How to Prepare Your Pantry for 2025 (and Why You Should Start NOW)

[@elizabethpears307]

A restaurant owner explained it this way to my brother - many small food businesses didn’t survive Covid, leaving us with only conglomerates providing food. Thus the conglomerates are able to set food prices at whatever the market will bear.

[@LetitRainNow450]

Exactly. It's greed and price setting.

[@melissamenchaca9121]

It’s greedflation, not just inflation

[@saraphena]

"didn't survive Covid" lol I love how that sounds like it was the virus rather than the policies that were designed for this exact outcome.

[@lindajohnson7675]

It is a great reason to have voted for Kamala Harris! She vowed to stop price gouging on groceries.....to start!

[@annmarieknapp2480]

​@@saraphenaGreat point.

[@StLsalsagirl]

Growing up poor in the midwest, the only thing my mama didn't teach me was canning. We used ziplock rather than glass. Turkey breast in a crockpot is great! Then boil carcass for soup broth! People call me a hoarder, but when they need something, guess who they call. I have stuff, but it's organized and useful. My home is clean and comfy. Enough said. Reduce * Reuse * Recycle

[@jessz3304]

I suggest glass! Plastic bags doesn't belong in food!

[@dianejenkins6159]

You are a every smart girl.

[@stephstafford837]

Thrifty is smart!!!!

[@katthefantastic]

I'm the same. Save those bones!!!

[@RayGalactic]

Thanks!

[@girrl88]

I look at it like prepping for a hurricane except this storm will last for 4 years. So many things to get stocked up on. My parents and in-laws all think I'm overreacting and I hope that I am, but I'm not going to take the risk of being unprepared. Thanks for this vid, you've given me some good ideas/reminders and I'm feeling more confident about my choices.

[@LetitRainNow450]

@@girrl88 you're not overreacting

[@jojose417]

SAME HERE!!

[@kimr3755]

I've stocked up for hurricane season so now I ramped up. It's nice to know that others are worried about the next few years.

[@kimmermoo]

For health reasons I started intermittent fasting…skipping one meal. This automatically put 7 extra meals in my pantry weekly at no extra cost…and I started feeling better. Remember to check with your doctor😊

[@7DrunkenMermaids]

Yep. It's great for the pocketbook as well as the body.

[@SussyAsianMenacePlays]

I also fast, usually hours before i sleep, and instead of coffee i have water in the morning, then have coffee in the afternoon.. It's insane how much better i feel.

[@ghostratsarah]

People could also just... Have a normal eating schedule. We don't need to have food in our mouths at all times. This isn't an insult to your style, just pointing out to anyone reading this, who wants to blast fasting, that they can still easily cut back on food (assuming they eat a typical American diet). Some people get uppity over the word, but most interpretations of it just describe, what used to be, a normal schedule.

[@Keekonuts]

I do that too!

[@carolynbecker6383]

Had good luck with intermittent fasting for health too! And having to spend less time and money on food is a big bonus!

[@MaryEllenSimmons-h5y]

For spices check the ethnic food areas in your supermarket. You can often find a multi- ounce bag for less than the jar with less than an ounce. I have spice containers that hold about a quarter cup, so the rest of the spice needs to be stored away from heat and light and in airtight containers to keep it flavorful.

[@Gumbier_Than]

They are usually doubly fresh too. I used to frequent an Indian Spice shop and did the grinding for my own spices. You would not believe how much better the food tasted with freshly ground and/or toasted spices.

[@heidiortiz9352]

Consider skipping cinnamon from ethnic grocery stores. Consumer Reports found high levels of lead in several brands. You can see there findings on their website without pay wall. McCormick brand was fairly low levels

[@stephstafford837]

There are also ethnic grocery stores around and yes lots of cheaper items and better qualities or so from my experiences are!!!!

[@christicoffey6463]

@@MaryEllenSimmons-h5y Unfortunately, imported spices are going to be taxes by tariffs.

[@SilvrRazorFeather]

I'm lucky enough that the co-op a couple towns over has spices in bulk, we visit that town for appointments once a month anyway and I take my empty spice jars with us and pay, at most, $2 for a full jar of seasoning vs $4-$5 for a new shaker.

[@belladuncan9985]

I am conditioning (forgot correct word) 25 lbs of orange, white and purple sweet potatoes I grew for the first time this year in a rented $10 community garden bed. All grown from slips I started from organic potatoes I bought (and later ate) from the grocery store. I live in an apartment, so I found a local community garden. Very exciting.

[@tpribors]

Me too! Did a winter garden of sweet potatoes from potatoes that hung around too long and about to harvest them. Had a very late first frost (just this week) and it wasn't even a hard frost. Plants are still green 🙂

[@bobbun9630]

The word you're looking for is "curing". There's a fair amount of mythology surrounding post-harvest handling of sweet potatoes. You don't need to cure them (though you may find them sweeter if you do--they still store just fine). You can gently wash them if they're muddy, provided you make sure they're completely dry before putting them away. They don't need special protection from light (regular potatoes do). I store mine in a cardboard box at room temperature. For baking or frying purposes, they're good for about six months that way. After that they kind of dry out, but they can be restored by boiling on the stove, so pies are still an option for up to about a year.

[@AnneMorrison-s6g]

@@belladuncan9985 yes you do what I do, resources……most people just complain instead of pulling up boot straps and doing something about it.

[@ginareina5319]

My husband and I were running errands today and he asked if we needed anything from the grocery store. I couldn’t think of a single thing and neither could he! It was a great feeling knowing we had all we needed in our pantry ❤

[@silviamagda]

I like that feeling. ❤

[@palominogirl2732]

I know that feeling! It's fantastic!

[@derr2438]

This happens to us now, too. I got used to not being able to get fresh produce, and having to do without. And, BTW, we have been working on making pantry meals that are turning out pretty darn good.

[@palominogirl2732]

@@derr2438 Yes, I love rummaging around and making something just from the pantry. But I have a lot of produce that I grow, too, and freeze or can. Still, having a home grocery store is a good thing. :)

[@gailoreilly1516]

I know the feeling and it is wonderful.

[@ellymeonji]

I'm Korean and started to prepare few months ago. I live alone and thinking to move next year, so I just have 3weeks worth. As you may know Korea recently had a weird 'martial law' thing. It's cancelled and nothing I worried happened in real, but I was super grateful to have those food and supplies. Thank you Leisa❤ I really enjoy watching your videos and learn a lot.

[@chrisl418]

I got rid of my straming service over a year ago. I had netflix but it kept going up. I make no-knead bread. I used to think it was too hard to make. I make my glutenfree daughter her bread sometimes. I never go out to eat. We used to. I make all our food. We live in a small apartment. I chose to live in a sandwich apartment (a middle floor). It is so much more comfortable in our apartment than the top floor apartment or bottom floor condo. We used so much more electricity to keep warm/cool. We rotate our food stock. I don't buy highly processed foods anymore. I buy the basics and make it myself. I started buying better eggs, better meat. I'm using less of each, but the nutrients are better because the animals were raised healthier. I'm really careful about portion control of meat especially. You are hilarious! I love your ideas! So practical. Such great ideas and well-delivered, like a new friend. Thank you.

[@Brown_Skittle]

Can you please share your gluten free bread recipe 🙏

[@dianetaylor1085]

After 5 years of buying five items a week I am now at the point where I am using my 59 Cent a canned vegetables and tomato sauce and only replacing what I use to keep my pantry shelves filled. I lost my freezer food, $749 worth, during a tornado but was able to replace some of it with a homeowner's insurance claim. Dehydrated a bookcase full of eggs, mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes and other summer goodies as well. It can be done on retirement income! So grateful

[@StephanieSweetly]

I just learned something. Didn't know that you could dehydrate eggs.

[@DulceN]

Good to know. I purchased a dehydrator a while back (in storage now, pending a move) and will be trying all those things you mentioned.

[@Ms.AnnDrist]

How do you dehydrate eggs?

