22 FOOD ITEMS YOU NEED TO STORE TO TAKE YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES

With economic hardship, inflation and looming food shortages, it's so helpful to have well stocked pantry. Here's what housewives during the great depression used to make meals to feed their families
#greatdepression #prepperpantry #pantrystaples #pantry #foodstorageideas

[@ykk239]

My grandmother was a young widow with 5 children. She worked her huge garden and sold some of it for a small amount of money. They were creative and made "something from nothing" often. Their home was near a railroad and my grandma would try to offer a warm meal to the "hobos". One time she had almost nothing, but sent the children to pick some blackberries. She cooked them in a little sugar and when they were bubbling in juices, she dropped in some thinly sliced pie dough she made. Her Blackberry Dumpling recipe was born! We still enjoy it as a special treat although she passed away several years ago.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Great story... :)

[@nancyschwartz5665]

My mother, who just passed in October at 91 years old, told the story of her mother feeding the men who also came off of the railroad during the Great Depression. She said they always had bread and eggs and would make an egg sandwich for those men. She said they were just traveling trying to find work. It is a beautiful legacy.

[@summerrose4286]

My husband's grandma raised 7 children in this time period. She also fed the "hobos" that came in from the railroad. My mother-in-law has told me amazing stories.

[@ellendunn559]

My grandparents raised my parents during the Depression. One grandfather was a doctor whose patients often paid him with what they had grown in their gardens (fresh or canned), the other owned a hardware store (still a necessity in hard times) and rented out rooms and apartments in their multi family house. Both of my grandmothers were part-time teachers/tutors. Neither family had a lot, frugality was the norm, but they were better off than many. I think those of us raised by Depression kids benefited in many ways.

[@Holly-ys1me]

I am part of a small prepping group. We have been working together to build up everyone's supplies. One of the members grew up at the end of the Great Depression. I grew up poor and had to work as a child. I also had to meal plan and grocery shop. Once they had a trucker strike so there was no food at the grocery store. I was big for my age and they had a food line so the adults were given a paper bag. I was big enough that they assumed that I was an adult. I had to come up with meals for my little sister and I from the items in that bag. We go to the senior center and one woman grew up in an underground bunker during WW 2 in Germany. She has helpful tips.

[@leshanaphillips-isom9223]

Share a few tips

[@joannc147]

Wow - this would be such an interesting group to interview! Our lives have changed SO much in a few short decades. Words of wisdom from this group would be AMAZING. The “old ways” need to be relearned.

[@lindaertel7558]

How did you start your prepping group? With relatives, neighbors or friends?

[@jeanetteambrose4854]

@@leshanaphillips-isom9223 I hope that Holly sees this,yes please share a few tips with us,thank you Holly!

[@donnabacon4681]

Prepping group? How did you find yours? I can't seem to get people on board, except those too far away.

[@joannewolfe5688]

My family's "Depression dishes": fried potatoes and tomato gravy; cornmeal mush; boiled wheat for breakfast; bread and butter sandwiches; homemade noodles cooked in milk, and then the leftovers fried for breakfast the next morning; potato peelings cooked into potato soup. Hard times coming. Get your garden growing.

[@JeanieButler]

My parents grew up in VA and wVA during the depression. They shared so many stories of things their families did to survive those times. My mom raised me on Cornmeal Mush at least x2 a wk. I fed it to my kids as well, I still love it to this day and if I am feeling down or just need a warm cozy time, it is one of my go to items that I reach for...

[@mariemiller8740]

There is an English girl who cooks from world war 2 cookbook they used potato peelings to line base of pie recipe

[@suzannegagne8692]

If your diabetic your food will kill them

[@fancythat5136]

@@mariemiller8740 Everyone should be trying to grow potatoes in anything they can. Also Bush Beans can be grown in your landscape planters if sunny.

[@happycook6737]

How do you make tomato gravy? I never heard of that.

[@ocvettek07]

Oatmeal or stale bread can be added to ground meat to stretch meatloaf, meatballs, or hamburgers.

[@jmc8577]

Have an older friend she adds rice to her meatballs (rissoles)

[@graphicsfxcgy]

For anyone in the comment section, PLEASE consider pressure canning. A 23 quart Presto canner runs about $150, You can also water bath can in them. Now is the time to stock up on meat, proteins, fruits, and low-acid veggies. A small pint-sized mason jar of chicken breast is about the same cost as Costco chicken breast, tastes MUCH better, feeds 2 comfortably, and has at least the same shelf life (if not longer) than store-bought canned. You can use pressure canning for beef (ground or patties), pork, chicken, and even fish. It's a skill that is relatively easy to learn and you'll be successful at it right out of the starting gate. And no need to worry about accidents. Modern-day pressure canners are VERY safe. Best investment we ever made.

[@asimpleseason2616]

great idea for certain...home canned food is so good :)

[@bamahama707]

Don't forget a way to HEAT that pressure canner...

[@graphicsfxcgy]

@@bamahama707 True. But if the power grid goes down, it's kind of gone past the "prepping" stage. The average one-burner gas stove that takes a small propane bottle will not handle the job. They don't burn long enough. It would have to be an outdoor grill/side gas burner with a large propane tank. In either case, not the most efficient method of canning.

