Building up Stores

The increase in gasoline, food, and ammo prices is outpacing most of our incomes. I know that the reported inflation rate is still low, but I also know that I am spending much more at the pump, the grocery store and the ammo dealer than I ever have. The heavy rains in the Midwest are not going to make things any easier, as a matter of fact I expect food and fuel prices to sharply increase in the late Summer / early Fall due to the hit our corn and wheat crops are taking.

It may be a good idea to start stocking up on canned and dry goods to help get over this hump.

Getting started is easy. Every time you go grocery shopping, double up on the canned and dry goods that you purchase. If you need a can of peaches, buy two. Going to have friends over for spaghetti? Instead of purchasing two packages of noodles and a jar of sauce, get four packages and two jars. Place the additional products under a bed, in a closet or cupboard that is not used for day to day meal making. If you do this for two months, you will build up a decent supply of foods that your family actually eats. This supply can help you get through a period of hyper-inflated food prices or the loss of a job. In the event of a natural disaster or other major emergency, this supply could be a Godsend.

Update: As requested in comments, the Food Storage Calculator. The food storage calculator is a very good tool for an individual or family looking to put up adequate stores to meet pretty much any emergency.