[@janetnunn210]

I turned off t.v. 2 years ago when my husband died.I rarely watched it anyway.I was going out for f3ench fries and gravy about ones a month now is ever 2 months.I put away the change from my grocery money and have a special wallet for it.when I go shopping if I find a really good sale on something I like I buy it with that money. I have ham in my freezer for Christmas and I found cranberries on sale last week so I will make some good juice. January I will start canning from my freezer.I am blessed

[@SuttonsDaze]

Love the idea of the special wallet for sale items!

[@terrim9323]

Death of my husband was immediate cancellation of DirecTV. I had to save every penny; no life insurance had only my paycheck. That was 2015; I don't miss TV now. I survived.

[@mckennah8586]

I've been without cable TV, and no subscription service (only internet) for many, many years. There's plenty to watch on free TV.

[@nevermind7253]

​@@SuttonsDaze Happy holidays wise one 😍 Please... PLEASE can anyone tell me how to get rid of freezer smell? We rent It stinks and ruins our foods! Yes I've cleaned it multiple times

[@meshab6049]

​@@nevermind7253Try vacuum sealing your food.

[@ajorgensen2334]

The other thing about scratch cooking is that you feel better when you eat it. My son went away to college and tried to eat convenience food - he was so ill after a week he had to go back to scratch made foods. I would drive up pre-made meals for him during his exams to help him out.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Makes total sense!

[@trishastevenson8734]

I’m lucky. My daughter lives with us and is the best at finding great deals. Checkers at our favorite local store have complemented her on finding all the best deals.

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

Changing diet can cause havok on a peraon regardless of what that change is. I'm not sure why grown adults don't understand that.

[@maryqc8418]

Yup. That happened to my oldest too. He can't eat any junk. it effects his emotional well being, his mood, acne, diarrhea, and migraines. Poor kid. Needs everything organic and vegan like me.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I also use my pantry to create a situation where I only shop sales. Its almost an art. :)

[@SuttonsDaze]

So true!

[@robinsommerhauser-sz1jh]

We only shop for dairy, bread, and fresh vegetables and fruit that are on sale. We only buy bread on sale with a coupon. So under a dollar for bread. We only buy veg/friut when it is the weekly sale. I havent bought a mushroom in minths because they went through the roof. I only buy the cheapest produce. We garden our whole back yard in the summer and can/freeze all of the spring, summer and fall produce to get us through the winter.

[@suel1634]

Pork Butt is on sale here for $1.99 lb. Which is a good price here. And then my sister said they have it on sale by her for $0.99 lb! So I asked her to pick me up a few, and she did! She would let me pay her back for it. It is her Christmas present to me! Best sister ever!

[@tiagentry4917]

I got 4 turkeys this week at Publix for 49 cents per pound. All of them are over 25 pounds each. This supplements my cat food for the year.

[@palominogirl2732]

Good job! I only had room for two turkeys, .48/lb.

[@RealBradMiller]

My poor dear. I can't believe you have to survive off turkey and cat food. 😤😤😤

[@tiagentry4917]

@@RealBradMiller 😂😂😂. My cats eat well on a budget.

[@tiagentry4917]

@@leviahimsa I don’t need a study to know what to feed my cats. My cats don’t go out to my garden and eat my vegetables. They will go and hunt mice and other small animals to eat. It is the grains that make cats sick not the meat. My cats are fed only meat and no grains.

[@cmalta897]

@@vickiehow-should we eat the cats and dogs 🥴

[@triciabenavente185]

This isn't for everyone but works for me. I got a bread machine. I dump the ingredients in it and turn it on every other day. I work from home but get tied up and doing bread by hand was not working. Burned miss proved etc. The machine helps and no more store bought.

[@lesliecurran1704]

Bread machines are great. I also have a vacuum sealer and what I did was I made a bread mix with all the dry ingredients and sealed them and they're good for like 1 to 2 years and all you have to do is add water a tablespoon of oil and I did not include the yeast so you have to include that. I'm also going to make pancake mix the same way all you have to do is add water. My vacuum sealer is my best friend.

[@DulceN]

I grew up in Spain on a Mediterranean diet, and that’s how I still eat at 64 although I omit meats. I live alone and don’t have many needs, got all the clothes, accessories I’ll ever need and the furnishings from the family home that was sold following a great divorce. I have a small closet pantry in the kitchen stocked with basic ingredients; I also have a second fridge and small chest freezer in the garage to fill once a month and avoid frequent trips to the store. I buy the bulk of my groceries and gasoline at military commissaries/bases and some staples at discount stores. I cut cable 8 yrs. ago and only pay for Internet, but use a Roku stick for entertainment along with my many hobbies. I just purchased a home and will be dedicating part of the backyard as a seasonal veggie/herb garden, using the square foot method. Will subscribe to this channel and watch for more ideas.

[@julianparks8485]

I've been warning family and friends about this. Stock up on food, medical supplies and medicines, clothes, and other measures to ensure your security.

[@viridiannnn]

You probably dont get comments from my demographic (gen z), but its really refreshing to hear someone balance the "you dont have to do what you dont want to do" with "but if you want to learn things it will be work" that is so often unsaid alongside it. I am keeping this advice in mind cooking for people I care about and fostering a community that nourishes each other with good food and good values.

[@wvnanaskitchenandgarden]

Starting in January I’m converting our pantry into an ingredient pantry….no more pre-packaged processed foods. Hubby agrees totally.

[@SuttonsDaze]

That’s awesome! I am so happy for you.

[@SandraMalone-pq4mn]

You will never regret that change! Happiest (and healthiest New Year to you and your Hubby!!

[@silviamagda]

That's the way to go! 🎉

[@wvnanaskitchenandgarden]

With all the food recalls daily it’s the only way to go. I have a lot of processed foods in my pantry….I’m fixing to fill quite a few blessing boxes right here at the holidays.

[@kelliebaranowski]

That’s my plan as well!

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I think a lot is due to corporate greed. I already stocked up on turkeys when they went on sale.

[@lindas9806]

It's not corporate greed. Those turkeys are loss leaders to get you into the store to buy more. When salaries go up electricity goes up fuel goes up you name it goes up we pay for it at the end of the supply chain.

[@paulawinstead5660]

@@lindas9806 There are people who don't understand or know all the "middlemen" between the farmer who's at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to a share of that "corporate greed" (which is wrongly placed on grocery stores). The grocery store is at the top of that totem pole as in paying the highest price in order to get the goods that people expect to be on those stores shelf's. I don't place consumers on that totem pole because each one has the choice to pay that price or not.

[@kell1408]

If you really believe that is the case, then beat them at their own game. Every time you buy something and complain about the price after the fact, you are telling these companies that it is okay to charge that much because you will still pay it. I have learned to make A LOT of things from scratch that I used to buy ready made. I'm not paying $6 for a bottle of Heinz 57 sauce, because I found a suitable replacement recipe I can make at home for about 50 cents and less than 5 minutes of my time. My family can't tell the difference in taste. It doesn't have to be time consuming - I pick recipes that I can write on a post it note, and keep looking until I find them. Not all of the home made versions turn out great the first time, but i keep looking until I find one, or tweak the recipe until we like it. This one thing has easily saved me 30-40% off my grocery bill even with ridiculous inflation. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

[@teamshoemaker]

Tons of corporate greed even just on eggs and milk. They charge every bit the market can bear.

[@lindas9806]

@ it's called a business. If you have to pay your employees $25 an hour and it used to be $15 then of course the prices are going to go up. If gas went from two dollars a gallon to five dollars a gallon of course prices are going to go up. Electricity goes up 50% so is the product. And it goes all the way from Farm, to grocery store. It just doesn't magically happen and every single one of these tentacles in the supply chain have to pay people fuel overhead cost taxes etc. definitely are not going to get a product for free. As for eggs, there's been a lot of culling of chickens due to bird flu + feed prices, fuel, etc. all has increased in cost. Culling chickens is is a loss for the business that they're not going to take either.

[@dennisfrench8225]

I feel ya and I am 66 yrs old my wife is 65 she wants all the bells and whistles but I do all shopping and cooking she wants more eating out and all tv bull crap but I refuse and pay the price for holding tite on my ways to make sure we eat well and I am not backing down plus she is on oxygen 24/7 so it’s really tough dealing with a person like that so I know what we will need in the future. Plus we are a fixed income family and I still drive a 1992 truck that treats me sooooo good !!!!! But I thank god I have always been a prepper I have 3 freezers stocked up. Thank you for letting me vent love yur channel

[@SuttonsDaze]

I am so sorry you’re going through that. Keep strong! You've got this.