[@stevenschnepp576]

​@@bamahama707 If you can't build and maintain a fire in autumn, you need to relocate someplace where there is fuel.

[@antheredhen]

This depression will be WAY worse. The people aren't resourcefull. Most people don't grow anything and don't know how.. Most can't even cook. Butter, lard all come from the store. Noone has cows or goats like they used to... I looked in a customer's fridge and freezer last week. (I clean houses) there wasn't even an ice cube in the freezer let alone food. Fridge wasn't much better. Drinks mostly.. There is coming a world of hurt for a lot of unprepared people.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Yes, more people in those days either lived on farms or grew a portion of their produce...we may, hopefully see a resurgence in some people gaining some of those skills

[@lauraweiss7875]

I have a basement stocked with staples and canned goods, but here’s the problem with using a Great Depression style eating plan: It’s loaded with salt and white starchy calories. In the GD years, people were on their feet and moving around doing manual labor, while today we sit a lot more. We need to remember that exercise is also a big part of surviving tough times.

[@ultramagapatriot5874]

If you don't work then you don't eat! People that shit on their butts will starve

[@tashasmith1234]

I was just telling my 10 year old daughter about my grandfather's stories of the depression. I told her that many of the foods they grew themselves and if they wanted meat sometimes he would take a shotgun out and find a bird (pheasant, duck) for dinner. We figured his age and decided he was about her age, as he was born in 1923. He went on to fight in Europe during WWII. What an incredible generation! I can picture this lady kissing your cheeks. What a beautiful story about generosity and generations. So inspiring! When we extend our pantries, we must also keep others in mind. It's hard to say what might come, and many are not prepared for a shift in ways! I'm certain that my family is more prepared, both physically and emotionally. Be well and take good care!! ❤️

[@asimpleseason2616]

They were an amazing generation in those days. I'm glad you shared some of your family stories with your daughter. She will be grateful you did when she's older :)

[@PK-bh1ww]

This parallels a bit with my family life. My parents grew up during the depression and Dad was a Navy man in WWll. We lived in small town Midwest by a lake. My grandparents lived across the road (granny grew up in a dugout in the late 1800's. She had a garden and canned and made bread etc.. My parents did also off and on. My Dad also hunted and fished.. I've eaten deer, duck, goose , pheasant, rabbit , squirrel many fish & turtle. My Mom (seriously and not bragging :-) ) was an excellent cook. We never had to be force fed anything. :-) And we lived in 3 rooms with no running water. My granny had none either. Water was hauled in in cans. We were poor but very rich in togetherness. The neighbor lady was raising 6 kids alone after her husband got killed in a ditch cave in I' always admired her for her ability to raise those kids alone. This was in the 50's and 60's.

[@cherylclough1804]

Many years ago my aunts went to a community gathering in their local village. They had gone to do well in their lives. People, who they did not remember came up to thank them. During the 1940s and 50s when food was tough (especially for Germans in their area - Barossa Valley), they were providers. There was "pastie Tuesday". This was a day when the whole local school (about 20 students) and their teacher rocked up at their house and were given pasties. There were seconds, if they wanted them. Many of the students and their families were so poor that this was the only hot food they received all week. People remember generosity, especially when it comes with no price tag or grifting opportunity.

[@katherinecadwallader5418]

1. Canned fruits and vegetables 2. Canned meats and fish 3. Cornmeal 4. Rice 5. flour 6. sugar 7. Dried beans 8. Coffee 9. Pasta 10. Oats 11. Peanut butter 12. Popcorn

[@user-oe6wq7pu8d]

P O A T A T O E S carrots, parsnips, onions, cabbage,broccoli, Brussel sprouts, calflower, tomatoes, peppers, ect.

[@renzo6490]

Yes..my folks lived through both the Depression and the War. Dad was so frugal and economical that, as a child, I always thought that we were poor…we were not! Mom kept a room in the basement stocked with supplies and food. This was during the affluent 60s. We kidded her about her anxieties during times of plenty. We had no perspective. I think some of her stockpiling was caused by fear of nuclear war,too. Luckily, we never had to make use of those supplies. But now, I find myself doing what she did. Between, the Pandemic, the uncertainty of this country’s political stability and the real possibility of weather related disasters I have filled my basement with the basics….very much along the lines mentioned here.

[@lindaertel7558]

My farmer and rancher grandfather and grandmother lived a mile from a railroad and fed all the hoboes Sunday dinner every Sunday.

[@LetFearBounce]

Noodles and butter. That was a meal my mother made, learned from her mother. Thanks for the history ❤

[@asimpleseason2616]

Yes! A depression era classic for sure...my mom still makes many of these types of meals that are ultra frugal. I think once you grow up that way it just becomes habit :)

[@monicak100]

Mine fried them in butter and added egg. I still love it!

[@sincerely-b]

Yup grew up eating that too. If there was any parmesan powder, that kicks the dish up a notch when you spinkle it on top and mix it in on your plate. Grew up poor so our meals were usually pretty basic and bland.

