A Successful Pantry

 We all have our pantries and our freezers.  There are just some things we all need to remember for them to be successful for our family.  Many of us strive to have long term pantries - being prepared for anything that happen.  I hope you still see the need for that today.

Prices keep going up, supplies go down in some places and we just need to prepare for that.  

Here are a few basic guidelines to follow to insure that you are covered for any hardship that comes your way.

• Don't buy things you and your family don't like or don't eat.  I know an emergency situation can mean eating anything - but truthfully it should be something you like.  (My only suggestion is maybe having things to barter with.)
• Have variety - carbs, proteins, fatty foods, veggies, fruit and meat.  Also grains and dry goods.  Being able to mix and match items gives you so much more flexibility with food prep
• Store your items properly.  Keep dry goods dry and cool.  Wrap freezer goods properly so as to avoid freezer burn.  Now remember freezer burn does not make an item non-edible - it just really  changes flavor and texture and makes it unappealing.  You can cut off freezer burn and cook - but the best policy is to wrap properly before freezing
• Inventory - know what you have.  Keep like foods grouped together for easy searching.  Baking goods, soups, home canned, veggies, fruits, canned meats - etc.  Both pantry and freezer should be inventoried on a regular basis.  Best idea is to pantry shop - before going to the store.  That way you can see what items need replaced or restocked
• Rotate, rotate, rotate!!!!!!  So important.  Use your oldest first.  Always place your newer goods to the back and older items up front.  REMEMBER - there is NO expiration date (except baby formula).  Those dates are 'best if used by' dates and seriously just recommend for the freshest taste.  Foods can be used many months and years past those dates!!!!!   Dates are not mandated by the government - they are put on by the manufacturer in hopes of getting you to purchase more!
• Know of alternative ways to use what you have.  For instance know what items you can use instead of oil in baking, or what you can use instead of eggs.  Oats can be used in place of nuts and dry milk instead of fresh.  There are so many alternate uses for items.  Know what you have and other ways to use it.
• Know others ways to prepare/cook.  You may not have use of your stove or oven - what to do?  Propane grill,  charcoal grill, wood fire, sun box..... check and know alternative cooking methods.  Also have foods on hand that can be eaten without cooking - straight from the can.   Many gas stoves today have the electronic start (that clicker spark) - many can been lit with a match.  Just the stove top - not the oven - but it is worth trying.  If only electric is out you should still have gas flow
• Pets - make sure you have inventory for your pets needs as well.  They are family!
• Comfort food - this is truly important.  If a situation gets grave , no matter what it is, a little comfort food can relieve a bit of stress.  Maybe peanut butter for a good old peanut butter sammy, or cocoa for hot chocolate, or some pie filling or chocolate candy put back.  It really can make a moment seem a bit better
• Have supplies of dry goods and health and beauty things as well.  TP, shampoo, dish soap, body soap, laundry supplies, vinegar (so many uses), salt, OTC meds, etc.  ** Another reminder - one soap can work in place of many in a difficult situation.

Watch for bargains and get things as cheaply as possible.  Stock up on super sales.  Buy clearance and markdowns.  The pennies you save today are pennies you can spend later on something else.

Keep on stocking and prepping - NOT panicking or hoarding - and you know that when life takes a turn in your world - you will be prepared.

It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves - no one else's.

Your pantry and freezer's are the lifeblood of your family.  Take good care of it, manage it, and keep it stocked and tidy.