Should they? Could
they? Why would they?
Since I write/teach about pantry stocking, preparedness and
the importance of such, I often hear from single people that it’s just not something
they’re interested in since it’s only just them in their household. If you are single and have this mindset, I
hope the following will give you a different insight.
Being
a single person doesn't change the chance of events happening in one’s life,
natural disasters or sicknesses are just two examples. Either of these events could leave you unable
to go to the grocery store. A
well-stocked pantry would be a blessing in either of these situations.
Because you have no one else to rely on for income; this, to
me, would be reason enough to keep a well-stocked pantry. When you realize you are your own safety net,
you start to look at things differently and for ways to keep that safety net in
place. Not having to worry about what
you would eat during a season of reduction or loss of income would be one less
thing you would have to worry about.
It’s true that it’s more difficult to buy and store in
single quantities, but you can buy regular size packages, bring them home,
leave out enough for a meal and freeze or preserve the rest in future meal size
portions. For example, if you purchase a
quart of strawberries and you know you’re not going to be able to eat them all
before they ruin, when you get home from shopping take out the amount you’ll eat and
freeze the rest in smoothie size portions or meal size portions so you can use them at a later date.
If you are single and have always thought that keeping a
well-stocked pantry wasn’t necessary, I hope you’ll give some thought to what
you’ve just read. I really believe that keeping a well-stocked
pantry is something that everyone can and should do regardless of how many are
in one’s household.
What are your thoughts?
patsi
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
My pantry is intentional, purposeful, simple, practical, frugal and what works for my family. It’s the food items and household supplies that keep my household running smoothly ready and available when they are needed. It’s my contribution to our family’s economy and my work-from-home ‘job.'
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I agree with you- a well stocked pantry is a necessity for everyone regardless of the number of people in the home. It is also just good, ole common sense to be prepared for the worst case scenario--especially since downsizing, store closures, weather and health issues can not be predicted--things look brighter if you at least have food to eat and can meet your basic household needs. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Delorise and I totally agree that having a well-stocked pantry is just gold ole common sense!
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ReplyDeleteWe all need to be prepared no matter how many are in our household. I know a lot of people that are alone have a hard time cooking just for themselves too. They don't want to eat the same thing the next day. Freezing or preserving like you said is the way to go and rotate.
ReplyDeleteVickie, it's a solution if one is willing to put forth the effort.
DeleteI think everyone should have some stockpile, no matter the size of their household.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Boston marathon bombing, when Boston had to shelter in place, police were delivering milk to some families with small children in need. And it was only a day!
Rhonda, oh my, I didn't know that! Let's hope it was a lesson learned on keeping a well-stocked pantry.
DeleteI, too, and a single woman (widowed) and, in addition to the grieving, I had to deal with a significant reduction in household income. For those who may not be aware or have given any thought to it, widows typically receive only a 50% spousal pension; in my case, it amounted to about a 30% reduction in household income, effective immediately. It took about 12 weeks to straighten everything out with the Pension Board, before I got the first check. Monitoring and maintaining a well-stocked pantry has enabled me to more closely control my grocery budget through canning and preserving, and shopping the meat and frozen foods sales. I also learned the importance of keeping certain items (i.e., yogurt, granola bars, juices, grab-and-go meals, even a few Lean Cuisines and Banquet Pot Pies) on-hand at all times. Although these items may not be the best choice, they provided me with something to grab to sustain my nutrition levels during a very emotional time. After 3 1/2 years, I still experience the emotional swings. But having food on hand and not having to deal with the shopping, has helped me survive and live well within my new means.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that spousal pension was only 50%!!! Oh my!!
DeleteI couldn't agree more. Often women will ask me how do I cook for just one? My reply is I don't cut recipes I cook the full amount and have at least one meal of l/o and two individual servings in the freezer. My other answer to their question is Who deserves a good healthy and nutritious meal more than we do. A tip for single people is to have a few meals put away for when they are sick:canned chicken noddle soup, saltines, 7up, etc. BTW I live alone and am 82. I no longer drive but am riding a bus to the senior center for my regular Tuesday lunch and socializing. I'm taking a container with me to bring home any l/o's I might have. lol Shirley near Seattle P.S. I've been reading your blog for quite awhile, Patsy, and continue to learn.
ReplyDeleteShirley, what a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your valuable personal insight!
DeleteYes, indeed! I’m single and I’ve been home alone and sick for several days. Stocking up has certainly helped! I’m not up to cooking, but there are a lot of things you can eat right out of the can.
ReplyDeleteI had a well-stocked pantry when I was single. That's just the way I was taught to live--prepared! After we married my husband would tease me that he couldn't find anything to eat in the house, and then I'd go into the kitchen and prepare a lovely meal. He didn't recognize the ingredients and didn't know how to put them together. Thankfully our five children learned from me (four boys, one girl) and they all keep fairly well-stocked pantries. They've also learned, by experimenting and experiencing, that cooking from the pantry is much cheaper than going out to eat. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteRozy, that's the way I was raised too!
DeleteWhen you alone have to manage everything about the home a pantry makes sense too. You have less time to shop and do chores etc when there is only one of you managing it all. With a pantry stocked you can decide to not go to the grocery off and on. Have time to do something else or just put you feet up for a spell. No worry if you are snowed in or the car does not start.
ReplyDeletePeople thought when our children grew up that it was time to stop having a pantry. Not true ! :-) With a pantry we can help family members in time of trouble or a community person. If we have health concerns and don't want to go out we don't have to...and so on and so on and so on.... LOl. Anna
Anna, you are so right!!!
DeleteMy great aunt was a widow and lived alone for 25 years and she always kept a very well stocked pantry and even shopped at Sam's. She always said that you had to be prepared in case you got sick since there is no one to make a run to the grocery store for you. I always admired how well she ran her kitchen even though she was single. She often invited our family of seven over for delicious frugal meals.
ReplyDeleteLana, she sounds like an amazing woman!
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