[@chucky6367]

@@monicak100 So did mine! Love it with lots of cracked pepper. German background? (Mine is)

[@debbiemiller8018]

Breakfast in the morning Fried Green Tomatoes potato skins and my mother would do that for my brothers so let's remember what our parents and grandparents had to do they saved bacon grease they made sausage gravy over biscuits my daddy used to eat

[@potato6658]

I thinks it’s helpful if people learn more about plants labeled as weeds, because it is actually the complete opposite. Many plants are edible and medicinal. You can make coffee from chicory root and dandelion root. Chicory root also has pain relieving value when harvested in the fall dried and made into a tincture. Teas are another thing that can be found in nature.

[@meloniestewart2940]

“Edible Weeds” by Julia Such is a great book to refer too

[@potato6658]

I have the lost ways North American plant medicine, but ill check out the book you mentioned. Because it’s important to try to find plants where you live and you could grow with seeds.

[@meloniestewart2940]

@@potato6658 Not sure if my last message was cut or not but the Edible Weeds author is Julia Sich not, Such. She has her own website and will very likely, snail mail post you a book if you’d like

[@marydenney8249]

My Momma was a child of the depression. So much of what you talk about through out your videos reminds me so much of her. Love this channel. Good common sense, wholesome values of homemaking. Thank you for reminding so many people about the ways of yesterday. Especially important with the costs of goods these days

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks so much for your encouragement, Mary... I appreciate it :)

[@kater.7563]

My parents were married during the depression and had children when rationing was in force. Some common breakfasts were hot rice with milk (add cinnamon and raisins,) tea and toast, muffin and milk and to stretch scrambled eggs, add water to the mixture. Every Friday we ate fish sticks for dinner. Spam was often served (0 points in the rationing chart.)

[@debhouckscraftycottage9288]

My mother was a child during the Great Depression and, as a result, always stockpiled and I inherited that trait. Her stories of living in a large family during that time were mostly of eating a Lot of potatoes and bread, fixed in various ways. Potato soup, fried potatoes and then soup made out of the brown bits left in the pan (basically water with leftover brown bits - not much to live off of). Maybe an onion here and there. There may have been oatmeal, but she didn't talk much about that. I didn't hear you mention potatoes, so thought I would. Also, it's a good idea to stockpile not just because of high prices, but also things like extended power outages (which I experienced about 18 years ago in the middle of summer and Lost all my freezer food at the time) - have things available that can just be opened and eaten or cooked quickly using generator power, or cooked slowly using a Sun oven.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks for sharing this! Yes, potatoes were a mainstay as well and they're super easy to grow. Smart thinking having things you can open and eat or cook with little power :)

[@happycook6737]

Exactly 💯 right about not relying on freezer during emergencies.

[@kater.7563]

Thanks for sharing! I thought about my sister, during 911, while reading your post. NYC was sealed off and all the bridges and tunnels were shut. She lived in Manhattan with a closet sized kitchen. Folks in NYC rarely keep a pantry, opting to buy breakfast on the way to work from a street cart, lunch in the company cafeteria, and pick up something from a restaurant takeout window on the way home. She had almost nothing (by our standards,) in her kitchen and what passes for grocery stores there (more like a 7-11 or Pilot convenience store to us,) ran out day 1. This shocked me, because our parents always kept a good pantry.

[@debhouckscraftycottage9288]

@@kater.7563 911was a horribly scary day and time! Yes, I would have been afraid for your sister as well. I am assuming she is OK though! A lot of people shop daily or weekly and use up what they get in that shop until the next time. I fear for them! Thanks for your comment!

[@sincerely-b]

We were very poor growing up. We basically grew up on homemade French fries (the oil was never changed). If it weren't for potatoes, I'm not sure what we would've eaten.... that and apples for dessert. A cooked cored apple with a touch of brown sugar in the center of the cored part felt like I was eating pie.

[@dianeanderson8933]

I too am new to your channel. I loved the story you told, about visiting in Italy. Your grandmother reminds me of mine, though mine was in Oregon. My grandparents had a farm with, produce, chickens, turkeys and a cow or two and maybe a pig, during the Great Depression. She would put together boxes or baskets of produce and eggs and milk, and have my mom and her sisters, deliver them to families struggling in the area. I am so proud to hear she did that. It was a community stretched along a country road, so the girls had quite a walk! ❤️

[@asimpleseason2616]

What a wonderful piece of family history, Diane! Thanks for visiting me today :)

[@lindaertel7558]

It is scary to me because I live in a townhouse complex with 50 people, many of whom I don’t know. I am one person. If I have food and they don’t they can just take it all away from me.

[@catedennis41]

@@lindaertel7558 Don't tell them.

[@Spot4art]

My paternal grandmother had a neighborhood restaurant during the depression. She fed everyone who came in hungry even those without a dime. In the end, they closed up the business but no one was turned away during the hard times.

[@kater.7563]

There was a community dish called “stone soup” - everyone brings something for the pot. Never the same twice.

[@sincerely-b]

One thing I've discovered is TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein). It's dehydrated so it's shelf stable and it's protein. You can easily add it to pasta sauces to thicken them and add protein or to soups. It kinda looks like dehydrated ground beef. I normally flavor it by rehydrating it in broth or just tossing it directly into a tomato sauce that needs thickening. It's a great thing to stock and it's still quite inexpensive seeing as it's not that widely known.

