Comments on: Guest Post: Building an “Emergency Fund” of Food http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:47:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Laura @ no more spending http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259525 Laura @ no more spending Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:43:31 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259525 Excellent post. This will be one of my goals for early 2009 Thank you Excellent post. This will be one of my goals for early 2009
Thank you

]]> By: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259524 Beth/Mom2TwoVikings Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:35:00 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259524 I'm wondering if they would be interested in sharing in more detail how they organize their pantries. Microsoft Access database? Excel worksheet? Dates written on cans? LOL Whatever. I don't know if I'm ready for THREE months but I'll try to the DR equivalent of the baby e fund! Maybe 2-3 weeks! LOL I’m wondering if they would be interested in sharing in more detail how they organize their pantries. Microsoft Access database? Excel worksheet? Dates written on cans? LOL Whatever. I don’t know if I’m ready for THREE months but I’ll try to the DR equivalent of the baby e fund! Maybe 2-3 weeks! LOL

]]> By: Melanie Jones http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259523 Melanie Jones Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:52:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259523 I love having a well-stocked pantry because it makes day-to-day life so much easier. Knowing that food is always available is only a bonus -- being able to buy products at their lowest price, easily plan meals, and get out of the grocery store quickly are the real advantage. I think it is important to note that if you are building a pantry on a budget, it is okay if it takes a while. I really built my pantry over the course of a year using our actual weekly grocery budget. I love having a well-stocked pantry because it makes day-to-day life so much easier. Knowing that food is always available is only a bonus — being able to buy products at their lowest price, easily plan meals, and get out of the grocery store quickly are the real advantage. I think it is important to note that if you are building a pantry on a budget, it is okay if it takes a while. I really built my pantry over the course of a year using our actual weekly grocery budget.

]]> By: Lesley http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259522 Lesley Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:46:57 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259522 My system for stockpiling is: I use three shelves ,the lowest shelf has items that expire 2008, the next shelf has items that expire 2009 and the highest shelf has items that expire 2010 and above. This system helps me base meals around the items that will expire soon. I can see what food items where not popular and these items can be donate to the Salvation Army or food bank. Now that the 2008 shelf is almost bare, I have started to move down the items that will expire in early 2009, especially the salad dressings. My system for stockpiling is: I use three shelves ,the lowest shelf has items that expire 2008, the next shelf has items that expire 2009 and the highest shelf has items that expire 2010 and above. This system helps me base meals around the items that will expire soon. I can see what food items where not popular and these items can be donate to the Salvation Army or food bank. Now that the 2008 shelf is almost bare, I have started to move down the items that will expire in early 2009, especially the salad dressings.

]]> By: Jessica http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259521 Jessica Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:09:11 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259521 I have built my stockpile such that when I go shopping, all I need to get are perishables (bread, milk, eggs, produce) and loss leaders. It both saves money and is a good cushion in the event of an emergency- financial or otherwise. We have had power outages of 4+ days and didn't have to eat out once, since I had food in the stockpile we could cook on the propane grill or eat as-is. I would advise on stockpiling simple things that are easily eaten without much prep, like peanut butter, crackers, canned soup, canned fruit- before other items whenever possible. I have built my stockpile such that when I go shopping, all I need to get are perishables (bread, milk, eggs, produce) and loss leaders. It both saves money and is a good cushion in the event of an emergency- financial or otherwise. We have had power outages of 4+ days and didn’t have to eat out once, since I had food in the stockpile we could cook on the propane grill or eat as-is.

I would advise on stockpiling simple things that are easily eaten without much prep, like peanut butter, crackers, canned soup, canned fruit- before other items whenever possible.

]]> By: Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259520 Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:23:07 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259520 These are some great tips! I love to keep a well-stocked pantry and freezer with items I bought at rock-bottom prices. It also makes entertaining last-minute guests much easier! Valerie Frugal Family Fun Blog Good times on a budget! http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com These are some great tips! I love to keep a well-stocked pantry and freezer with items I bought at rock-bottom prices. It also makes entertaining last-minute guests much easier!

