What I trust, use, and recommend to keep food on the table—no matter what’s happening in the world!
Food security isn’t about fear. It’s about peace of mind!
This page is where I keep everything I personally rely on (or would buy again) to feed my family when stores are unreliable, prices spike, or weather and supply chains don’t cooperate. I update this page regularly as I test new tools and refine what actually works in real life.
If you’re just starting, don’t feel like you need everything at once. Start small, build gradually, and focus on the areas that make the biggest difference first.
Growing Food (Even With Limited Space)
Being able to grow any amount of food—indoors or out—adds resilience immediately.
What I recommend:
- Full-spectrum grow lights for seed starting and indoor growing
- Seed starting trays, soil blockers, and quality potting mix
- Heat mats for early-season or indoor starts
- Compact greenhouses or shelving systems
👉 I link to the exact grow lights and seed-starting tools I use throughout my gardening and indoor growing posts.
Preserving & Long-Term Food Storage
Preservation is where food security really takes root. When you can store what you grow or buy in bulk, you’re no longer dependent on weekly shopping trips!
Core tools for food preservation:
- Pressure canners and water-bath canners
- Canning jars, reusable lids, and storage crates
- Dehydrators for fruits, vegetables, and herbs
- Vacuum sealers for freezer and pantry storage
👉 Many of my canning, sourdough, and pantry posts link back here so you can see what I actually use.
Pantry Staples & Scratch Cooking Tools
Scratch cooking stretches food, saves money, and gives you control over ingredients.
Helpful tools for everyday food security:
- Grain mills for fresh flour
- Large airtight food storage containers
- Dutch ovens and heavy-duty bakeware
- Kitchen scales
- Fermentation tools
These are especially important if you rely on sourdough, baking from scratch, or bulk pantry ingredients.
Water Security Essentials
Food security doesn’t exist without water.
Reliable water solutions:
- Gravity-fed water filtration systems
- Emergency water storage containers
- Collapsible water jugs for small spaces
Even a basic setup can make a huge difference during outages or emergencies.
Backup Cooking & Power Options
If the power goes out, you still need to eat.
Backup essentials to consider:
- Propane or butane camp stoves
- Solar-powered or battery-powered cooking tools
- Portable power stations for small appliances
- Manual kitchen tools that don’t require electricity
I focus on practical, realistic options, not extreme setups.
Where to Start (If This Feels Overwhelming)
If you’re new to food security, here’s a simple order:
- Pantry basics + scratch cooking tools
- One food-growing method (indoor, backyard, or containers)
- One preservation method (freezing, dehydrating, or canning)
- Basic water backup
You don’t need to do everything at once. One step at a time is how real self‑sufficiency is built.
Why I Share These Resources
I don’t believe in fear-based prepping or buying things just to feel prepared. I share what has earned a place in my home—tools that support everyday life and help during harder seasons.
You’ll see these same products mentioned across my posts on sourdough, gardening, pantry cooking, and seasonal preparedness, because repetition matters when something truly works.
If you’re looking for tutorials and real-life examples, start with my food security and homesteading posts—and come back here anytime you want a clear list of what I trust.
Becoming self-sufficient, one barefoot step at a time!