[@maryhull531]

I use tvp too . A good meat stretcher .

[@Carol-ch9wj]

Thank you...I've never heard of this....will check out!

[@debbieolin8153]

Bought several bags JIK. Also seeds to sprout for greens in sandwiches...

[@stevenschnepp576]

Where do you pick it up at?

[@sincerely-b]

@@stevenschnepp576 I buy mine at Bulk Barn

[@genzprepper954]

I’m following you! I loved your story about your grandmother almost made me cry! You are an amazing storyteller! I’m 22 and married and try to prepare for what is coming!

[@prepperpatty199]

Homemade biscuits and gravy or molasses

[@pattybonsera]

My grandparents were in their 20s during the Depression. My great-grandparents came here from Italy in the very early 1900s. Both of my grandmothers reused everything they could. I remember even into the 1970s, my maternal grandmother would still reuse aluminum foil.

[@asimpleseason2616]

I find it so interesting that most Italian immigrants have very similar stories and habits :)

[@ellendunn559]

I was raised by parents who grew up in the Depression, and I still reuse aluminum foil if it isn’t too much of a mess! 😆

[@cathyeller5722]

If you are going to put spam or a can meat in your spaghetti, fry it first. It will taste so much better, I wash my canned meat to get most of the salt off first then fry it in just a little grease before adding it in. I keep old bacon grease in the freezer that makes the flavor even better.

[@vikker8274]

Thanks. I hadn’t thought of freezing it. It’s so tasty that wasting it breaks my heart

[@aliciaspears7847]

This video was recommended to me and I'm so glad I watched it. What an amazing legacy your grandmother left you ! Thank you so much for sharing that story with us. You have a new subscriber in me & I wish you much success with your channel. PS your hair is phenomenal !

[@asimpleseason2616]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@juneprayswithoutceasing3539]

Unfortunately there are too few people left yo tell the story of survival through the Great Depression. I grew up hearing the tales of how they got through those hard times thru my grandparents. My parents told of the food rationing during World War 2. These were hard times for all but they got through it by pulling together and adding a little more water to the soup to make it stretch. I am reminiscing over some of those stories. 👍🏼♥️

[@lpmoron6258]

My parents never talked about it. Like it helped to not remember.

[@dianejennings50]

My grandmother raised four girls in the American depression beans with two pieces of bacon. They ate that a lot beans were cheap

[@barb7014]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your grandmother’s generosity; it warmed my heart. ❣️

[@asimpleseason2616]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ksewald91]

My son was a WWII buff during high school. We did a lot of reading on the subject From all the malnutrition during the depression a lot of young men couldn't pass the physical for service when drafted.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Yes, times were really rough for many

[@mrmicro22]

Many could not pass now as they eat junk and do not move their bodies. So many can barely even walk. They need to be parented before they can make their own way.

[@ksewald91]

@@mrmicro22 one of my son's enlisted, it was a long, drawn process of background checks, checking medical history before he even got to the physical exam.

[@happycook6737]

For hard times preparation focus on cans that have highest calories first. A can of green beans is 120 calories. A can of beans 320. Any can with tomato products doesn't last as long as cans without. Example pork and beans vs plain beans. Many cans can be safely eaten long past expiration date but we use up tomato cans within 1 year of expiry. The acid in the tomatoes is the "problem".

[@asimpleseason2616]

Yes, all good points...it's good to keep and eye on the acidic foods like tomatoes and pineapple...thanks for sharing :)

[@Carol-ch9wj]

I've read where canned peas are the most nutritious canned vegetable we can buy. It isn't my favorite but I've stocked up.

[@GeckoHiker]

The best education I received was the Great Depression Era wisdom I got from my grandparents. Gardening, preserving, cooking from scratch, and above all, cooking from scraps! I can't waste food to the point where our grocery budget is negligible, but we eat a very healthy diet without any processed food or modern eggs, dairy, and meat. I made venison potstickers from scratch that are delicious. We used produce from the indoor garden, like scallions, carrots, and cabbage leaves. We served them with fried rice and a mess of collard greens from the garden. For dessert, an orange infused shortbread cookie sealed the meal. An orange provides zest, juice, pulp, and water flavoring from soaking the peels. Or the peels can be candied. Nothing goes to waste.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Wonderful, Sandra! I love it! :)

[@alexandraturnwald2286]

thank you for sharing that beautiful encounter in your town of origin - the same kindness your grandmother showed to the people around you now emanates from your lovely videos!

[@asimpleseason2616]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donnabacon4681]

Lisa - your story brought tears to my eyes! My biological mother was born in Napoli and, she too, struggled under Mussolini and was a war bride , as my biological father, from the USA, served in WWII. I wasn't raised by my biological parents, yet, my mother would come around. It was a mess; so I didn't hear much about her time in Italy; really wished I did. Because Sophia Loren (Sofia Scicolone) was born/raised very close, if not, in Napoli, I tease people that she is my Aunt! 😅 Thanks! for your memories! It was so very touching. Enjoy your day!!!

