What are some good items to stock up on?

Dried beans and rice are good. If you store them in a dry and relatively cool place they can last indefinitely. Also, beans are a good source of fiber and protein, so they’re not only good to store, but they’re good for you, too. They are also pretty cheap, since most shoppers prefer the convenience of canned beans, but they are so simple to soak and cook that I very seldom purchase canned beans any more, other than garbanzos / chick peas, which I use in smaller quantities than I would cook up.

So, adding to that list, any canned goods that you do want to use you should buy “store brands” of canned foods as cheaper than nationally known brands (and the same quality, since it’s usually the same product with a different label), but watch the store circulars to see what’s on sale from week to week and buy that. Canned tomatoes are good (if you’re not canning your own, which is also cheap and relatively easy). With beans, rice and canned tomatoes you can make a lot of different dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and baked beans and chili.

I would not recommend storing much pasta unless you can keep it in airtight containers (not the store packages), since that is susceptible to insect and mold infestation if stored for very long periods in non-airtight containers.

Canned goods, beans, legumes, and rice (in air tight containers. We put the dry rice and beans in sealable containers and it lasts for a year, at least.

what about non food items and non canned items?

Toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, kitchen liquid soap, white vinegar for cleaning, powered milk.

If you have a little one to feed, I’d go with good bread, peanut butter (be careful with allergies)jellies, pasta, rice, mac n cheese, and try to find a good bulk foods store. We have a menonite family that has a bulk food store here and the prices are amazing. We can walk out with 30 or 40 pounds of food for less than a buck a pound. That includes cheese, cereals, fruit, spices, etc.

Start cleaning out some of those gallon plastic bottles and fill them with water. Milk jugs are no good because they don’t hold up well. Use the ones that some juices and tea come in. I have a lot stashed and there have been a few times when we were so glad we did.

The U. S. food stamp program, now known as SNAP does not allow the purchase of non-food items.

@Yarnlady yes I know we are putting out of pocket money into our stock too. I will have a little one within a year were hoping. So we’re wanting stock for that too

I can’t understand why you are hoping to bring another child into the world while you are apparently in dire financial straits.

I suggest you watch for bargains in bulk items such as toilet paper, water, and diapers. We found the best prices online.

@rooeytoo good point

We aren’t in dire financial straights. We just want to be prepared in case of storm or something like that

But you said you were on food stamps, doesn’t that mean you are having financial difficulties and need assistance to feed yourselves?

People on food stamps shouldn’t spend a few extra dollars they may have to have extra things for emergencies? Soooo many using the program use what little expendable income on stupid things.

@woodcutter I think the reference is to having children when you can’t even afford to feed yourself

Thank you @YARNLADY that is precisely what I meant. Just doesn’t seem like a good idea to me. Why introduce a new mouth to feed when you are apparently having trouble feeding the existing mouths.

@YARNLADY So when is the perfect time to have kids? Not everyone calculates the optimum fertility period to conceive and everything goes as planned. Or at the time of conception things were peachy and an unexpected loss of income occurred and people do the best they can, given the situation. It is a good thing that people can get on the snap assistance before they find themselves homeless and destitute.

@woodcutter – I usually think you to be sensible whether I agree with your position or not. But this time it seems as if you are deliberately being argumentative. And I am responding because you originally addressed your remark to me. If one is already on government assistance, receiving food stamps because you are not financially able to feed yourself it doesn’t seem like a good time to be planning to have a child. I am assuming from the op’s own remark, “I will have a little one within a year were hoping,” that she is not yet pregnant, only planning on becoming so. If I am correct, then I don’t think it is a sound decision. If she is already pregnant then that there is little that can be done and yep, better stock up and hope for the best.

@woodcutter If everyone followed my example, there would be no overpopulation in the world. As it is, 20,000 people starve to death EVERY SINGLE DAY of the year. Some one has to put a stop to this.

I ask again, when is he perfect time to conceive? Is life really planned that way? The vast majority on snap aren’t expecting to be on it their whole life. Are we painting with a broad brush all who have kids and on FS as irresponsible? Some might be. There is a 9 month window before things get hectic and it is possible to have faith in a good job prospect later. And if she becomes pregnant could possibly work but would eventually be off work anyway no matter when that happens. Evey time I see sanctimony here you know I’m gonna point that out. Or should know by now.

@YARNLADY http://vocabulary-vocabulary.com/dictionary/sanctimonious.php

One person’s sanctimony is another’s common sense and responsible behaviour.