[@patriot4095]

You’re doing the right thing.

[@pamellamitchell2380]

You are an amazingly strong guy to do this alone. Keep at it. You are doing the right thing.

[@MelP-o9f]

❤

[@robertamead3687]

Being a caregiver is a tough job. Bless you

[@missperfect8424]

Haven't had cable in over 15 years, heat pump quit about the same time. Cannot afford a new one. Not fixable. Internet only on the phone. Antenna only for tv. My car runs by the grace of God,float broken on the toilet and lid switch on washer broken. Hope to fix both myself but have to wait for payday. So much else is either broken or doesn't work.Not complaining just explaining some of my situation. I don't have a big fancy panty but I've managed to get some things. Slow and steady wins the race so to speak. Folks just need to keep trying. Don't give up. You help keep us going. Thank you ❤🙏🇺🇸

[@SuttonsDaze]

I hear you, and I am so proud of you for pushing through!

[@missperfect8424]

@SuttonsDaze thank you

[@ettahamilton670]

@@missperfect8424 hear you I had to learn a lot about fixing things over the years. It was really funny cause I did the fixing o most things. My husband was never taught growing up. Even though I was a "girl" I was taught to use my head for something besides a hat rack and figure it out on my own. Lol.

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

The best part is cars aren't even necessary for a lot of people. That said, I live in an apattment and don't have the huge antenna we had growing up. I live off of less than 2 grand a month. And I love life.

[@ettahamilton670]

@johnclaybaugh9536 I live off just barely over one grand a month. I still get a lot of subscription channels.. The only thing is that they are all free. It's amazing what good content you can get for free. And no I'm not trying to one up you on how little I have. I just know that where there's a will there's a way. Good for you keeping a good eye on what you have. It's called being a good steward of what God gives you. Bless you every day😁

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Seconding the advice to learn to make soup! Once you get the hang of it, you can make soup with whatever is handy, and always have something satisfying and nutritious, especially when combined with homemade bread.

[@pamelaveith-h1p]

I am going to have a few veggie plants inside this winter - tomato, green bell pepper and iceburg lettace. I'm tired of skipping salads during the winter here in MA~! Have the pots, have the seeds, have the room - no excuses so wish me luck please

[@SuttonsDaze]

You’ve got this!

[@tammypelletier3195]

👍👍

[@JenHomesteadingRN]

I have some Aerogardens...planted some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers for winter salads.

[@limitedaxcess]

@@pamelaveith-h1p I will not buy lettuce from the store anymore but I have an areo-garden that I grow lettuce in and pick it as I need it.

[@hopehealinghomestead462]

I’m trying to do the same.

[@katherinebritt5672]

Up until the beginning of November, I kept a 26 week pantry, meaning we could go 26 weeks without going to the grocery store. Now, I am working to take that to at least a 39 week pantry, if not longer. Yes, we would miss fresh fruits and veggies, but I have a huge supply of frozen or dehydrated fruits and veggies

[@Julie-bq6iz]

I just bought 15 pounds of flour for $ .99 per 5 pound bag. 15# for $2.97!!! I invested in a freezer with stimulus $ back during covid. I put the flour in the freezer. I just bought a second turkey at $ .69/#. That's 11 pounds of protein for $7.59. Thank God I paid attention to my Gramma's stories about the Depression. Thank God she and my mom were good cooks and frugal, and taught me those things! Leisa, you remind me of them, and they would love your channel. Glad they don't have to see what a mess the present has become, but eternally grateful for all they taught me. Thank you for all you do! You are very appreciated by many. Blessings! ❤

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

@@Julie-bq6iz Same here .. I keep all my flour in the freezer also... I also learned much from my great-grandmother. And the reason for that is because during the depression they couldn't afford to make a mistake. So unfortunately my great-grandmother didn't really teach her daughter as much as she taught me when I came of age.

[@AndyMorrisArt]

Pray tell where did you find flour so cheap?

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

@@AndyMorrisArt Now that you mention it as far as price, I wonder myself. All I know is when I have the extra dollar I stock up and buy as much as I can and I store it until I need it in my freezer. I don't know that I necessarily save a lot, but I'm able to delay the high price.

[@s.diller9206]

Ty ty ty❤. In my career, as a food buyer for a 500 bed nursing home (along w/kitchen mgt & dietician) has saved my home food budget!!!!!! I keep par levels for everything. If say my can beans falls below 8 cans and I have 6 remaining, 2 cans goes on my grocery list. If they are on sale I double my purchase if able. Everything we buy has a part level... Even clothing. Inventory is mandatory. When I cook, I usually double it and freeze the other half for my week 3 menu. Keeping a standardized menu, a 4 to 6 week schedule with added flexibility. And, have a min of 2 seasons I. e. Summer, winter menus. This helps you plan ahead and save ahead once you get a grip on what's normally on sale and when. I could go on 4ever. Great topic❤

[@galeparker1067]

❤❤❤ From what I hear, "our" nursing homes DO NOT have your type on staff anywhere. But then our whole "universal medical" is TOTALLY messed up😢😢. Thank you for the info!! Maybe put more on your channel? 👍👍👃👃✌️🇨🇦

[@theyrenuts2845]

Please do vids on the inventory stuff. My preps are out of control and I need it drilling into me on how to manage it all better. I will subscribe in hopes you do vids. Whether you talk over photos or empty screen or whether you use vid of yourself looking like a tea bag .. I'll watch. Regards.

[@gordonpusey6662]

Grew up with my parents making everything from scratch & ‘ready to mix’ convenience packs just coming onto the market. Now they’re everywhere & it’s good to see so many people around the world waking up & realizing the benefits of cooking the way our parents & grandparents did. The taste & nutrition is so much better.

[@nitza1374]

This year , really can’t afford a turkey , well I got two in freezer from sales last year!!! Sales are king and are an investment in your future!!! ❤ you never know what your future holds, never thought I would have to budget food, but here i am and learning!

[@lisabibby6274]

Over the last week, we've bought 6 turkeys, this week is hams.We buy meats when they are on sale and we save to do it. In December all the beef roasts go on sale for Christmas, so we'll buy strip and semi boneless rib roasts and I cut steaks and a few roasts for the year.We also stock up on the canned goods and stuffing supplies ect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Great plan!!

[@dboles5501]

I picked 3 up so far gonna grab 4 more next month 👍

[@VP_A-Team]

@@leviahimsa But a key brain-trophic element in meat is vitamin B3/nicotinamide. The supply of meat and nicotinamide steadily increased from the Cambrian origin of animal predators ratcheting ever larger brains. This culminated in the 3-million-year evolution of Homo sapiens and our overall demographic success. Many evolution biologists believe the initial trigger for 'human' brain growth, hence the proliferation of meat consumption originated when 'tribes' discovered the coast and the bounty of shellfish [especially] and tidal pool organisms, leading to primitive fishing skills leading to brain development [vitamin B3/nicotinamide not available in plant/fruit matter], which led to greater mental capacity to hunt and 'harvest' land animals when many remigrated inland. And primitive coastal habitations were the earliest examples of 'human' art and tools, a clue of advanced neural development, with a bounty of protein allowing for time to 'think', instead of just constantly 'grazing' and foraging. You wouldn't have our civilization and 'tools' to be able to inform people of your facts; you would be busy grooming through the hair for parasites... and eating them... [and trying to earn favor] of the dominant male or female, just like chimpanzees/bonobos... Animal protein led to/created _Homo sapiens..._ ... and the internet... ...Damn those shellfish... and those primates who thought those cold, 'slimy', slippery contents of 'weird breakable _rocks'_ along the ocean shore were good things to eat... ... imagine the very first to try an oyster... and everyone else indicating with a primitive version of *'Oh Hell No!!! You're weird'* _[the first version of_ *'Steve, Don't Eat It!'* _- google that from a blog called 'The Sneeze' for a laugh... I still get a giggle [or belly-laugh] after a decade of re-reading repeatedly...]_ ... if only they had hot sauce and tequila when they discovered oysters _[and a shucking knife to open them instead of crushing with a real rock... resulting shell fragments are a crunchy, unpalatable b**ch... but probably promoted better calcium-enriched bone growth/health]..._ nummm... sans shell fragments...

