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Cost of Food~ Yikes!


If I was not gardening before...I sure would be after this trip to the store.  As if you didn't already know...food prices jumped 3.7% in February, 2012 according to CBS news.   As I wondered through the aisle adding up my purchases I wonder how much of the money I will spend will go to those who actually grow it.  Not much...  

I have made a decision.   I will be more intentional with planning, shopping and buying food, cleaning supplies, laundry soap and toiletries.

It does help that I have a system of some basics that I always keep on hand.

When David and I were young married with little boys we experienced some pretty tough times.  I'll never forget digging the deodorant out of the holes to get me through.  That has not happened again.  

When Deodorant, toilet paper, soaps, trash bags and supplies go on sale...I buy and put in storage. 

I don't wait to pull the last item from cupboard to buy more...the items go on my list when I'm down to one.

We live in such an easy come and easy go culture that we have discarded the wisdom and common sense of our Grandparents and Parents.   To put up hay in the summer to feed in the winter.  

To can and freeze to be prepared for times when food was scarce.

When I grew up if we didn't prepare then our cows, animals and our family would starve during those tough winter months.  

I do believe that it is so important for each of us to have some common sense skills to offset the fluctuation of food cost.  Not out of fear or hoarding or based on the current trends.  Plain old..."Gather in the summer to store for the winter." 

What we can do for our family and our community.

1.  Learn to garden and preserve some basic foods.  Pass the skill on like our Grandparents and parents did.  Learn to use the area that you have.

2.  Buy in Bulk or on sale in order to keep basics in stock.

3.  Create a simple emergency pack.

Centers For Disease Control recommends creating a simple kit and emergency plan for your family.  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/

A good start:
Food
Bottled water
Flashlight and batteries
Candles and matches
Medicines and Over The Counter Items
Hygiene items




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