathy Bjelke says
Judy,
I am soaking up all the wonderful info. I’m not there yet, but close. My husband is on board also, so that is a big plus! Thanks for sharing.
Paula says
Judy, Enjoy most everything you write about and I read you most everyday even though I do not comment much.I stockpile and coupon and I love knowing I have stuff on hand since I do not like even going to the grocery once a week. The way I look at it, if you don’t agree or don’t want to do what you do just quit reading the blog. Some people just like to complain…..and look for things to be negative about. I love your blog and you have helped me alot and always answer any question I might have.