[@tinatedder8963]

My grocery budget went from 200 per week, down to 35 per week. Thanks in large part to the pantry/storage room that I have made over the last 5 years. I've ditched TV and only run fiber to the house for internet. We heat the house with wood, with a propane back up (hot water on propane). I grow in 3700 square feet, and preserve it all. I added 3 new blueberry bushes, and 4 more raspberry bushes. I have 2 freezers, one for veg/fruit/dairy/bread/freezer meals, and the chest freezer is for meat. We bought 1/2 a cow, along with raising rabbits/chickens. My wonderful hubby just harvested a 10 point buck, and that will be here sometime this week to go into the freezer. I have many proteins that I've pressure canned, but we use our grill all year round and prefer to grill/roast or bake. My goal for 2025 will be to grown a small seasonal eating garden. Nothing worse that canning 60 quarts of carrots, green beans, beets, corn, and all the things, then realize that you canned ALL the carrots...grrrrrr.

[@SuttonsDaze]

You've accomplished so much! That's a very impressive system.

[@deborahk6164]

@@SuttonsDaze Wow $35 a week, that's amazing!!

[@IMeMineWho]

I own a bunny (check her out on here.) She is sweet, humorous and intelligent. After my folks😢, I can rely on maybe 2 or 3 people..and guess who one of those are?🐇 Bunnies literally have been Proven to have the intelligence of a 2 or 3 year old human. I used to love meat. Now after observing her greeting me in the am or night, grooming me and zooming, I will just buy Abbott's. I have found T J s has a lovely lentil and rosemary loaf. It lasts months. I live in the city. I stocked my pantry with artichokes in pouches, canned kidney beans, tikka masala sauce, nongmo frozen vegetables,brown rice, canned pineapple, gluten free pasta and vegennaise and wild tuna pouches. I probably spend less than most for emergency food..and it is way healthier than a meatbased diet.

[@LeahNess-t7o]

Yep I'm stocking up on my turkeys. We won a half hog on a raffle. 2 large spiral hams in it. Very fortunate. ❤❤

[@SuttonsDaze]

Awesome!!

[@susieramick7202]

🤗🤗Winner winner pork dinner! Free! Extremely jealous.

[@LeahNess-t7o]

@susieramick7202 Well, not totally free. the raffle tickets were buck a piece so $50 for half hog( two spiralshams, pork chops ,rib, roasts, bacon.and a small freezer, was one of the top prizes. But stilla SCORE!!

[@vickifaypeffer464]

I tell everyone whatever containers you have ie: juice bottles, pop bottles, Hawaiian Punch bottles ext. fill with water and put in closets, under beds, in a basement, and especially freeze some! Power goes out you can put into the fridge to help keep your food cold. Just remember that you have to give a 2 inch headspace when water freezes it expands. And remember the day could possibly come when you won’t have water coming out your pipes. Any water you put away could be a blessing for cooking, cleaning, washing your body because baths will end up being a luxury eventually more than likely. 😞

[@melissam.pledger6467]

My grandparents did this and I can do more. I figure the water I store in juice bottles we can cook with, vinegar or bleach bottles store cleaning water, laundry soap bottles filled with water I can wash clothes in order flush toilets with. We were without water 5 days once and the local gov. only got 1 case of water 💧 delivered to each household and it took 3 - 4 days. We were boiling snow to make pasta.

[@janejdough2230]

My husband goes out for coffee with " the boys" on his way back our local store opens up. He always checks for the mark down meats ( 50%) he buys it , brings it home and when we have enough we can it, The savings is impressive.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Awesome!! You are killing it!

[@debbywelchel3893]

I am stacked to the rafters. If I couldn't go to the store for a long long time would be ok. Thanks Leisa. I only go to the store for sales. High five. Have a Blessed day.

[@dberger1010]

Same here. I'm down to very little spending and trips for groceries

[@PaEMT_FF9]

💯% Bought many, many “Smart Bowls” over the past many months for $1 each (great deal for a rip-open ready to eat meal) They just increase the price to $1.32. Still a good get-home-bag meal however $.32 more expensive. Buy food at the best price today to save $ tomorrow when they increase the cost.

[@frankieodom]

That is exactly what I do. I love it!

[@lorisilva10784]

Love ya, Leisa! We fight ourselves all the time. To break free from the matrix is a chore. We doubt ourselves, we question our abilities. I send everyone I speak to your way. Thank you for the pep talk, girl! It reinforces our confidence and reminds of our responsibility. All the best!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Actual food is a lot cheaper than convenience food. I guess the chemicals added are expensive.

[@Michelle-s2z6l]

No its corporate greed thats more expensive.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Michelle, I was just being snarky!

[@IseetheGloryofKingdom]

I was raise by grandparents who lived and thrived during depression. They had fully functional farm. I now have the farm. Grandpa was master carpenter and farmer growing wheat and raising hogs, lambs, chicken, cattle and a donkey. Grandma gardened, canned and sewed all her and grandpa clothes (except under garments) until she was 65 I still sew on her machine but I do not sew nearly as much. Most of my clothes are store bought. I do can and have 2 chest freezers i am just very frugal. I still use jars from my great grandmother. The wire tops I store spices in and the old atlas and other brands that have glass top I kept tops and rings made out of nickel but I use now regular lid and ring and air depressure them for pastas bc they are gallon and half gallon (mostly) jars. Now my son and daughter in law live with me there and help with farming I am 55. It is too much for 1 person. The dot method is genius. I write with masking tape on mine. But colored dots much more practical. Growing up canning i know how long things last. Good by dates in stores are truly still good after expiration. I promise you. I can my butter yogurt and sour cream. I like to water bath those. I promise you our grandparents did before pressure cookers. They did not perish matter of fact they were much healthier than our generation. My goodness we still have old outhouse on top of the barnes. Grandpa was master carpenter and wood worker and could build something that would last well over 100 years. The churches he built are still very beautiful and look like cathedrals except wood and purchased stained glass. I have just always worked very hard. I am grateful i have my son and I call her daughter that live with me to help on farm and it will be theirs. The house was built during WW2 so it even has bunker in basement. The only problem i have had with house is after all these years it does get water and we do use dehumidifier which completely takes care of problem. Still use propane heat. Yes look for local farmers markets. Also make friends and community. It is going to take people helping people. I promise you this as well. Build a trusted community. If you do not garden or cook from scratch PLEASE BUY BOOKS. Learn skills online now while you can. Specially things you can substitute. I know how to make my own yeast if i need to. Sometimes prefer it. You will be healthier for it. It maybe hard at times. Oh yes herbs i make my own herbal remedies again buy books. We may not have medications if no pharmaceuticals due to tariffs and other counties no longer being allies. Please buy written books amish books are really great. I am not amish but i was raised doing same things they do. I have learned a lot just from their books how to build with no grid. Trust me you will not regret building trusted community and books. Lol i still have a couple of the old big sears books that would come out at Christmas. I was allowed to pick out 1 item i wanted i never picked expensive bc I knew whatever grandma “Oma” would buy me would be far better. Different years she would make me different things. At 16 she made my prom dress. Oh it was beautiful. I had the nicest prom dress. It was not as skimpy as some as the other girls in 80’s nonetheless it was very nice. She did end up sewing a couple other girls prom dresses that year and other years. She only made 5 wedding dresses over her life time i should not say inly bc i have not made 1. That is what i am talking about we have become a lazy people with fast and get it now society- myself included. I do not make my clothes and after canning all those years with grandma i got used to convenience. I had to brush up my skills when i figured out where things are headed. I do belong to a stitch and chatter group. It is women we come together one day a week to sew quilts and just talk we read Bible for about 30 min then sew and discuss the devotion. Anyway i pray yall do buy books. Herbal remedies books some herbs you probably have in back yard and thought was weeds, cooking books, canning books water bath and pressure can home medical- remedies book may save yours or someone else life. Peace and blessings ti you all.