Valerie
Frugal Family Fun Blog
Good times on a budget!
http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com

]]> By: Melodie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259519 Melodie Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:32:28 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259519 Our budget is tight every winter since my husband's regular job is seasonal. During the summer months we stockpile funds and foods for the winter like a colony of ants. That way, when he is scrounging for work and getting paid hourly for odd jobs here and there mid-January and February, I can help lighten his burden by skipping the grocery store two out of every three weeks. We may have to cinch our belts a little in other areas, but we always have the basics: shelter, healthy food on the table, warm clothing, heat, and bills paid on time. We even usually have a little left over to entertain some other families now and then. Our budget is tight every winter since my husband’s regular job is seasonal. During the summer months we stockpile funds and foods for the winter like a colony of ants. That way, when he is scrounging for work and getting paid hourly for odd jobs here and there mid-January and February, I can help lighten his burden by skipping the grocery store two out of every three weeks. We may have to cinch our belts a little in other areas, but we always have the basics: shelter, healthy food on the table, warm clothing, heat, and bills paid on time. We even usually have a little left over to entertain some other families now and then.

]]> By: DiaryofADINK http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259518 DiaryofADINK Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:18:36 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259518 I like this idea! I like this idea!

]]> By: Rebecca K. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259517 Rebecca K. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:05:01 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259517 i REALLY appreciate this post and the following comments!!! we are in a really tight spot now that would have been remedied by having a plan like this in place. I fully intend to make this happen as soon as possible!! i REALLY appreciate this post and the following comments!!! we are in a really tight spot now that would have been remedied by having a plan like this in place. I fully intend to make this happen as soon as possible!!

]]> By: Honey http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259516 Honey Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:45:52 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259516 This is a great topic and all the comments are very helpful. I find that this month with all the holiday expenses, I am especially glad to have a stockpile so I can put some of the household/grocery budget toward last minute presents, holiday baking to share with neighbors, and our Christmas cards/postage, etc! This is a great topic and all the comments are very helpful. I find that this month with all the holiday expenses, I am especially glad to have a stockpile so I can put some of the household/grocery budget toward last minute presents, holiday baking to share with neighbors, and our Christmas cards/postage, etc!

]]> By: Sherri http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259515 Sherri Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:32:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259515 Good tip on rotating your stock to use the oldest first. That's the ideal. But many people may be surprised to learn that most expiration dates are not such that you must throw it out or it will make your family sick. They are basically suggestions of when the food inside will taste best. We have a store locally that sells closeout and salvage items close to/beyond the dates- we get yogurt, OJ, granola bars, etc dirt cheap and they always taste fine to us. I recently made a box of Hamburger Helper that was more than a year beyond the date (got lost in the back of the cabinet- oops) and it did not make anyone sick. I did notice a slight change of taste, but my kids didn't and gobbled up the leftovers. It's a shame that food banks apparently have to throw away outdated items- I would wager that most of those items are perfectly good, and if it were in my pantry I would use it. Good tip on rotating your stock to use the oldest first. That’s the ideal. But many people may be surprised to learn that most expiration dates are not such that you must throw it out or it will make your family sick. They are basically suggestions of when the food inside will taste best. We have a store locally that sells closeout and salvage items close to/beyond the dates- we get yogurt, OJ, granola bars, etc dirt cheap and they always taste fine to us. I recently made a box of Hamburger Helper that was more than a year beyond the date (got lost in the back of the cabinet- oops) and it did not make anyone sick. I did notice a slight change of taste, but my kids didn’t and gobbled up the leftovers. It’s a shame that food banks apparently have to throw away outdated items- I would wager that most of those items are perfectly good, and if it were in my pantry I would use it.

]]> By: Davonne http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259514 Davonne Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:08:47 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259514 This is great! I've recently decided to try out food storage, but haven't been sure where to start other than extra flour and canned veggies, so I love this info. One problem we have is that my husband can't eat anything with MSG in it, and most non-perishables have that in them, so I will have to be more creative, but these tips will definitely help! This is great! I’ve recently decided to try out food storage, but haven’t been sure where to start other than extra flour and canned veggies, so I love this info.

One problem we have is that my husband can’t eat anything with MSG in it, and most non-perishables have that in them, so I will have to be more creative, but these tips will definitely help!

]]> By: Michelle http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259513 Michelle Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:48:25 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259513 I love this post as I have recently become aware of food storage (as a comprehensive, actual meal plan - not just stockpiling) and I have found great resources at these two sites as well: www.everydayfoodstorage.net (using your food storage in every day ways) www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net (step by step instructions on HOW to make your meal plan and know what you need from there - great tutorials, etc. and instructions to make your own food emergency kit) I am not affiliated with either site, just found them helpful. I can't wait to check out your site, too! I love this post as I have recently become aware of food storage (as a comprehensive, actual meal plan – not just stockpiling) and I have found great resources at these two sites as well:
http://www.everydayfoodstorage.net (using your food storage in every day ways)
http://www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net (step by step instructions on HOW to make your meal plan and know what you need from there – great tutorials, etc. and instructions to make your own food emergency kit)

I am not affiliated with either site, just found them helpful. I can’t wait to check out your site, too!

