Reducing food costs

With skyrocketing prices for food and fuel, many people are finding it difficult to afford their needs. There is probably little that can be done to reduce fuel prices. There are some relatively easy ways to reduce the cost of food.

Prior to the 1960s, most people who owned their homes had a garden in the backyard. More rural folks often raised chickens, pigs, or a beef calf to be slaughtered and frozen for winter sustenance. This practice provided good food at a very low cost.

It is not necessary to have a large plot of land to grow significant amounts of fresh vegetables. Small gardens, well-tended, can often outperform larger gardens that are somewhat neglected.

It is common for gardeners to grow more than one household can consume. Freezing or canning can extend the time of self-sufficiency. Excesses beyond this can be shared with neighbours and friends, easing the strain on supermarkets, and helping to limit price increases.

For the more robust gardeners, there is a good supplementary income to be derived from selling excess vegetables at the end of the driveway. Simply put a few veggies on a table, with a can at the side for money, and let people serve themselves. Do not be afraid of theft. Most people are quite trustworthy.

Sales need not bring in large amounts of money to be of substantial assistance in food budgeting. A few dollars per day can add up to a week’s grocery costs once a month.

Home gardening can act as calming therapy and provides stress-free time spent outdoors. This also provides a good opportunity to teach valuable lessons to children. Rather than spending time on-screen activities, children could learn worthwhile life lessons while benefitting from exercise, fresh air, and sunshine.

For many of us, there is no need to be captives to the ever-rising cost of food. Winter months are a good time to begin planning a summer garden.

Orland Kennedy Pleasant Valley