[@rachelparmater892]

Thank you for such a lovely testimony of your loving grandfather and Oma. I am an Oma also. My 5 yr old granddaughter and 2 year old grandson just light up my life with, Love you Oma!

[@IseetheGloryofKingdom]

@ I am now a Oma also 2 beautiful grand children. If i may they 1 month old is in children’s hospital with rsv as of today. I have been praying but would really appreciate prayer. If you do not mind.

[@IseetheGloryofKingdom]

@ God bless you to i probably rambled to long. Was serious about the books though. There may be a day we can not count on watching internet to help ourselves.

[@dp4313]

I am trying very hard to live super frugally, so it will be easier when need be. Trying cheaper recipes and learned to darn socks etc. I started buying Jean's etc at thrift store. I have always line dried most of my laundry but if times get really hard I do have an old ringer washer that works great. Learned how to can potatoes recently and found really nice ones at local convenience store for .99 cents for 5 lbs. Canned potatoes are so good roasted or even in soups. Keep doing what you can and all will work out. I have learned so much from You Tube. Thank you Lisa.

[@barboglesby2162]

@IseetheGloryofKingdom Thank you for sharing your story. It is very interesting.

[@limitedaxcess]

I am SO GLAD I started Canning in mid 2022! cheap meat prices and a lot of canned meat have saved us this month. Been Sick in Bed (again) for 3 weeks with the creepin crud and literally have NOT been able to get out and shop for food. Our large apt. pantry had enabled me to still cook nutritious, and EASY to MAKE (feeling sick as ever) Thank you Leisa and Darcy for your encouragements in canning and dehydrating it's really saved us in more ways than one!

[@SuttonsDaze]

Hooe youre healing and on the mend

[@limitedaxcess]

@@SuttonsDaze slowly I am. Thanks for the encouragement. Need to make some Honey garlic for colds. But Honey ginger in my tea is helping.

[@BudgetwithAllisonSummer]

Im a family of five, my husband, two boys, and my mom live in a four bedroom home. My mom and I go to churches and sign up. We pick up our 1 or 2 bags of can goods, cereal, rice and shelf stable items. I purchased a few baskets from Dollar Tree and used them a pantry organization baskets. We buy food with cash, but we keep a tight budget. I also have an emergency food envelope. We are also about to stock up on medications and supplies from the dollar tree before things go up. We also keep old clothes that are too big. We also share our extra with friends and family.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Great tips for a large family!

[@kerryberry142]

Take your grocery budget for the month and divide it by five. Use 20% a week and 20% for stock up on sales. It’s hard but it can happen even if only 5-10 dollars a week. We give up a lot all year to be able to buy beef from a local farmer once a year.

[@bonniem.pederson7105]

KZbin is my cable, I haven't watched regular TV Except for Baseball playoffs

[@cherylb.9766]

I just put up 8 jars of beef rice a roni and 8 chicken rice a roni on my shelf. From stuff I already had in my pantry. Your a big reason my pantry is what it is today... thank you. I loved that stuff and it's even better homemade!

[@erinschmidt7095]

Homemade rice a roni is something I tried new this year. So good! Never will I buy it again. If you have any almonds on hand you should try slicing them and adding it in when you are browning your rice. I love it that way. Congratulations on getting those shelves full

[@cherylb.9766]

@erinschmidt7095 I honestly quit buying it years ago because it wasn't a good bang for the buck. I'm glad to have a better version on my shelf. Thanks!

[@kathyl1162]

We took our tv down 2 years ago. It is amazing how much stuff you can get accomplished without it. We have a large family, 7 kids...5 of them still at home. If it's not on sale we just don't buy it and do without or find an alternative. But when we do find a sale, we buy all we can.

[@gael258]

I am that rare unicorn who only shops the sales to backfill my pantry. High five! Back-to-school specials include cereal and peanut butter, followed by canned vegetables and beans. Right now, I'm buying butter (freezes great), broth, and everything baking. My pantry is overflowing and I cannot stuff another item into the freezer. We also just loaded up on rice and tea (which also came with a $2 coupon) because of possible tariffs. When something goes on sale for a fantastic price, I might order an entire case/flat. Having a menu plan is huge. Being organized is half the battle. I write down menu ideas for the week based on what needs to be used up (no wasting!) and a list of anything I have to buy to make those meals (which isn't much and is typically a perishable item). I work in grocery. I am amazed at how many people complain about the price of something this week that they could have bought last week for half the money or less. They don't shop the ad.

[@SuttonsDaze]

High Five!!

[@Carolyn-wr9vy]

I make a list of items I get low on. If it goes on sale I will stock up..with just me, I save an average of $35+ a week..Some weeks I don't go to the grocery store..... Iwait for sales. Publix has many BOGO items every week.

[@AmWestLyle]

Had to share: after living in this small village in upstate NY for the last 17 years, I just found a commercial restaurant supply warehouse…this year. And they are open to the PUBLIC (no membership required). I’ve gone twice this year and have found everything I’ve gotten to be super high quality at about 1/3 less than the grocery store. It’s been a game changer for me. I come home with way more food (meats etc) for less money than even the low price grocery stores. My pantry is growing, and my freezer is full. Have to find room for a turkey or two as well ($.39/pound). Thanks for all you do and the inspiration.

[@thecatniplife]

We used to have one of those. They opened to the public in 2020 when all the restaurants closed. They recently closed to the public again. 😢

[@AmWestLyle]

@ 🥺

[@emilytsialos5358]

Could you share the name of the warehouse? I'm in rural upstate NY and that would be incredibly helpful.

[@jessiebosworth2087]

I would also love the name! I’m in upstate NY too.

[@SustainablePrepping]

We had to dig deep into our pantry this year bc of some unfortunate financial burdens. It was a life saver to have a deep pantry. Unfortunately, the pantry is still recovering - but that’s why it was there, to hold us through some tough months. Need to really lean in to fruit options for long term, and stocking our gluten-free options for my gf kiddo.

[@jamiewillhite6355]

I have found so much JOY, since I started canning and using those items. I've learned how to take chicken breasts on sale 97cents a lb and make my own chicken parmesen so much cheaper than eating out. Love using my pantry to enjoy great meals on a budget. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@SuttonsDaze]

That’s what it’s all about!

[@ConnieSmith-p3p]

I love that you spoke on grinding your own flour. It is quite a tidy sum cheaper and the taste and health benefits of consuming all three parts of wheat are three wins in one. The fourth being that if stores are shut down or out of stock, what does a body do then. Your wisdom about knowing or learning skills that our ancestors applied because they had no other choice makes us free and far less helpless. Being slaves to every single convenience cripples us as a nation. It also keeps us poor. We all need to become sturdier!!

[@SuttonsDaze]

Absolutely, it's so important to be self-sufficient

[@film9491]

Where does one find wheat to grind into flour?

[@SuttonsDaze]

@@film9491 palousebrand.com

[@SuttonsDaze]

@@film9491 palousebrand.com

[@MsMissbetsy]

So glad I found your channel. Small freezer now on my list. Your advice is invaluable. And comforting.

[@SuttonsDaze]

I’m so glad you found it too!

[@MsDemonBunny]

Ooh, this came at such a good time! Started a while back in pantry stock up (mainly for winter, in case of storm, ice, or just it's cold outside 😆) and frankly in case, well, we know what happened. With prices set to go up with no two ways about it, this kind of info is invaluable. Been doing much of this naturally while getting a couple more ideas.

[@SuttonsDaze]

I am glad this video helped you!

[@lynnboyett5540]

I’ve been gardening for eight years and some of my perennial crops are starting to produce in bulk. One person who knows my plans commented, specifically about the pecans I planted six years ago, will one day be a lot of work like picking up the nuts, shelling them, cleaning, storing, etc. Another commented about pears rotting under the tree and attracting yellow jackets. Each was concerned about the work for the fruit, nut and vegetable crops producing so much. I was dumbfounded with them. Yes, it will be a lot of work but I’d rather have them and let them rot than not have anything to eat, probably because I can’t afford it. I can eat a lot of blueberries if that’s the only thing I have to eat.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Absolutely!! The right kind of work is rewarding!

