moneyontreeBy now you know me well enough that I am not a big fan of ‘cheap food’. but neither am a I a fan of expensive food!

Some people feel as though they have to get shelves and shelves of food that is quick and easy to fix (cheap foods with preservatives and artificial colors and a shelf life of a cock-roach). Other people think they need to get the ready-to-eat meals that are simply the ‘add water’ foods (not many of them are healthy either, but they are often quite pricey as well) and are willing to pay more for the convenience.

Here are some ideas for stretching your food dollars while buying real food storage items:

Use coupons – this can be a simple start to saving so you can buy more each time. There are FREE sites on the internet for finding out what your best deals are when your store runs a sale at the same time as a coupon can be used. One of my favorites is Southern Savers.

Buy one get one (free or half price) – use one store the other. This way you know you will eat what is in storage. Some of the ready-meals may not even be to your pallet’s liking.

Find the scratch & dent isles – usually found at the ends of some longer isles in the store. Some items are still in great shape. It is still a good idea to stay away from dented cans.

Cook from scratch (often stretch ingredients due to the variety of uses vs. a one box mix food). One item can be used multiple ways instead of spending the same amount on an item that can only be mixed, used and eaten once.

Look for an alternative that costs less. For example, buy the store brand. If it is the storage rotation system that costs over $200 that has you down, there is a cheaper (and in my opinion much more versatile) option here

There are many ways to stock up your food storage, long term workable pantry and not break the bank. In fact, if you end up in a slump, you’ll be happy you had even a little food storage on hand!

Best Blessings and enJOY the journey!
Joseph & Donna Miller
The Grain Storehouse – Your Preparation Station!

Feel free to contact our office at Millers Grain House via email or call during business hours. Mon – Thurs 9:00-5:00, Fri 9:00-4:00 Eastern Time (Closed Sat & Sun)
1.828.536.4988
Deut 28:5 – “A blessing upon your grain-basket and kneading-bowl.”

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Popular Questions

How can you start building food storage on a dime?

Begin with foods your household already eats, such as rice, beans, pasta, oats, canned vegetables, and shelf-stable milk. Add one or two inexpensive items to each grocery trip instead of trying to buy a large supply at once. Compare unit prices, choose store brands, and use sales to stretch a small budget.

What are the cheapest foods for building a food storage supply?

Dry beans, lentils, rice, oats, pasta, flour, and potatoes are often affordable staples with useful shelf lives when stored properly. Canned tomatoes, vegetables, tuna, and peanut butter can add variety and protein without requiring refrigeration. Buy only foods your family will eat, since unused items waste both money and storage space.

How can you build food storage on a dime without wasting food?

Use a first-in, first-out system by placing older packages in front and adding newer purchases behind them. Write purchase dates on containers and check the supply regularly for damaged packaging, pests, or approaching expiration dates. Include stored ingredients in normal meals so you can replace what you use before it goes to waste.

Where should inexpensive food storage be kept?

Keep dry goods in a cool, dry, dark area away from heat, moisture, and strong odors. Transfer bulk foods into clean, airtight containers when practical, and label each container with its contents and storage date. Store canned goods on sturdy shelves and avoid locations where freezing temperatures or flooding could damage them.