]]> By: Trixie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259512 Trixie Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:51:22 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259512 Hello! Great post! I totally love the idea of stockpiling groceries. It makes life so much simpler to just "shop from the pantry" instead of making last minute trips to the store. I recently wrote about how I build my pantry store. In case anyone's interested, here is a link to my post. http://farmhomelife.blogspot.com/2008/01/secrets-to-stocking-your-pantry.html take care, Trixie Hello!

Great post! I totally love the idea of stockpiling groceries. It makes life so much simpler to just “shop from the pantry” instead of making last minute trips to the store.

I recently wrote about how I build my pantry store. In case anyone’s interested, here is a link to my post.

http://farmhomelife.blogspot.com/2008/01/secrets-to-stocking-your-pantry.html

take care,

Trixie

]]> By: Saver Queen http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259511 Saver Queen Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:03:23 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259511 I do this too and find it helpful. We just lost over one month of pay because my spouse's company just folded and couldn't pay their employees - his entire monthly paycheque and $500 worth of expenses just gone. I'm so glad that I have been prepared both with the emergency fund and wise grocery shopping. Times are tough but we'll get by. I do this too and find it helpful. We just lost over one month of pay because my spouse’s company just folded and couldn’t pay their employees – his entire monthly paycheque and $500 worth of expenses just gone. I’m so glad that I have been prepared both with the emergency fund and wise grocery shopping. Times are tough but we’ll get by.

]]> By: Katherine http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259510 Katherine Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:42:49 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259510 It really makes sense to stock up. When I think of "food storage" I think of cans of wheat and dry beans, but I have about a two month "stock" of thinks we like, like Mac & Cheese, canned corn, etc. Even though there are just the two of us, I buy 25lb bags of rice, flour, and sugar when they go on sale. Of course, I only buy one since it takes me two years to get through it all... It really makes sense to stock up. When I think of “food storage” I think of cans of wheat and dry beans, but I have about a two month “stock” of thinks we like, like Mac & Cheese, canned corn, etc. Even though there are just the two of us, I buy 25lb bags of rice, flour, and sugar when they go on sale. Of course, I only buy one since it takes me two years to get through it all…

]]> By: Julie @kingdomklipper http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259509 Julie @kingdomklipper Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:35:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259509 I think it's a great idea..home canning is a great way to add to our stock. I have shelves of green beans, tomatoes, salsa, etc. and a deep freezer full of corn from a wonderful year of harvesting! Julie @kingdomklipper I think it’s a great idea..home canning is a great way to add to our stock. I have shelves of green beans, tomatoes, salsa, etc. and a deep freezer full of corn from a wonderful year of harvesting!
Julie @kingdomklipper

]]> By: Amity http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259508 Amity Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:24:45 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259508 My husband's grandfather did this. Using a black permanent marker he dated each item so he knew which items were the oldest! My husband’s grandfather did this. Using a black permanent marker he dated each item so he knew which items were the oldest!

]]> By: Laine http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259507 Laine Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:29:47 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259507 Great post! This is pretty much what we do and it really works for us. I grocery shop every two weeks and I buy around $5-10 of "stock up" ingredients each time. This last month we had something big come up and we had to cut our food budget as well. I stretched our two week shopping trip and what we had in our cupboard and freezer for almost six weeks. We did have to get things like milk, eggs, fresh fruit and veggies, but it really was a blessing. We ate really well and I don't think we really lacked anything! I just was just so thankful to the Lord for His provision during that time. Great post! This is pretty much what we do and it really works for us. I grocery shop every two weeks and I buy around $5-10 of “stock up” ingredients each time. This last month we had something big come up and we had to cut our food budget as well. I stretched our two week shopping trip and what we had in our cupboard and freezer for almost six weeks. We did have to get things like milk, eggs, fresh fruit and veggies, but it really was a blessing. We ate really well and I don’t think we really lacked anything! I just was just so thankful to the Lord for His provision during that time.

]]> By: ATami http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-259506 ATami Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:14:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/12/guest-post-building-an-emergency-fund-of-food.html#comment-259506 I just tried this- and requested that it be delivered to CVS (to save on shipping charges).. it came out to $5.35 total. Not bad for 30 cards!!! :) I just tried this- and requested that it be delivered to CVS (to save on shipping charges).. it came out to $5.35 total. Not bad for 30 cards!!! :)

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