A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12
Remember having a deep pantry isn’t just about having extra food on hand. It is also about having the means to survive in an emergency situation, having all the extra food isn’t going to do you much good if you can’t cook it when the power is out. If you are having a hard time trying to afford to fill a deep pantry read my post on “having a Deep Pantry on a tight budget.”
Don’t forget to share what you were able to do this past week to have a deep pantry/food storage. Let’s encourage each other. And if you have a question feel free to ask or if you have the answer to a question feel free to answer. If you have a tip or idea you can share that also. As I said let’s make this a place where we can share and encourage others to get that deep pantry.
This first month was a jump start to get a little ahead so if things go south before you can get everything you want, at least you have something to survive on. If you are just starting you will want to go back and start with Januarys challenge.
The amounts are for two people If you have more just double to what you need.
Also while you are doing this if you see something on sale that you think you will need to pick it up. You can catch up the with the list later. Always better to buy when on sale then not.
This week you will want to get.
10 pounds of pasta / Spices and Herbs
10 pounds of pasta, I try to make most of my pasta except for macaroni and I do try your store a lot of that. I store mine in buckets with a few bay leaves added. And I keep them in the shed where they will stay frozen during the winter. I haven’t ever had trouble with bugs storing them this way. If you live in a warmer climate you will need to store in mylar or an airtight container with an oxygen absorber.
Spices and herbs, Store what you use the most, and remember you can grow a lot of your own herbs. You can grow your herbs in your flower beds. I try to make all of my landscaping productive. I hate to water something that doesn’t produce anything. You will also want to store in airtight containers and store in a cool dark place.
If at all possible buy your herbs in bulk they are a lot cheaper that way. With your herbs, you can make your own blends eg. Taco seasoning, spaghetti seasoning.
Don’t forget beef and chicken base. With this and your spices, there is a lot you can make.
The action item for this month is to learn C.P.R. and some 1st aid. A lot of fire departments and Red Cross centers will offer CPR and basic 1st aid classes for a small fee and sometimes for free.
The extra item this month is packs, we use our hunting packs for this and we take them where ever we go. Each one of us has our own. These would be the same thing as bug out bags. I will try to get a post up soon on what to put in them. If you already have your packs take this month to go through them and add or replace what needs to added or replaced.
Every week you will want to put back water. You can buy it, or fill your empty juice and soda bottles. You can also store water in your empty canning jars, as you empty your jars just add some water and put the lid back on. You don’t have to can this water but if you wanted to you could. You can also put water in bleach and detergent bottles ( this will be non-potable but you could flush and wash dishes with it.). You can go here for more information water
Every week you will also want to put back a few dollars, even if it is a small amount it will add up. Save your ones and if you can your fives and all your loose change from paying with cash. It will add up pretty quickly.
Continue planning your garden and getting it ready.
Any time you have a chance to pick up something extra do so. I think we are running out of time to have things put together, the stock market is at all-time highs, every time in history that it has done that it eventually falls way back down. From what I can see we are following the same path as they did right before the great depression. So the more prepared you are the better you will be able to deal with things.
What I was able to get done.
We got half a pig we will make sausage, a couple of hams and I will can up a lot of it. Ordered some sage ( with the drought last year I didn’t get much sage from my plant) I also bought 3 raspberry plants to replace the ones I lost a couple of years ago. I am still taking my EMR ( First responders class) I am learning so much in it.
A word on Pastas, Freeze them for 2-4 weeks before you “store” them, like Flour and Rice there “MAY” be a few critters in the package before you buy them.
Freezing will take care of this problem.
Also if you try to Vac Seal pasta, make sure you pike a little hole in the package and do NOT try to Vac Seal pasta that has sharp edges and ends. I t WILL poke holes in the vac or Mylar bags…. Please don’t ask how I know… HAHAHA
Herbs and Spices, the world is a mighty bland place without these, Please store up a bunch.
BTW buy online and buy by the pound, the cost is as much as 20% by the pound compared to those small 1-2oz bottles.
Don’t forget the Salt and Sugar.