Buying and Trading Bulk Food
for Self Sufficeincy
Although buying bulk food might not strictly be considered a self sufficiency skill, the reality is that VERY few people can grow EVERYTHING that they need to feed their families. So, when you do have to buy food products, why not get the most bang for your buck? There are some
general rules
you might want to consider if you're looking to buy food in bulk. Review these rules before you start buying.
There are an incredible number of ways that you can buy food in bulk. From something as simple as buying sale items at the local grocery or big box store to as advanced as buying a hog or steer from a local farmer and having it butchered, packaged and frozen for long term use. Buying food in bulk means being able to preserve and your purchase so you can actually enjoy it over a long period of time. If you buy food in bulk, it's no bargain if you wind up throwing most of it away because it spoiled, so we'll also touch on bulk food storage and preservation. If you're interested in learning about survival skills, check out my friend Lisa's website:
thesurvivalmom.com
It's an excellent resource for information on surviving hard times, and general emergency preparedness.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables
purchased in in bulk from local sources are generally fresher, riper, better tasting, healthier and less expensive produce than buying the same thing from your local grocery or super store.
Meats & Seafood
There are several options for purchasing
meats in bulk
From as simple as watching the grocery store circulars for really good sales and stocking up, to advanced as having a steer or hog butchered at a local meat locker or butcher shop. Depending on where you live, fresh seafood could be a great and relatively inexpensive option for bulk purchase and storage.
Dry Goods
Dry goods
lend themselves very well to bulk purchases. What I classify as dry goods are things like; flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, spices, coffees, teas, nuts, dried beans, rice, popcorn and whole grains. I would also classify not so dry things like oils, honey or molasses, and vinegar.
Canned Goods
Canned goods
(especially home canned) are a good means of storing food that otherwise would only keep for a few days. Fruits and vegetables are best when canned at home, but the reality is, not everybody has the equipment or the time to can their own food. Or - you maybe you already do your own canning, but don't have access to certain items in fresh form.
Bulk Food - Trading Surplus Produce
Do you grow your own garden? Have you ever been surprised by something you planted by how much it OVER produced? Have you ever considered
trading surplus produce
Do You Have a Favorite Place You Go
To Get Your Bulk Food?
Share it here! Tell all about your favorite place. Where it's located, how you found it, what they sell, and maybe a story too! From dry goods to fresh produce to bulk meats. People want to know!!!
Share your knowledge and experiences for the benefit of others right here.
Favorite Bulk Food Sources From Other Visitors
Click below to see information on bulk food sources
other readers have told us about...
Musgrave's Orchard, Bloomington, Indiana
Not rated yet
I buy apples by the bushel from them--local apples, local business, fair price, and NICE family--what more could you ask?!
Here's some additional info ...
Or...click here to see bulk food sources already submitted by readers:
Bulk Food Sources
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