Not only is a “Great Depression pantry” a sentimental tribute to the past, but it’s also a tried-and-true strategy for long-term food storage that keeps you ready for any emergency. In this day and age, I suggest you start putting away what you can in your own pantry. Keeping a stocked pantry with items you know in the back of your mind that no matter what happens, you and your family will have what they need, is a feeling like no other. I hope to be able to help you with that today!
Keep It Simple: Return to the Fundamentals
A Great Depression pantry’s core is completely shelf-stable goods. Stock up on ingredients for easy meals that you and your family will eat. Soups, stews, and chilies are great ways to use up your pantry supplies. Food that can be stored for years but still provides much-needed calories and nutrients. Canned veggies, canned meat, canned fruit, dry rice, pasta, dry beans, and water. Please don’t forget to store fresh water.
Be Frugal
Basic components are more affordable and have a longer shelf life than pre-made meals. You will keep more food and have flexibility in your meal planning by cutting costs. Obviously, canning or drying fruits and vegetables that you grow in your garden is the most cost-effective way to put a lot of food away. Think about a self-sufficient “Victory Garden” that will feed your family all year long, even during a crisis.