[@leslieclifton7625]

I spend many nights in fruit season, usually depitting and loading my dehydrators. Have two set up and another as backup. I know canning is maybe better but this is quicker. My own trees: Apricot, Plums (3 types), nectarine, and peach. How to keep the birds and white flys away. Cold brew 1/2 gal peppermint tea, add a drop or 2 of dawn soap and a Tbls of vinegar. Spray the trees when they are fruiting. Rinse after you pick. You'll have more intact delicious fruit.

[@flannelmoths]

Coffee and tea are hot ticket items in our household, along with anything pizza/pasta related. I'm hoping to use some of your tips here to not only make these staples more affordable, but healthier for our family. I plan on setting up an indoor herb/pepper/tomato plant area, and hopefully getting the opportunity to can them like my grams used to do. Also continuing my sourdough journey to save money on bread/pizza dough/sweets, maybe even making pasta when feasible. We definitely have to find a better way to use reusable k-cups (the only way to keep my partner from drinking a whole pot), as it currently produces a very watery cup of joe. I might try my hand at kombucha again--maybe even trying to grow my own tea plant or something. Continuing to buy local when possible and strategically bulking up our pantry is in the books. 🙏 I am grateful for growing up the way I did, with multiple farmers, gardeners, and homesteaders teaching me ways to survive and endure these times. I am even more grateful that I exist in a time when I can watch videos like these to refresh and revamp my skills and mindset. And that others can learn, too! Thank you

[@josephineananda]

K cups are bad for the planet.

[@shirleygriffin7672]

Late seeing your video, because we went to get fresh spring water 💦 , watching now. This weekend we went to the farmers market, spending 456.77, CASH. No problem. Thankfully I got eggs, goats milk 🥛 6 quarts, regenerative meats, lamb, beef, turkey, chicken 🐔 , organic essential oils, herbs locally grown, dried and liquid. 4 bunches of flowers, RAW honey, goats cheese, fruits ........ pantry has been expanded, clean and organized, locked 🔒

[@SuttonsDaze]

That’s an amazing haul!

[@ruthjames4299]

Thanks Leisa. This video comes at a really opportune time - I need to reset my food purchasing plan. I seem to have drifted from monthly shopping to weekly shopping and I know it is costing me more. Staying away from the store stops me from impulse buying. 🇦🇺

[@SauerPatchGardening]

We bought a turkey for .38 cents a pound this weekend. Also got several commercialy canned vegitables because they are all on sale right now, most stores have them 3 for a dollar( or less) which is pretty good. Aldi had the big bags of potatoes on sale and I got one and pressure canned 4 quarts! Plus made a few potato dishes this week. Will probably get more while they are on sale, but, I need more jars! 😢 i bought a new set of shelves this summer and its is almost full. I'm so proud of myself! Stackin it to the rafters and using it, when I get some empty jars, I'm always on the look out on how to refill them. I know how many fit in my pressure canner and my waterbath canner. When I have enough to fill one or the other I find something to can. I have like 70+ different jars of jelly, jams and syrups just because I love the idea of turning fruit scraps into something interesting. Lol.

[@SuttonsDaze]

That is amazing! You are crushing it!

[@stacylgh]

Ace Hardware has the canning jars discounted. Some locations are cheaper than others. I switched through all of the local ones to find the cheapest price. I got 5 cases of wide mouth pints for $10.99 a case. I really want more but I can't swing it right now.

[@carolgodreau6409]

I had an upright freezer that was not old and had all the bells and whistles, door alarm too. Never went off and I lost everything. I had it fully stocked and since it was downstairs I always check the light. It was on, but the freezer was gone. I cannot bring myself to by another freezer. I have shelves that are now stocked with cans, etc. Each shelf is for a different year of expiration. All cans are lined front to back with the same items. I have not invested in Mylar, but watched your last video on Mylar. If you are putting flour etc into Mylar are you emptying the contents into the Mylar or putting a 5 lb bag of flour in each bag. I do have canning jars with oxygenators with dried beans. I wish I could do more, but too much to learn above what I have already done. The meats are canned meats because I have never used canning jars for meat. I have cooked a turkey, but have to freeze it. Only a small freezer over my refrigerator. Any suggestions. I have always cooked from scratch. Should the Mylar bags go in the big containers with gamma lids

[@monicaluketich6913]

I just returned from Walmart with 4 cases of pint jars and 2 cases of quarts. I made and canned unstuffed peppers last night. Didn't expect to get 19 pints - and that's only half the green peppers I bought. So that second batch is tomorrow. Then, it's unstuffed cabbage and finish with beef tips (really just cutting up some inexpensive beef 'steaks'), and will cook and can that with lots of onions and mushrooms for over rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. I have run out of room!

[@martaaberg3330]

For one of my 2025 "intentions", I am going to can carrots. I've never done it before, because they are so plentiful even in winter, but I recently read an article stating that canned carrots are actually better for you because your body digests them easier.

[@KarinCole-bk2sd]

There's always wiggle room. But it can be hard to change for some. Starting with changing your mindset is the key in my opinion.

[@Tuvix76]

I look up Great Depression era through the 1960s recipes. I keep a list of things I enjoy that can last at least 2 meals and only “shop from my pantry”, replacing what I use every week vs buying prepackaged or new items not in my pantry. A casserole or big pot of chicken and dumplings may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’ll last days and can usually be made for under $5.

[@KarenYork-t2c]

I love all your advice here! It’s how I grew up! I was also blessed with a good home economics teacher who required everything from scratch! Growing up on a farm, I knew how to clean, cut up and prepare chicken. Ou home ec teacher I believe it was my junior year of school, had us do a formal dinner and invite some of our teachers and fellow students to it. Well my group chose to do fried chicken. We had to buy a whole chicken and cut it up. I was the only girl in the group who knew how to so they had me cutting it up. My teacher came over and asked me if I already knew how to, which I did because mom taught me. Well, she stopped me right there and said I wasn’t aloud to continue! She wanted the girls who didn’t know how to cut up the chicken! 😁 Like I said, I had a great home ec teacher and we even learned to make cakes from scratch, too! Between mom on the farm and a good home ec teacher, I learned farm to table on our own farm! Lived in cities and towns too long as an adult, but now live in the country again and trying to get back some lost skills of doing it all myself! If I could just get hubby on the same page now! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@LurkerSmurf]

I cracked up when you mentioned the tuna. There was a 50¢/can coupon, but you had to buy ten cans. I checked dates and can integrity before putting them in my cart, knowing I was buying two years' worth. I've hit that magic inventory point (given my personal goals) for everything except vegetables. I only shop sales to restock long term items and can pass up a half-assed butter "discount" that's still $4/lb.

[@SuttonsDaze]

You're a rockstar!!

[@debbiesavage7107]

I have enough butter to last a long time, too. I hate to tell anyone what i paid for it! I walked right on past the 3.49 ‘sale’. What?

[@MaryWehmeier]

@@debbiesavage7107it’s $3.49 on sale here in LA at Aldi…. I’m using up the last of my $1 lb from the freezer…

[@lindas9806]

This is a very good video. I have found that I've been stocking things I just don't go through and that was my plan for 2025 is to be more specific about what I stock. So I've been taking a lot of notes hope to get to a place where I can buy some of my things once a year when there are really good sales.

[@SuttonsDaze]

It is so much easier to shop when you know what you really need and what you really use

[@RandiMochamer]

I love how you are so logical you are about pantry preparedness-no fear mongering. Thank you! 💕💕

[@SuttonsDaze]

You are so welcome!

[@annieg822]

Hunting helps supplement my grocery bill.

[@SuttonsDaze]

That’s awesome!

[@katemilanowski403]

I set a budget for just sale items. We are a big family so for example… green beans are on sale for 50 cents at Walmart. We bought 4 boxes of 12. If frozen a veggies are on sale we stock up and dehydrate them to save room in the freezer and use them in our soups.

[@SuttonsDaze]

You're on the right track!

[@SandraMalone-pq4mn]

Love this strategy!! I mostly shop sales, I call it cherry picking shopping. Mega stock-up on sales is the way to go! Stack it to the rafters, as Leisa would say!

[@WelcometomyCapeCodlife]

I finally bought a pressure canner and been having fun with it! Stocking up that pantry.

