It is “that” time of the year again, when we, as farm wives, become seasonal single moms, left to do all the domestic chores around the house and prep meals for our farmers. Each fall, I make a special trip to the store to stock up on items for my farmer and for our family (and yes, they are different items).
- Make a list of the items you know you want to purchase... and then be sure to take the list into the store with you. This will ensure that you at least make it out of the store with the items you intended on buying.
- When making your list, think of three+ weeks out. Purchase items that can be frozen or will last for multiple weeks. Once harvest starts, there is less time to make trips to the grocery store, especially without kids in tow. Buying extra snacks now will save you a headache later during the busy season.
- Stock up on non-food items. I never remember to buy toilet paper. I swear to you it never fails, we have four packages and then all of the sudden there isn’t a single role of toilet paper in the house. Make sure your closet is full of toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, baby wipes (for real), etc.
Here are items that were on my list this harvest: {some of this will not last long but this is my true list for 2019 harvest}
Food items:
- Bread
- Milk
- Eggs
- Large bags of shredded cheese
- Tortillas
- Small bags of chips
- Snack packs (cookies/graham crackers)
- Granola bars
- Lemonade (powder mix)
- Capri Suns
- Jello cups
- Grapes
- Carrots
- Bananas
- Apples
- Ranch dressing
- Miracle Whip
- Deli Meat
- Pre-cooked meat (pork, chicken)
- Frozen breakfast bowls
- Frozen chicken breasts
- Mini-muffins
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
Non-food items:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Paper plates
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher detergent
- Baby Wipes
- Trash bags
- Cat/dog food
Our freezer is stocked with beef and pork so if you do not have those proteins in the freezer, be sure to grab those to freeze and use. I must confess that I have been back to the store 100 times already and harvest started last week – so, there is that. One last tip: Shop at multiple stores. I like to hit Sams Club, Aldi, Walmart and then our local store all within a few days for different items. If you get your paper products in large quantities like me from a bulk store, purchase them online and have them shipped so you don’t have to wrestle them in store. But this will get you on the right track for food during this harvest season.