Protecting the food supply is one of my most important jobs as a homemaker. It involves so many aspects of economy. Aspects that I have had to develop over the last 22 years.
The biggest part of this job is shopping for food. Looking for deals, using coupons, writing a menu and making a list takes time. Going to more than one store is also a good idea, thus shopping the sale ads. I admit that I do not do this as often as I should. One of my excuses being that we have too small of a small freezer. One day I hope to have a separate freezer in the garage again. Another excuse being that I dislike shopping. I really need to work on this attitude. I realize that I am blessed to have the resources to go to different stores to seek out bargains.
Another big part of protecting the food supply is rotating the food that I buy. I have a dark, small, but deep pantry. It is so easy to put things in and forget that I have them. It is also easy to open a new item before using up an old of the same item unless I keep a watchful eye on things in the pantry. At the beginning of the year, I took everything out of the pantry and reorganized. I also updated my family on the new arrangement so that they would be able to help maintain order. So far, so good!
Cooking the food might seem like a no-brainer part of protecting the food supply. How many times do I buy something and then forget to make it before it goes bad? Vegetables usually fall into this category. I really hate tossing produce. I have also been known to buy something because it is a bargain and then have no plan as for how to use it.
Storing the food properly is also crucial to protecting the food supply. When I get home from a shopping trip, I must put things into the freezer that will be used later in the week. I must make sure that leftover food is used up or frozen. Eating leftovers cuts down on waste only if they are indeed eaten.
Reducing waste is a top priority and a big job. Because I have the privilege of staying home to care for my family, the job falls to me. It helps us stay out of the drive through, too!
You are such a good helpmeet! I usually enjoy shopping (esp. if the girls are with), but I ebb & wane with meal planning -- it's often a last-minute throw-together, but I'm getting good at it, haha. That kills me too when I have to throw veggies out, esp. kale or broccoli that I paid $ for at the health food store and had looked so forward to having soon, but forgot.
ReplyDeleteJenn, I love this. I have ups and downs with food. Times where I do great and times where I am wasteful. I don't mean to be wasteful, but I am sure it is because my focus on food and frugality and thankfulness is not strong enough.
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Lynn
This is a great inspirational post. I struggle with shopping, too, and need to watch my attitude also.
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