I'm probably going to sound like an idiot asking this but... could someone explain stock piles of food to me? It seems like a lot of you do it for money and simplicity reasons.

But...do you just stock up on something when it's on sale? Or there's some really good deal for it? I mean every now and then I see in the Safeway deals that something like tuna is 10 for $10 and I could see the reason for getting it. I'd get it for cheaper overall, and we'd use it.

Is that all it is for everyone?

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Stephanie

I also can during the summer months, which is a pain if you don't enjoy it -- but I really like having those jars on my shelves come winter! I also like the idea that I'm re-using my canning jars each year and the fact that I know exactly what is in those jars. It is expensive to start as you need the equipment but I believe in the long run it pays for itself.

Though I know MANY women on here thank I'm crazy! And I have to admit, when I'm standing over the hot stove in August, I kind of wonder about my sanity as well!

supanerdstef pretty much explained it. Just to always have canned goods, boxed items and anything else that is not perishable. It is wonderfull when I have so many canned veggies that I know I do not need to go to the store for any for a few months. I just watch when my stores have canned veggies or fruit on sale and can get a case of each for less than $3.00. Plus if you have coupons than you really save. I also stock up on things like Hamburger Helper (i do not eat it) but it comes in so handy for when money is tight.

melsb, I do not think that you are crazy at all. I am soooo jealous. I do not know how to can and I want to so bad. But like you said it is expensive to start plus, I do not know anyone that could teach me. So kudos to you for being so amazing and talented!!

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Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.
Jon Bon Jovi

That is one of my most "frugal tips"- try to have one. I really enjoy having a stockpile since you don't have to buy as much from the store on a weekly basis yet- if money is really tight- you don't have to worry about what you can buy to feed your family on so little money. Sometimes you have to be really organized and know when to stop buying certain things- ie- if there is a great sale on cereal if you don't look out- you may just end up with 15 boxes of it! That is great that you may have a great stockpile on cereal- but will you eat it all before it expires? That is why I try to organize my pantry once a week to see how everything is doing and to see what I may need to start restocking up on!

As everyone has said, yes you buy things when they are on sale. My big items are juice, gatorade, canned goods, cereal, boxed potatoes & stuffing and meats(I have an extra freezer). I think I have 10 bottles of juice in my garage right now! Trust me, juice never expires in this house (& I dilute it 3/1!!). I have found that Publix BOGO sales are great! When I combine them with coupons, I sometimes get my item for less than free (ex: Betty Crocker boxed potatoes are on sale this week BOGO, that makes them .89 & I have a few 0.50 coupons that are doubled to 1.00!!) It is a comfort this time of year to know that I don't have to spend alot of money on groceries if I go a little over on Christmas.

Stevesgal brought up a great point about expiration dates. I recently had to throw out 2 jars of mayo, unopened becasue they had expired. Now I only buy 1 jar of mayo at a time and I check before I buy that one.

Good Luck!