[@asimpleseason2616]

It's amazing how people made it through those days...I can barely fathom it, really...Naples is quite a city now as it was then and how fun having Sofia Loren as your adopted aunt :)

[@kathyboyd3562]

Also, I have to stock up on pb, oatmeal, and popcorn because my 8 yr old goes through it like crazy! He is Autistic and very picky because of sensory issues. The oatmeal with pb added is excellent for grains, carbs, and protein for his growing body. He's not a big meat eater.

[@emeraldsea8754]

For added nutrition my cousin sprinkles nutritional yeast on her popcorn, and in cereal. You might try whisking a tiny bit into his oatmeal and gradually increasing a little more. Also dehydrated mushrooms, peas, and/or dried lentils can all be ground into powder for extra protein added to the oatmeal. If you aren’t already doing these things I hope this helps increase his protein and other nutrient intake.

[@happycook6737]

The dry PB has a longer shelf life before turning rancid.

[@kathyboyd3562]

@@emeraldsea8754 Great advice! thank you!

[@kathyboyd3562]

@@happycook6737 We go through it so fast that it honestly doesn't make much of a difference. I do have both though. Thank you!

[@emeraldsea8754]

@@kathyboyd3562 I wish you healthy success! Just be very sure to start out with tiny undetectable amounts and very slowly work up to more.

[@robininva]

Thoroughly enjoyed your real-life stories of the depression. I have a boatload from my mom that cause me to know what “can” happen. Love your channel. Hoping your channel grows hugely so others can glean from what you have to share.

[@asimpleseason2616]

How kind of you, Robin!

[@conniemiller5125]

My grandparents and my parents all went through the depression. Mom said if it weren't for potatoes and apples,they all would've starved to death.

[@amandafriel1865]

Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one who stores like this lol. My mother was born in 1928 and dad in 1923. Mum went through the depression in a family with 9 kids. They were occupied by the Nazis and starved so I have picked up her habit of storing food lol. My kids call me one of the original preppers lol Especially sugar and coffee ..

[@asimpleseason2616]

Nope, you're not the only one lol! A stocked pantry that gets rotated through is always a good idea...even if it's just to hedge against inflation. Some of the stuff I bought last year has almost doubled in price ...thanks for being here, Amanda :)

[@arturoroco7301]

Love stories and memories of our old ones. Such a rich heritage is passed down to us by those who are long gone. I miss them all.

[@tinagale7840]

What a fantastic sweet story about your grandmother!

[@RaptureWILLBeSoon]

Oh wow... I have tears in my eyes about your grandmother.

[@asimpleseason2616]

she was an amazing woman! Thank you for being here :)

[@RaptureWILLBeSoon]

@@asimpleseason2616 That is a joy I didn't get to experience this side of Heaven. My parents had me later in life and all four grand parents passed before I was born. I do miss knowing them. Glad YT shared your channel with me. I will be back. Blessings to you!

[@sandrabotard7687]

Thank you for sharing that beautiful story about your grandmother! I'm sure stories similar to that were repeated countless times by so many people that lived in that era. Most everyone was willing to help others when they could. It is something that has been lost to a great extent in this me, me, me world we live in now. Thanks for the great tips on stocking a pantry. Yours is pretty amazing!

[@maryrenaud6732]

Wonderful story of your Grandmother’s kindness and fortitude in keeping others alive in hard times. If we all did this, how much better life would be for everyone. Bless you for sharing with us ideas that can help us in the days ahead.💕✝️🙏

[@negolfman]

A dehydrator or oven on a low temperature can dehydrate veggies and fruits and can be combined with dried beans, rice, oats, pasta and nuts for a soup 🍲, or a trail mix blend. They keep shelf stable for a long time. Canned meats add a little extra protein. Sugar, flour and rice can also be canned or placed in mylar bags. A grinder, mortar and pestle or mulcahete to use for corn or wheat for flour milling for bread production is valuable.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rebeccabryan7712]

@A Sinple Season watch out for tomatoes and pinapples canned overtime those cans can leach know from growing up yet if in jars lasts longer... and store foods on too dry foods too in glass jars do recycle your jars...

[@suegeorge998]

I think that we all could learn from this and from the depression. Keeping food stocked up is a good idea for just the ordinary things that come up. Power outages especially with warmer weather and storms knocking out power, job loss, food and supply shortages, you name it. I've been working on storing these. Additionally I live in the country and I try to not run out of things because there's no store just around the corner. Plus I live in Wisconsin so being snowed in is a real thing.

[@laurielyon1892]

What a great story about your grandmother! Such a wonderful gift to know how she helped others!

