Friday, November 6, 2026

Bunker-down Survival Groceries

Readers, let’s play a game!

Whenever there’s an announcement of bad weather that puts everyone in survival mode, scurrying to the supermarket, here are the items I bring home:

My Bare-bones Survival Mode Groceries:

1) eggs

2)  milk

3) bread

5) potatoes

7) frozen vegetables

8) fresh fruit

9) peanut butter

10) Some type of meat - beef, chicken, or ham

If I must stop at 10, these are my bare-bones survival mode groceries. 

But if the alert or crisis gives me more time to shop and the supply chain is optimal, I would also buy:

11) extra sharp cheddar cheese

12) spicy nacho tortilla chips (I know, but I’m addicted!)

13) dried peas, dried beans, dried lentils -- in that order. So whatever is left on the supermarket shelf

14) all-purpose flour - in a pinch, I could make my own pasta and dumplings!

15) dried pasta - because if I don’t have to make it myself

16) Cajun spice -- that would cover salt, pepper, and garlic


18) Greek yogurt

19) tomato or vegetable juice 

20) rice

As you can tell, I lean savory over sweets. I like sweets, but I crave salty and umami food and snacks. We’re not headed for bad weather, and I do have everything on my list in my kitchen now. It gives one playing our game a clue to what one's bunker-down groceries are: the foods we buy time and again, we feel we can’t do without when there is no crisis. In thinking about your list, just eliminate the extras: the treats. Not to get testy, but dear readers, I’ve already explained the nachos.😊

Personally, I’d never invest in one of those survival food kits with dried and canned food. I don’t understand the reasoning behind them. What would it help you to survive a few months after everyone else in the world perishes? And if bunkering down is temporary, which is our game, having to eat that terrible-tasting freeze-dried food, sans being shot into space ... no way! Bunkering down with food you like has an element of fun! Perhaps you have good dinners and chats with family or friends. Maybe you watch a few movies with snacks.

This list of 20 comprises my bunker-down survival groceries. What are yours?

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