Time for Concern & Stocking

I am going to take a break from the "simple foods" posts to get a little serious.
We are in some scary and serious times in this world.  So much is happening and it gives me concern that we just aren't doing enough to protect our families in the future.

I don't like to be  panic monger at all, but I am worried.
I mentioned the other day that we really need to get busy stocking as I thought things would get worse sooner than later.
I will tell you why I feel this way.

I am very concerned about the events that are happening around the world.  People are being deprived the basics of life in the name of control and politics.  I guarantee you that five or six years ago these same average middle class people never imagined that they would begging for food, water and medical help.  So many people have died from the lack of basics.  If they protest the situation, they still die, just in another way.   These people who led comfortable lives a few years ago - would be thrilled with the condiments of your frig - as food - that is how bad it is.

It's horrible.

NEVER think that this can't happen where you live - it can.  I don't want to get into politics, I just want everyone to be aware, stay informed, and be prepared to care for your own.  

NO ONE ELSE WILL!  

Secondly, there is the weather situations that are happening, that will drastically affect our grocery store experiences in the near future.  So much of the mid section of this country is totally covered with water (LOTS of water) and deep, deep snow.  That snow will eventually melt and become more water.  More heavy rains are in the forecast.

This midsection of the country supplies much of our food.  Grains, corn, wheat, potatoes, veggies, cattle and pork, etc.

Not only will the cost of food go up - but the cost of feed for the animals will go up as well (for the animals that haven't already died.)  Tens of thousands of animals have died to date.  Many farms will never be able to recover financially.

Predictions are that these farmlands will not get to dry out enough to plant for the entire spring season.

It is not just the mid section of this country, but it's all over.  There is extreme drought in some places on the west coast and also in countries in the southern hemisphere, where many fruits come from.

Heavy frost supposedly killed off the budding olive trees and olive oil prices will go up.  Chocolate and coffee crops have been damaged in recent months.  Have you priced vanilla lately??  WOW.

NOW is the time to really work hard on getting serious about our pantries.  Hunt for those good deals and take advantage.  Odds are you and your home peeps are not your only family or friends.  If the our extended families are in trouble - I am sure we would all want to help them as well.

Buying local is going to be huge for many of us.  Supplementing our garden produce or buying from local farmers for those who don't garden is going to be critical.  Can, freeze, dehydrate all that you can.  I haven't canned meat yet, but that is another idea.  (I will be doing a meat post next week).

Barter - with those who produce what you don't.

Forage for natural growing fruits, nuts, herbs, etc.

These things are going to be important.  Supplies are going to be limited - therefore they are going to cost a lot more.

ALSO REMEMBER - those arbitrary dates that manufacturers put on your food supplies are just that - arbitrary!!!!!  They can be used well past date and they are still fine.  Rotate and use as needed.  

Just remember that whatever you buy now, especially for a discounted price, is 100% totally money in the bank and a safety net for your family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know we are seeing a lot about these things on blogs and FB (not so much in the news), but it is serious.  Again, I try to steer away from politics on here and don't intend this to be a political post - just a wake up call.

IT IS TIME TO GET SERIOUS.

If you are so inclined, please pray for our world - it needs it badly.