[@SuttonsDaze]

That is awesome! Keep at it.

[@WelcometomyCapeCodlife]

@ oh I will. I have chicken, beef, bone broth, black beans and pinto beans on the shelf. I’ve had the canner about 5 weeks.

[@heatherjohnson5612]

I have been binge watching you for several videos. I am going to be following you religiously moving forward. you just absolutely make sense. i love your personality and how you keep it 100!!

[@SuttonsDaze]

Wow, thank you!

[@gailoreilly1516]

I began dabbling in the prepping world a few years ago, then got serious with gardening and canning. I now "back-fill" my pantry. This Saturday, my friend who bakes bread, is going to teach me how. She will occasionally use my pressure canner. It works out. I am now going to test my theory that I go through 1 roll of toilet paper per week. Times this by 52 for a years supply. I will be doing this with cans of green beans, pasta sauce etc. Just read that pressure canning will kill e coli among other things. So my carrots/meat etc are safe to eat. Good to know. I cleaned out one of my storage sheds and found my kerosun heater that I had completely forgotten about. This takes time and at 70 years old, even longer. The main thing is, it gets done.

[@krishenderson5499]

I gave up getting my nails done to put towards stocking our pantry. We are sitting in good shape and I even got our son who lives out of town an emergency food kit.

[@marjorieprezioso4750]

We went to a country butcher and ordered 1/2 a cow and a whole pig. We picked up the 1/2 cow last weekend. It cost about $1700 for 425 lbs. Of that 111 lbs of ground beef alone. If we break down the costs it is about $4.15/lb whether it's ground beef or porterhouse steak. The pig will be even cheaper. We had to buy a second deep freeze. I also have a garden. You want something that you can plant once and harvest for up to 40 years ... asperagus! I have 3 4x4 beds of asperagus. It takes 3 years to get a harvest, but after that, asperagus for life. Then learn canning. It's really not that hard, but it is time consuming.

[@DomoDowningNews]

Great tips...I will watch again to take notes and make a few purchases.

[@dirtyhoefarms2024]

Good advice here sweet lady! Yah gotta sacrifice - the only way to beat inflation is change your lifestyle ... periotttt ... I limit going out for lunch with pals to ONE time every TWO weeks, I drive a 2005 beater (and a 1995 truck) ... I could go on but hey, thank you for your valuable insights, please keep 'em coming!!

[@debb9008]

I ordered the Nutra mill impact... and used your discount... thank you... I hope it comes soon... And I only shop the sale items (mostly meat to can and veg to fd... and occasionally I grab milk or butter (but I only buy butter on sale) or a head of lettuce... I shop out of my pantry... And if its on sale I fill in the gaps if its needed...I got it all stocked up over the years and extra stocked a lot more before I retired in June, because I knew I wouldn't have much money for groc on my small ss... and I make 20.00 too much for snap... so I do what I have to do... it works out... thanks for your videos... I love them... And what I will try to do is try to grow some spinach in a long narrow pot on my table next to the window.... it does not get a lot of direct sun... but will try to see if it grows

[@BurrowGroves-u7q]

hi, new subscriber here, second video watched, I feel like taking notes! My family is learning some gardening and homecrafting, lots of experiments. We have had some trouble keeping plants alive, but we're learning.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Keep practicing. You'll get it! It's all about experimentation.

[@staceyw7092]

I am so glad that I have a prepared pantry as I have to have a total hip replacement next Tuesday and I have lots of meals in a jar that are gonna make it easy for my husband who hates to cook to be able to put nutritious food on our tableor grocery outlet if you spend $35 you get your turkey for $.25 a pound and yeah that’s a little hard to pass up so I get where you’re coming from

[@cherylb.9766]

I've turned my TV off 2 times. 1st time was for 2 years. Then Seahawks demanded my attention so I gave in. Lol. The 2nd time was 3 years ago and I've never looked back!!

[@LeahNess-t7o]

I keep my extra tuna for back up cat food. I like a dual use food.❤

[@heatherlavender8236]

I just buy when I use something up since I have so many extras like 4 of most items. My mom taught me to have one extra and now I do 4 extra since the last few years. I appreciate people like you who have helped me build up my pantry and freezers 🙂👍! My chest freezer just went out, but I saved much of my meat, butter, fruits, and vegetables. Thanks for all you do and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

[@MaryGroves-u6c]

Still working on clearing / rotating food from the freezer 😊 THANKS for another great video.

[@SuttonsDaze]

You’re doing great!

[@helenloughrey7660]

I sorted my pantry recently by expiration date. Surprising how fast time passes and things have to be used up, determining what’s on the menu today. I freeze bags of [organic only] flour to make them last longer. New project this year: I foraged our acorns to process for flour and for a coffee substitute. There was so much falling from the oaks that this must be what they call a ‘mast year’. A certain percentage of the harvest carries an insect larva so I wait a few weeks for those to emerge. That goes to the chickens. The rest I crack, rinse, and roast. Thank goodness for youtube videos!

[@novabrilliant4510]

I do a lot of scratch cooking and baking as I have food allergies and need to be careful. I have a vegetable garden and canned tomatoes for the very first time this year. My husband and I were able to invest in a pressure canner so we can preserve more next year. I always have beans, grains, and rice in my pantry. You did make me mindful that I need to do inventory. Thanks so much! Great info!

[@SherrySchusterman-n6q]

Got 2free turkeys at Tom Thumb. Shopped their mark downs and spent enough to get them. I almost never pay full price for groceries. Also 88 cents a lip at Walmart so got 3 more. One is for a friend, making her thanksgiving meal for her.

[@dennis007]

Tom Thumb, Aldi and Walmart are all around the conner. I shopped all three by the weekly ads on the same trip. Kroger has the best on-sale price of Choice grade beef ribeye. Tom Thumb/Alberton carries only Select grade now.

[@DeniceHenderson]

thank you for another great video. Hope you are healing well.

[@KitchenFairy61]

We don't eat much bread anymore. We cut the cable cord 5 years ago and we don't miss it.

[@darylwilson6793]

Leisa, thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging viewers. I just reached the maintenance phase of my pantry and its almost a shock how little is required to keep it topped up while I rotate through. I have too many options in the kitchen and I could shrink my garden in half and still be overwhelmed at harvest season. The pantry was an investment, but pennies on the dollar looking back now. It's so liberating to go grocery shopping because I want to instead of having to. The peace of mind... the lack of stress... there's no price to be put on that kind of joy. Thanks Leisa!

[@SuttonsDaze]

I am so happy for you. It's a very rewarding feeling.

[@ashleyhavoc1940]

It took literally 6 mins to scoop out the wheat berries, grind 4 batches, and sift them into the flour canister. 🙄 Even with the grain mill purchase, I've saved hundreds of dollars each year (for the past 7yrs) on bread ALONE. The time use comes from MAKING the bread. I think some people just have a higher recreation requirement than others.

[@SuttonsDaze]

It pays off!

[@Classwarvet]

Idk if you considered this or are already doing it, but maybe get in contact with neighbors and do some sort of barter system. Trade milled flour for sugar or something. Get a network of neighbors and help each other.

[@ChristinaGreen-kg3xo]

Oh!! You made my day!! Lisa I have arrived at just using my storeroom pantry to do most all of my groceries!! It is wonderful!! My chickens are laying like crazy!! It’s a very amazing feeling!!🌹

[@SuttonsDaze]

I’m so happy for you! It’s the best feeling!

[@ettahamilton670]

I think I need to share a recipe for bread that only takes 2 hours from beginning to the time you pull it out of the oven. I use a kitchen aid to mix it cause it's such a big help and a actually have one. Okay here it is..... 4 cups warm water, about half a cup of honey or sugar or molasses or brown sugar etc. 1 tablespoon of salt 4 tablespoons dry yeast I prefer saf- instant 4 tablespoons oil Approx. 6-8 cups flour (your choice) Knead. Til smooth and elastic. Let rest 15 minutes. Shape and place in greased loaf pans. Let rise one half hour bake 350 degrees for one half hour. Makes 4 loaves. I've received a lot of compliments on this recipe. Hope it helps with the time factor. I also used this recipe for cinnamon rolls. Just add a bit of extra sugar and use slightly less flour. And roll out in the shaping phase and add your preferred filling. I use a little flour brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and if I feel like it some nuts or chopped apples. All that is to taste I've been thinking about the addition of strawberries or chopped apricots to. I've got to think a bit more about that though. Hope it helps someone😁

[@Bee_Thankful]

A Kitchen Aide is on my list this year. I would love to make bread! What kind is your Kitchen Aide? 4 loaves are to many for my household. Was wondering about the Mini Artisan machine...any suggestions?