[@along5925]

You are a beautiful, beautiful person. Your story of your grandmother made me cry. I had to pause the video. I love your channel. Good, practical advice for those smart enough to heed.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Aww, thanks for your sweet sentiments :)

[@sherriruiz339]

Thank you so much Lisa. I found you here on KZbin yesterday and I appreciate all the good tips and yummy recipes. What a lovely person you are. Inside and out. God bless...Sherri-Payette Idaho

[@asimpleseason2616]

Yay! So glad you are enjoying the channel, Sherri and welcome! :)

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I just found your channel and have been watching and enjoying your videos. My parents were children during the depression. Dad talked about joining ROTC in school so he had clothes to wear. He had to wear his uniform 3 days a week. Mom and dad were married during WW2. Mom talked a little about rationing. They didn’t have us for a long time after the war. I do remember having creamed eggs on toast or what the cookbook called Eggs Goldenrod. Dad always liked crackers and milk. Mom was a great cook, but dad made the best chili.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Amazing stories...thanks for sharing them :)

[@elizabethrecco8485]

My father was from Italy born in 1909, my Mother came here with her parents from Hungary. My Mothers family had a farm in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. During the depression people would come to their door and ask to work for food. They grew field corn for the dairy farmer in the next property. My Mom said they never knew there was a depression because the farm was self sustaining. I’ve always loved growing plants because of their influence and my garden puts out tons of food. I can and freeze everything I can get my hands on, lol! I love feeling like I’m screwing the grocery stores!

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks for sharing your family story, Elizabeth...so neat that you inherited the green thumb! The veggies you grow yourself are so much better than what's in the store :)

[@ofrecentvintage]

Oh my. Your grandmother's legacy even brought tears to my eyes. How beautiful. ❤

[@meloniestewart2940]

WOW, Lisa beautiful lady your story touched my heart. Have you ever thought of writing down all your stories or recording them for your family & future generations. You could add ancestral photos, maps, your family tree, etc. I am so glad your channel popped up on my feed 😁🙏🏼

[@asimpleseason2616]

I never thought to write the stories down...interesting idea...

[@ChocolateBoxCottage]

What a wonderful, warm and friendly nudge to get our pantries stocked up with shelf stable staples that are inexpensive. Thank you, Michele

[@l.l.2463]

Oh my gosh!!! The grandma story! I'm crying and she wasn't even my grandma. I want to be that person!

[@Thisisit120]

I just found you this morning and find you quite delightful. I did want to make a comment about your coffee and any other grains you may store. If you get it in the seed the berry or the most natural form that you can get it. It will last longer. You can grind small amounts to store in jars with oxygen absorbers and then also get a hand grinder in case you are without electricity. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Yes, great tips! I don't have a coffee grinder yet but it's on my list :)

[@nancysalerno7036]

Thank you, my mother in law lived thru the middle of ww2 in Italy. She had so much knowledge. We visited her when they retired back there. She had a vineyard and chickens and rabbits I think she could do everything including all household a “arts”. I wish knew everything she knew . In their town they had a place where people could weave their own sheets from linen. I actually feel bad that they eventually came back to America because they missed the family they raised here. They set a high standard yet they enjoyed life and were happier than most people today.

[@asimpleseason2616]

I hear you! I think people also did more things together like canning parties and olive or grape picking which helped build a nice sense of community ...thanks for sharing :)

[@madelinekimbro2440]

This story about your grandma made me cry!!! Loved it!!!! We have to love and help each other...hard times are coming and it warms my heart to know these kinds of community mindsets are out there. Love your channel!!!!! Blessings to all!

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks so much, Madeline :)

[@bettyjoelauper]

New sub here. Love ur style and stories people need to hear more stories and real life experiences we've been soft too long...

[@joystott1867]

I still cook some great depression meals. My parents lived in England during the depression, then WWII they had to endure rations greater than Canadians. Their portions were smaller. I was born here in Ontario. I remember my mom continuing a lot of the war meals, like making potatoe pie, (made with only onion and potatoes) ; potato "ash", made with potatoes, onion and ground beef, baked in an oven casserole dish, with a gravy. I never had pasta until i was a teen, it was always potatoes! Rice was only served as a Pudding. Flour was used for Pastry, pies, tarts more, than cakes. Cakes require eggs, milk, and other ingredient s. Oats was used for oatmeal PORRIDGE or cookies

[@joystott1867]

We were rationed with water and how much milk we could have each day. I started to have tea at age 10 or 12 or if I was sick. No pop or juice like how the children are today, it was water, or fresh fruit. We had plum trees and raspberry bushes in our yard. A neighbour had rhubarb and made blackcurrant jam, we swap. I remember helping a Mrs. Wheeler with her vegetable stand at the end of her long country driveway, we tended her garden during the summer months, and she paid us in vegetables

[@joystott1867]

I enjoyed those days! I still have a small vegetable garden for myself

[@kathyboyd3562]

First video of you that I am watching. First off, you are such a beautiful person. You are very informative. I loved the stories you shared. I know a little bit of stocking up but still learning. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks and welcome! :)

[@sonyalytle8972]

My mother is the oldest of 10 kids. They were very poor. She grew up eating Amish style meals. Mt Grandfather used to eat "coffee soup" for breakfast. Just buttered toast, torn up in a cup with coffee poured over top. Mt Grandma used to make milk soup. Noodles and milk with butter. I remember eating cinnamon bread for a treat. You butter your bread with either butter or margarine, sprinkle with sugar, then cinnamon. My Mom talked about much my Grandma canned.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Ohhh yes, cinnamon bread and noodles with milk and butter. These things are not anything like I had growing up and I am tempted to try some of the things in the comments to experience them for myself...thanks for sharing :)

[@Judges4MWarriorWoman]

May the good lord richly bless your grandmother, for her kindness; such a wonderful legacy she left behind.

