One of the things that keeps me attracted to homesteading is having food security. The more we grow and raise ourselves, the less we are affected by events like a pandemic, weather, or political strife in regards to our food. But what if you live in the city or the suburbs? Well, let me share some thoughts on finding food security in the suburbs.
I really do think this is an important topic right now. I watch so many friends and family who just buy day to day or eat out constantly. If this is your current way of eating, what are you going to do when something tragic happens? Don’t think it can happen? Just look at what has happened in the last couple of years. A lot of things we never thought would happen, happened.
Grow It and Make It Ourselves
The best thing we can do to find food security in the suburbs, or anywhere, is grow and raise our own food. In doing so we know where our food comes from, how it was grown, and how it was preserved. It’s as simple as that.
Growing our own food allows us to be more in touch with our food source and know what we have or do not have. When we buy food from the grocery store, how many hands have touched it or how many places has it sat waiting to be delivered. Have you ever noticed how fast store bought strawberries go bad? Why? Because they took too long to make it from the farm to your house?
Cooking for ourselves is another important thing to consider in food security. It is definitely less expensive to cook for ourselves. Every step that is added in preparing that food, adds to the price. Think of lettuce in those bags already chopped. Someone or some machine had to chop that lettuce which adds to the price. Also, it helps to develops skills that we may need some day. What if the electricity went our for a week and you only know how to eat out?
What if you can’t grow everything yourself? That is a valid concern. For example, we are not permitted by our township to have farm animals. Not even chickens. Would you believe you need to have 10 acres to have chickens in our township?
Bartering and Sharing with Others
The next best way to find food security in the suburbs is bartering. If you can’t grow it, find someone who is growing it and swap with them for something you grow, or your time, etc. For example, my husband has a co-worker who raises chickens and we have swapped some of my garden harvest for eggs.
We have another friend who raises pigs. He has offered to raise a pig for us if we pay the initial cost of buying the pig and help with the cost of the feed. In his mind, raising one more pig is not a lot of work and it is something he can do for his friends. The savings in this is amazing. The cost difference between buying a whole pig at slaughtering age versus buying a baby pig is crazy. I’m so thankful for that friend.
Which brings me to an important point. We should share with others as well. I think it is important as someone who grows my own food to share it. If you are harvesting hundreds of zucchini, there is no reason you can’t share with family, friends, and neighbors. It builds community and relationships. It creates friendships you may need some day.
Supporting Local Growers
The next stop along the path to food security is supporting local producers. If you can’t grow it, at least we should strive to buy as locally as we can.
Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or country there are likely local producers that you can support. Most areas have farmers markets and that is one of the best ways to support local farmers. It takes a lot of work to grow and bring food to market. By supporting farmers markets, you can help assure that they will be there for years to come.
A few more options that go hand in hand with farmers markets are road side stands, local farms, and pick your own. They are all great places to shop. We go to several pick your own farms during the season and my kids love it. This summer we canned 10 pints of strawberry jelly from strawberries we picked at a local farm.
Local farms can also be a great place to buy in bulk and freeze or can what you buy. For example, when we lived in Los Angeles, we had a local farm stand. I would buy their seconds on tomatoes. Which simply means they are not sandwich or salad quality because they may be a little more ripe. The price was phenomenal and can them up for tomato sauce.
And dare I say one more thing on farm stands? I am all about organic, but even non-organic from the farmers market or farm is better than store bought. However, after talking with my local farmer, I will caution you on one thing. Some farm stands are not growing what they sell. They buy their produce at auction and then sell it as if they grew it. Always, make sure to ask.
Shopping Locally and Small
Beyond shopping from local growers there are other ways to shop local and small.
If you happen live in an area where there is an Amish store, this is a great way to shop. We have an Amish store about 30 minutes from where we live and it is worth the drive. They carry bulk baking needs and spices, quality local meats, raw dairy, freshly baked breads, and so much more. We usually make the trek about every six weeks and stock up on things that I know I can not get somewhere else at a better price.
Supporting local bakeries, butcher shops, apiaries, cheese shops, and other shops is another way to support local business. And a lot of times, I find that these businesses are supporting other small businesses as well. For example, I buy local handmade goat milk soap from our farm stand. The soap is made by a woman who does not raise goats but she buys her milk from several local goat farms. In buying the soap, I’m supporting the farm stand, the soap maker, and the farms she buys her milk from.
Buying in Bulk
Lastly, let’s talk about buying in bulk. Shopping at places like Costco and Sam’s Club are great, and I currently have a membership for Costco. If you want mostly organic items, Costco has a better selection. However, my main source for buying bulk is Azure Standard. They are a company where you order online and they deliver to a drop point. They have great selection and prices.
Another thing to consider is if you are buying from a farmer you may be able to buy in bulk. For example the farm where we get our dairy and meat has volume discounts. I use this mainly on buying chicken and ground meat but it is a big savings. You could even ask if they offer discounts.
Most Importantly, Stock Up!
The most important thing you can do to find food security in the suburbs is building a pantry. Know what your family eats, how much, and start building that pantry. It has never been so important.