When you read our Cook’n articles, do you also take time to peruse the reader comments? We writers do, because this is where we get a good feel for how we’re doing in terms of meeting your needs and how clear we are in what we’re trying to say.

Well boy oh boy, did I miss the mark with an article on rising food prices and food storage that I wrote for the April 25, 2025 Newsletter, With a Little Planning and Proactivity, We’re Gonna Be Fine! I KNOW I missed the mark because of a reply from a valued reader, “Pickaname.” I’ll explain what I was REALLY trying to say, in my response. But first, here’s what Pickaname wrote:

“Why are you telling people to stock up as that will clear shelves faster than you can blink? You state you do not want to cause panic, fear and dismay in one breath and then tell them to stock up. You can't have it both ways. People need to go back to basic home economics. Buy from LOCAL farmers (meats, veggies and fruits) and learn to preserve them by Canning and or freezing for winter months. If you buy local than tariffs do NOT play a part. Why would you go to the grocery store and buy green beens (as an example) shipped in from another country when you can buy them shipped from a southern or warmer climate state? Why would you buy seafood from another country when we have two oceans on each side of us? This is my opinion only and yes, I practice what I preach. I am 75 and taught myself 10 years ago to ferment, can, freeze and bake or whatever it takes. The process is not hard and you do NOT need a lot of space as I live in a 975 sq ft home.”

After spending several days thinking about Pickaname’s reply, I responded this way:

“Dear Pickaname, boy am I glad you took the time to write. Your response shows me I wasn't clear with my suggestion. And you make some very important points!

“But let me explain my take on the topic: There's a big difference between ‘hoarding’ and ‘stocking’--it's all about SLOW ACCUMULTION, which involves planning. Just ONE extra something-or-other each time you shop, not an entire shopping cart full of any one thing. You're so right, hoarding is self-centered and has serious consequences.

“Here's a for instance, though, of what I was trying to suggest (but obviously missing the mark): I have 24 jars of mild banana peppers on my storage shelf because I use 2 a month (24 jars equals a year's supply for us). It took me 12 shopping trips (or 3 months) to acquire them--no desperate grabbing involved, just 1 extra jar per week. One extra of something each shopping trip does not equate to hoarding.

“You couldn't be more spot-on with the ‘buy local’ advice. I've been preaching it for years--especially from our local farmers at farmers markets. It's an absolute no-brainer! Your validation of that fact is wonderful, and well put, by the way.

“And I love that you practice what you preach! I try to, as well. I'm 76 and have been gardening, canning, dehydrating, etc. as a means to feed our family for 55 years. All of it went into our food storage and we lived off it all year. Good thing, too, because my first husband didn't earn enough to support us, but we were always able to eat well. But again, this was because of planning.

“And lastly, the space issue. You're so right--we don't need a lot of space. Ours was a BIG family living in 1,100 square feet (kids sharing bedrooms, the bathroom, doing dishes by hand because there was no space for a dishwasher, and so on--AWESOME way to raise a family!). I stored food under the couch, under beds, and used our teeny linen closet (putting extra blankets between the boxspring and mattress of each bed). We can get creative when we have to, right?

“This has been a long response to your thoughts, and if you've read all the way through, thank you. I just want to add that I would LOVE to know you--I bet we have a TON in common. Thanks so much for writing. Your perspective was well taken!”

I’ll say it again: WOW am I glad Pickaname wrote. And I’m sharing this “reader reply/my response” stuff with you because research says that for every 1 person that takes the time to reply to an article, there are 50 more out there (who did not reply), who have similar feelings. If this is indeed the case, I felt compelled to clear up any confusion I’ve created.

So there you have it—with PLANNING and some PROACTIVITY, we really will be OK as food gets costlier. One other thing I failed to mention—storing (via one extra item per shopping trip) is a very good way to ensure we’ll be able to help our family, friends, and neighbors when things get really tough. If we all store a little extra at a time, we’ll all have sufficient for our needs and enough to share!

Finally, here’s a heartfelt thank you to Pickaname and all the rest of you for taking the time to reply. Please continue to do so—your thoughts are so valuable!

This is my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

Alice