Rising Food Prices

It seems like everytime I go grocery shopping the prices are higher…that's why i stock up on staples when they are on sale.

Prices are going through the roof and people are losing jobs, taking furlough days, and reductions in salaries. The costs affect our animals as well. I bought scratch the other day for our chickens and it had gone up $2.50 in 3 1/2 months!That may not seem like much, but if it continues to jump, we'll be eating very expensive eggs! We are trying to store up what we can. To those that commented on storing gasoline, there gasoline stabilizers out there that will make your gas last up to one year.

We are just starting our food storage plan. I'm so glad we found your company. We appreciate the great food products and tips! Keep up the good work.

Rising food prices are here to stay for a while. Too many factors pressing on the market.

My wife and I have taken a "wholistic" approach to food purchasing/storage. About 1/4 of our food purchases are intended for long term storage. This is good if times get really tough, and if not, then it is simply a hedge against inflation.

About another 25% of our food purchases are actually food production: our own expanding garden. I'd like to get this up to about 50%, but it is an evolving process. Two years ago it was 0%, so we are making progress!

The biggest chunk is still buying at the grocery store. However, my wife is crazy with the coupons, so we generally do pretty well as compared to others.

It is not realistic to produce all, or even most of our food on our own, but we are moving to a 33%/33%/33% plan.

I also am worried about the rising food prices. Having food storage helps relieve some of the worry.

It seems like a lot of people are taking your advice, considering how much you are out of and how long it is taking to get it! Good for you!!

I am really enjoying this site. :) We have been working on getting a larger amount of food stored. Right now we have about 3-4 months worth for our family. The above commenter was correct, it takes a change in your mindset and sacrifice.

Wow! I had no idea how much nutrients remained in the freeze dried. I have been enjoying my FD spinach mixed with cottage cheese for my diet. Not bad. :o)

It's good to know the reason behind the rising price in food. Just another reason to be prepared and know how to use what you have.

My concern is for storing gasoline and food as well. I love this website, unfortunatly my eyes are bigger than my wallet. Slow is the tortoise compared to the hare.
I haven't seen the food bank news this morning. I'm just glad that I thought enough to fill up both cars and start stocking before things got too tight (unfortunatly lovely teen age boys love to snack but I locked it up so we're good to go now).
I agree with others that state we should garden and can, etc. That we rely too much on farmers. I am doing my best to do the same.
Ralph, I wish i could do what your friend is doing.
I also suggest that we take physical inventory of ourselves. Some of us might need to exercise to get back into shape, just in case we need to ride our bike to work.
God Bless.

Jeanine- you can store gasoline relatively safely for a reasonable period of time by adding STA-BIL to it.

On food prices: Mexico isn't the only problem. China has had a huge drought, and most of the wheat in India has been infected with rust. Famine is rampant.

Really the best start to food storage is examining how your eating first. There are so many people whos staples are not beans legumes, whole grains, etc. but highly processed 'ready food', who would not benefit saving from large quantities of what they eat now because of of shelf-life or long term nutrition. Looking at what your buying and 'gathering' will save you money, whether or not its beneficial being in bulk, but your practically purchasing wonderful health insurance for your family.

We have been counseled for years to store food. Just think if we all had a years supply of food then situations like we are facing now would not impact us near as much. I do have to say I had a startling conversation with a co-worker a couple weeks ago. He flat out said that if he knew of someone with supplies in a disaster situation he would not hesitate to take them from me and my family with force. Be careful who you tell you have supplies!

I saw the news from the world bank on the news this morning and it has been a huge incentive to get going on my food storage

I know that this is true… it is just sometimes REALLY hard to spend what little extra you have on food that sits in the basement! :) I think families really have to work hard to get past this "mental roadblock" though b/c storing food for an emergency is just a really safe and wise thing to do. One tip that should always be kept in mind is to always buy food storage items that you would use anyway – that way you don't have to feel bad about food that just sits there b/c you know you COULD use it in regular rotation too! :)

Storing food as well as growing a garden are 2 of the best starting points. Storing up on hunting, trapping and fishing gear IMO is the next step. And yes one can store gas but eventually that will run out so either store up on alcohol or learn to make your own, most gas powered engines will run on alcohol.

We're glad to have found this website as we've just started learning how to buy food in bulk and store it safely.

Since the rising price of fuel contributes heavily towards the price of food as well as the government push to ethanol products which takes corn out of the food industry, it is very prudent to start stocking for long term survival. We are only a short ride to hyperinflation and long term food storage is the best investment one can make.

Ralph mentioned bikes to get around and we have done that. I would recommend bikes with big knobby tires that are rugged and dependable. Unless you are mechanically inclined I would also recommend one that is 3 speed since they are easier to adjust and repair than 10 speed or higher.

We have been saving for a gas scooter since they are street legal here in NC and get about 70 miles to a gallon and can move about 30-35 MPH.

As individuals we need to teach ourselves to shop wisely. If we have the basics of food storage- the wheat, rice, pasta, legumes, etc…- when we do go to the store it will be less often and we will be more selective in what we purchase.
Frugal cooking and stews will be more in the world, and as more people start to cook from scratch, many will find innovative ways to use that extra carrot or the potato skins as our Grandmas did back in the '30's. There's nothing wrong with it either!
Instead of throwing out that sprouting onion or garlic, plant it and use the greens on top. Tomato and Pepper plants can winter over and we are too dependent upon growers for our foods instead of growing ourselves.

I friend of mine has made a supply tent in his back yard. He has 20 or so gas storage cans along with other provisions like a couple of fire extinguishers and other provisions. He dug a trench to keep the gas supplies hidden. You also have to have good neighbors.
I myself made provisions with bikes, including a three wheeler which has a storage bin on it in case of emergency to get around. If you choose this option, make sure you supply yourself with tire repair kits, tires, a couple of air pumps, replacement chains and lubricant for the chains and tires. Just an idea. God Bless

I wish I had a safe way to store gasoline since it's price is also on the rise!