[@ettahamilton670]

@Bee_Thankful honestly the way the recipe it is easy to cut into quarters. Even though I live alone cause I'm getting older I still make the 4 loaves. I store the bread in a plastic bag in the freezer. I cuts down on the constant work it will last as long as two months if properly kept sealed. I have had it last that long and still be really nice. Just saying.

[@ettahamilton670]

@Bee_Thankful and with regards to the kitchen aid , when I first started making this recipe I did it by hand. The only reason my hubby got me a kitchen aid is that I was baking 20 loaves a day out of my kitchen or more and selling it. Make sure you get one with a dough hook. So depending on how big a batch you make the one you are looking at might work.

[@Bee_Thankful]

@@ettahamilton670 Thank you so much! I am thinking your recipe would also make great dinner rolls! Wish me luck...going to order the mini artisan - husband is groaning at the thought...cause any bread recipe I have made in past is always a lead balloon ..lol. Thinking it is because I don't have the strength to knead it enough. I am excited to try ur recipe! Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving! 😊

[@robertamead3687]

I have a kitchen aid pro model. My husband gifted to me Xmas 1985! Best investment ever. Please get the best motor you can afford. In MHO save and don’t waste time and $ on the small ones.

[@jenniferri7735]

i started a full inventory back in july and i consistently keep up with it. so pretty much every day, it's altered a little bit. it's been such a fantastic thing - i always know what i have, no matter what. and i have a separate list in google docs of meals to make from my current stash, or meals that can be made by just grabbing a thing or two. i work at a high-end grocery store so i have access to most everything all the time. and i shop our sales like crazy!! about twice a month we'll have a 'buy 2, get 3 free' deal on cheese or canned goods or snacks, and i go wild for those. also, i'm a person for whom store brands are just fine for most things, so my long-term storage is full of those. lots of great tips overall, thank you!

[@cherylb.9766]

For turkey . 99 a pound at Costco!! I picked up 3 just to can and freeze dry.

[@LeahNess-t7o]

I found 88 cents a pound for turkey at WALMART. To me anything under a dollar is good.

[@Bloodhoundjed1]

I only do my main grocery shopping once a month now and learning how to dehydrate, and freeze vegetables. Also learned how to make my own mixes; taco, spaghetti, gravies, etc. It is a great feeling, knowing I have my own little grocery store and sometimes my daughter benefits from it. Now if I can build up the confidence to learn to can. I have already collected some of the items.

[@SandraWelker-o1p]

My pantry is called Sandy's store by my family and close friends. For over 10 years now.

[@DebraMorris-q6r]

That’s funny cause I’ve been a get ready person for years , my family call my 2 pantry’s “D mart” it’s smart to be ready, just like Noah😊

[@SandraWelker-o1p]

@DebraMorris-q6r I learned a huge amount from my grandparents before they passed. All scratch cooked meals and preserving what we grow.

[@DebraMorris-q6r]

@@SandraWelker-o1pI think that great,good to pass it on.. my husband and I are hunters ( not for horns ya can’t eat horns) we process our own meat, the meats are so lean and good, I also cook from scratch,my pantry is more ingredient based, I feel blessed that I can hunt, garden and process our foods,❤ blessings to you be safe

[@SandraWelker-o1p]

@DebraMorris-q6r same to you

[@virginiarevering4983]

It was a tough lesson, but giving up tv gave me a lot of time back. It also boosted my creativity. I'd focus on a problem and journal a bit before bed. More often than not, I woke up with an answer. The first couple of weeks were grim, no lie. It's been 18 years and I don't miss it.

[@SuttonsDaze]

That’s amazing! You’re so inspiring.

[@sinclairpages]

What irritates me is family members say they have no money for food and stocking up. Then I mention they are paying every month: four different streaming movie channels ($ 80.00) / Unlimited cellular streaming data and every other option available ($ 310.00) / Unlimited internet data ($ 260.00) / five different streaming gaming channels ($ 110) / They are paying $450.00 a week on food and eating out ($ 1,800.00) / TOTAL of $ 2,560.00.00 a month in crap. When I only pay the very basic services a month for $ 230.00 and $ 620.00 a month for food and eating out (which is seldom). Then the fact the wife and husband are both working two jobs while I am on a fixed income. These people are wasting so much money that they could have a better secure food pantry. I am sure my wife and I could finds ways to cut down even more. A lot of the "Extras" could be cut out and those family members would be better off. Our vehicles are old enough they were paid off over six ago. I do all the home repairs of everything so we only have to pay for repair parts. We raise a garden and can our own food. I do buy store immediate sale foods like meat and then freeze dry it for long term storage.

[@rebeccalundgren9787]

I never thought to grow spinach inside on a windowsill! I’m going to try it!

[@clashalley5575]

Bread isn’t easy 😭 I mean it is, but good bread isn’t 😂 not for me. At least I can use mine for croutons and can make crusts and tortillas. But high five! Getting to a point where our grocery budget is under $3 per person per day and I’m only backfilling from sales and the garden is the accomplishment of my 30’s. The whole decade. A prepared pantry and homemade food from scratch is how to be a rebel these days and I’m grateful to be a part of the movement💪

[@dberger1010]

It took me well over a year to get a good loaf of sandwich bread. I finally found a recipe that works and I haven't bought bread for over 2 years. Keep trying. You will get there.

[@monicaluketich6913]

I've done sour dough bread and have had good luck with it. You just have to remember to feed it.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

I do biscuits instead big ones, split in half, make great sandwiches! Lots of props to you for being this far advanced at a young age. I did city homesteading in the 80's when my kids were small. Just got back to it now in my 60's. You're doing GREAT!

[@chrisb5391]

I just found butter for 3.49 A pound. They had limited amounts on each buy. 6 lbs at a time. I have gone to the store several times and took my grandson to shop. I now have forty lbs. Baking etc. I feel blessed. Thanks Leisa, I'm trying for me and my famiy.

[@SuttonsDaze]

You go, girl! You're a rockstar!

[@bbrhody831]

Anything worth having is worth putting in the effort to get it. Where is it written that life is gonna be easy?

[@annadreamsart9756]

I admit, I still have two turkeys in my freezer and cooked a third yesterday. They're on sale here for 65c lb and the clearance chicken was 79c a pound. So I just bought two more smaller turkeys. I plan to buy another when I can. Hubby hates turkey, but the rest of us like it, and my elderly dog needs actual meat so he will eat it too. Plus, everyone loves the bone broth, and I save the hardened fat as "bird butter", to go with my "bacon butter" (grease.) I'm so broke I save the fat from everything so I don't have to buy oil. I have my peppers inside now, planted the root ends of green onions and they're doing great inside.

[@erinschmidt7095]

This year was a big growing year for me in my mentality of homemade items. We are pushing to change from anything processed. It doesn’t happen over night and I know that. Husband is finally on board with all my canning and home making of all our snacks and meals. I incorporated 5 raised garden beds this year and really love those. I do have a large in ground garden also. This year I tried out spring and fall gardens instead of just the typical summer veggies. I think spring and fall are my new favorite seasons to garden in. It is Nov 19 and I’m eating fresh sugar snap peas from the garden and will have a salad from my garden for lunch. Lots of cabbage, broccoli, beets and radish growing also. 2025 for me will bring 4 more raised garden beds. I will also be trying seed growing again. Never been very successful at that but I’m not giving up. Freeze drying will be a new adventure for me along with growing my own herbs. This year I also tried soap making out of tallow that was given to me. Best soap ever! I will be experimenting with whipped tallow next year. Thanks for all the information you share with us!

[@job1595]

I have gotten rid of ultra processed foods too. After a couple years I am no longer on blood pressure pills after 35 years on them.