[@asimpleseason2616]

So nice of you to say...thank you :)

[@hardnackfarms1736]

Good morning! We have something in common. My grandfather was from Italy and when his family came here from Italy immigration changed part of the family’s last name. I listened to stories from my grandparents on the Great Depression. They saved everything except trash. They found uses for things. Not wasteful! Thank you for sharing. Your grandmother’s story made me tear up. What an amazing story! Have a very blessed week! Wendy🧡🤎🐞

[@SproutingHealth]

Love love love love LOVE your story abt the woman knowing your grandma n being so grateful for her love & assistance thru her veggie sharing. Beautiful. Brilliant also for u to mention her name when nothing clicked w your dad's name. Truly a beautiful story that we can learn so much from. Thank u for sharing!

[@dolcedresses5940]

New subscriber! Spent 4 years in Italy, and miss it dearly. The small towns are the best. I try to live more simply now because of my time there. Beautiful story about your grandparents.

[@conniehawkins9459]

Stationed in Sicily in later 70's, loved it and the people. Simpler foods, slower lifestyle...

[@Live_Inspired_Style]

Thank you again so much 🙏🏼I’ve been so work focused all these years, I’m looking forward to shifting to being able to focus more on home.

[@denisebissell5875]

I can totally relate as second generation my Nonna and Nonno came from mountain town near lucca. Same exact.!!!

[@lawriefoster5587]

Thank you for this. My Mother and Father were married in 1937 and I learned so much from them. I can still see my Mother canning peaches and tomatoes. We lived in New Jersey and in the 1960's you could get a bushel basket of peaches for 2.00 !!! So many memories which I am very happy to have. I did subscribe!! Your snowdrops are glorious.

[@asimpleseason2616]

What wonderful memories, Lawrie, a true blessing :)

[@karensample3052]

Stories of kindness and mercy are so important to hear. I know you are proud of her memory 💕🌷

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thank you so much!

[@Heidi-px4rg]

Such a beautiful picture of real love, my grandmother had a similar reputation during the depression ❤

[@1Melody1963]

Such a wonderful thing-for you to share this with us on here. In my opinion one of the most important things to save is seeds of vegetables that you really eat. And learn what to do to grow and store the vegetables and save more seeds.

[@YouMeandSicily]

Loved listening to your stories! Especially moving about your grandmother and her vegetables on her head! People are resourceful! Where in Italy is your family from?

[@asimpleseason2616]

We are from Calabria :)

[@donnagrifford7142]

New 2 Ur Channel. Luved this video! Very informative n Heartwarming! Thanks 4 sharing! 👏👍💞

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks and welcome

[@jilldigwood4328]

What a lovely story about your grandmother ❤️

[@joystott1867]

Thank you Mary for sharing your stories. Loved the one about your grandma. I too have a pantry, even though i live in a tiny apartment. I store it under my bed. Canned Meat, fish, beans, pumpkin, vegetables, fruit, jams, pasta, rice, olives, oil, vinegar, salt, spices, baking supplies. I still buy extra on sale, 1 - 6 items every shopping day. It pays to restock to keeo kr give away.

[@Tattiepoo1]

My mother said they had to take lard sandwiches for their school lunches

[@asimpleseason2616]

Bread with anything on it was considered lucky...wow

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

I remember one of my friends in school, all she ever had for lunch was a piece of cheap white baguette with lard. She so yearningly looked at my sandwiches, so we traded. When I told my mom, she kept sending an extra sandwich along for my friend. Our homemade sandwiches where always made with 100% whole grain bread, and usually cheese with butter. Certainly nutrient dense.

[@nancybrewer8494]

My mother was born in 1931 and told me they were poor, but there was always someone worse off. In East Texas, one of her childhood friends did not have a mother and his father drank. He used to pick up pecans and bring them in his lunch pail. He would then find an out of the way place in the schoolyard to crack and eat his pecans by himself. Pecans have a lot of protein and fat, so they are a survival food, especially if you can pick them up for free! Sad, neglected child grew up to be an oil driller in West Texas, and died a millionaire!

[@asimpleseason2616]

@@nancybrewer8494 Wow...that's amazing

[@mamamanaged2015]

Love the story about your grandmother and the helpful tips 🙂

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks so much!

[@mairzydotes3548]

Lovely story about your grandmother.

[@soniahenney9827]

Loved the story of your grandma.

[@pizzagal197]

First time viewer….love ur story also about ur grandmother. Subscribed today!

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks and welcome! :)

[@kimberlygiacometti6041]

Over the past 2 yrs., I have been grabbing a few 'extra' grocery items(it pays off b/c now everything is expensive). Who knew you would have to pay almost 5 bucks for a(not even full loaf) of brand named rye bread or even over 3 bucks for a loaf of white bread? Buying store brand fresh bakery bread used to be cheaper; not anymore. I have been stocking up on peanut butter(from d/general and/or f/dollar). The p/nut butter used to be in the three dollar range(big/generic brand). Bought the same thing last week and the price bulked up to 5 bucks for the same item. Pasta......ALWAYS. I make sauce from the tomatoes from our garden. It does not matter the variety we grow....most batches I make includes whatever is ready to harvest. Pickles did not do good at all last summer, so we are eating 'deli pickes'...Ball canning book...that I made in 2021. Those seems to have lost the normal garlicky taste. I added two fresh smashed garlic cloves; shook the jar everyday for almost a week and that seems to have brought back the fresh taste again. Yesterday I actually bought a 2nd dehydrator. and more quart jars(Ball) for storing my dehydrated veggies. Just my 4 cents(inflation....you know....democrats). LOL.

