Last week I decided that I was tired of trying to figure out what I was going to make for supper every night. So I sat down and made a menu for the whole month. As I put each meal on the calendar, I pulled out the recipe and made my shopping list. And remember, we don't eat fancy. We are meat and potatoes type of folks.

I then went shopping. For the whole month.

It took me 2 hours. With my 4 year old "helping."

I was a little scared at the checkout, but it only came to $250. I was so excited.

As I was walking out to my car, I was quite smug. I didn't understand why people are spending $600 a month on food.

And then I started thinking.

I didn't have to buy any meat, because I already had chicken and hamburger in my deep freezer.

I didn't have to buy any vegetables because I had them in my deep freezer, and cans on the shelf.

I didn't have to buy any cheese because I had that in my freezer.

I didn't have to buy bread because I make it myself.

I didn't have to buy any beans, or rice, or potatoes, or flour, or sugar, or salt, or...well, you get the idea.

When we get our tax refund each year, I take $1,000-1,500 and build up my food storage. I have buckets in the garage with flour and sugar and beans and such. I have a deep freezer to keep turkeys and chicken and hamburger. And those I don't buy unless there is a really good sale.

My hamburger I buy at Sam's Club in 80 pound boxes. I divide it up and use my FoodSaver to seal it good. But my mom always used old bread bags. And they worked just as good.

I am a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have been commanded to have food storage. I always have, but now I think I really "get it." It's not just there for when we have disasters. It's not just there for when we are out of work (although it has been a blessing when we were!). It's there to help us live frugally.
My food storage room, which is in my furnace room. Not ideal, but you put it where you can!


My deep freezer, which is completely full. I seriously can't fit anything else in there!
These are the #10 cans of food from the Church's cannery. We have potato pearls, apple slices, hot chocolate, minced onions, etc.


My buckets in the garage. Again, not the best place, but it works!
Looking at these shelves make me feel so secure.

5 comments :

Tia said... Reply To This Comment

You are AWESOME! I'm green with envy for your food storage. I have some, but not nearly as much as you have. Great job! You made me want to sit down and plan out my menu for the month, too. Every day I dread trying to figure out what to make, then decide on something, only to realize I'm missing an ingredient. Thanks for the motivation!

Angie said... Reply To This Comment

Wow, I'm impressed! My food storage is no where as great as yours! Good job! I need to be better. Thank goodness the case lot sales are on.

The Mom said... Reply To This Comment

I did the menu thing last summer and loved it. But I stopped for some reason. But I absolutely love it!

Kelly said... Reply To This Comment

Wow. You are so inspiring! I'm so bad at remembering/paying attention to when things are on sale. We should have some kind of email tree in the ward so we know when good deals are on....

Liz said... Reply To This Comment

Wow! That's amazing!

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