[@asimpleseason2616]

I hear you on the bread prices! So great that you're canning tomatoes and reviving your pickles! Those vintage food preservation skills are so good to have :)

[@nancybrewer8494]

You can still makes bread at home for less than $1 a loaf. That artisan bread at $5 or more is just crazy! I really don't like the cheap bread which has now gone up to about $1.98.

[@eileeneclark9011]

2/25/23...WHAT a wonderful story. You are right...usually ppl try to stick together + help each other out + share. You can be thankful + proud to know you had such a "sharing"/caring grandmother 👵! AND to meet somebody who remembered her kindness + love for her neighbors/community. OBVIOUSLY you inherited her kindness + Christian ✝️ morals/values. AND I can see your natural beauty also comes from your Italian background! GOD BLESS AMERICA! THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@georgettelikens3455]

Great stories about your family and the great depression, thank you for sharing.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Thanks for being here! :)

[@carolds7595]

Hi! Just found your channel and I’m really enjoying it. 😊 My father / grandparents are from Calabria ( San Pietro a Maida) and our stories are very much the same as they were farmers. Thanks for the great memories and tips!

[@asimpleseason2616]

It's amazing how many of the rural Italian families have similar histories! Piacere della conoscienza!

[@carolds7595]

@@asimpleseason2616 Piacere!

[@Rita-ic9tv]

Me too . Family from Calabria. My grandmother also helped others survive even though she had 6 children to feed. God bless them

[@gretchenarrant8334]

Very nice video. Loved your story, must have made your heart so happy for the lady to tell you about your grandmother! Im sure you already have, but any stories from things like that or stories your parents told, please write in a book, I did late in my parents lives and read often. They are so comforting. My mom kept little notebooks of trips and I have found many and love to read them. God bless.

[@gretchenarrant8334]

My parents are both gone now, lived to their mid 90s, but mom was born in 1923, and daddy in 1919, so they knew very well!! Also, daddy was career military and we grew up during the hard civil defense era, so having a stockpile of food comes naturally. I do small batch canning . I have mandarin oranges to do very soon and 2 heads of cabbage for more sauerkraut, love it and is so simple, just as most things time consuming. Dadfy taught me things worth having are worth the investment of time!! I learned to can with my grandma as an early teen and have always participated till I got my own home!!! Now I have home canned goods literally all over my home!! Love it!!

[@jmc8577]

That is such a sad yet sweet story. My plan is to be as self sufficient as possible and to share when the time is needed

[@Deba7777]

Thank you so much, lots of great info! God bless you!

[@glorybound7599]

Vinegar, oil, shortening, lard, baking soda and baking powder. Thanks again and God bless. Good stuff !

[@soniab.estacio3008]

Such a pretty lady you are ! Thank you and I subscribed . Greetings from Chicago ❤️

[@asimpleseason2616]

What a kind thing to say! Welcome and thank you for visiting :)

[@Dragonfly-LazyDynamite]

List starts @6:27

[@valeriealiceramunno9120]

Your story touched me. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@daniellecomeau2996]

My food saver came with an attachment for both small and wide mouth Mason jars so if you were to open up that coffee that's in the brick and vacuum sealed put the remainder in Mason jars and then you can back and seal it with the with the food saver

[@Fran-ou7zf]

What a beautiful story about your Grandmother. Thank you for sharing.

[@asimpleseason2616]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you :)

[@limitedaxcess]

People drank chicory rather than coffee cause you could grow it Classic depression sandwiches Peanut butter and, Mayo, or onion, or sweet pickles... I grew up with PB and miracle whip 😊 don't knock it till you try it 😜

[@asimpleseason2616]

Wow! Peanut butter and mayo! that's a new one for me...I will try it though just to say I did! :)

[@limitedaxcess]

@@asimpleseason2616 try it with the miracle whip, aka salad dressing, it's sweeter like jam

[@debhouckscraftycottage9288]

Maybe that's why my mother used to like Radish sandwiches. lol With the white radishes, and some butter, they aren't too bad actually. :)

[@emeraldsea8754]

Peanut butter and pickle sandwiches 😋 I like plain mayo sandwiches too!

[@happycook6737]

With miracle whip and mayo being $4.50/small jar not sure if it is thrifty enough nowadays for me. 🤭

[@cookitfor2]

I am so glad I found your channel . Thank you for sharing such good info.

[@asimpleseason2616]

A warm welcome to you and thanks so much...I will check out your channel :)

[@amyfoosaner3381]

Wonderful video and stories Lisa! thanks for sharing

[@l.l.2463]

Another skill they had was to know what to do with old milk including making simple cheese. Mom used to talk about "clabbered milk" and such things.

[@sailorgirl2017]

Such a beautiful story to hear about your loved one and so inspiring for the rest of us.