Winter Is Coming

Preparedness isn't about having everything, it's about having enough.

As the days grow shorter and the crisp air begins to nip at your nose and fingers during early morning chores, there’s that old familiar urge to turn inward—both physically, as we prepare our homes, and mentally, as we ready ourselves for the colder, darker months. In our family, this has always meant preparing the pantry, pushing through hunting season, and finishing the last of the harvest and wood splitting. Unlike the frantic, fear-driven stockpiling you often see these days, our approach is rooted in a simple understanding—winter life in Appalachia is unpredictable.

I was taught not to fear the unknown, but to respect it.

When I plan for stocking my pantry, I don’t hoard endless cans of soup or fill every corner with items that may never get used. Instead, I focus on staples that serve us and keep us well-fed.

This is a slow, intentional process.

It’s about thoughtful preparation of the foods we enjoy most.

I understand that here in the highlands, circumstances like weather or unexpected events may disrupt deliveries, and I keep in mind that someday, greater challenges may arise. I can’t control the weather, personal crises, or even national emergencies—but I can control whether we eat well through them.

So, let’s talk about practical, unhurried pantry preparedness.

Start With an Inventory

The first step to stocking your pantry is to take an inventory of what you already have and what your family actually uses. It’s a common mistake to rush out and purchase large quantities of unfamiliar foods or fad items that may never see the light of day again. Instead, work from what you know—lean on the basics that your family enjoys and uses regularly. For us, that means beans, rice, home-canned vegetables and fruits, broths, various flours and meals, meats and wild game, and natural fats like lard or butter.

Once you know what you have on hand, think about what you will need in the coming months. Consider your family's size and eating habits, as well as how winter may change those needs. From experience, I know about how much of these staples we go through in a week, a month, and a season. If you’re unsure of your own usage, spend a few weeks tracking what your family consumes, paying particular attention to the meals you make most often. Look at the recipes you frequently prepare, especially during fall and winter, since that’s the season we’re entering.

Plan for the Unexpected

In Appalachia, we often face weather events that keep us homebound or knock out the power for days at a time. Deliveries may be delayed, and store shelves might be quite empty, what with all those milk sandwich makers and tp bandits around. When you live in the mountains, you learn that preparing isn’t just for emergencies; it’s part of life.

To be ready for the unexpected, aim to keep more than just a bare minimum. In our home, we stock about double what we expect to use. Why? Because unexpected guests are a common occurrence around here, and they’re always hungry. I’m not just feeding my own immediate family; I’m feeding extended family, neighbors, friends, and whoever else may show up at the door. Plus, you never know when an extended winter storm might delay your next trip to town.

Essentials to Keep in Stock

Let’s talk about the essentials. These are the things you reach for most often when preparing meals, the backbone of your pantry that you can’t afford to run out of.

• Salt: This one is non-negotiable. It enhances flavor, preserves food, and is essential for your body. I stock it in bulk because it never goes bad and it’s useful in so many ways—from cooking to curing meats to pickling. You may not think much of it when you have plenty, but if you run out, you’ll quickly realize how vital it is.

• Flour, Cornmeal, and Grains: Depending on your diet, grains can be foundational for winter. Bread baking, pie crusts, and biscuits all rely on a good supply of flour. Cornmeal has multiple uses, from cornbread to coating fried fish. Whole grains like oats, rice, and wheat berries store well and can be milled or cooked as needed.

• Canned Goods: Whether store-bought or home-canned, having a variety of vegetables, fruits, soups, and broths is a must. When fresh produce is out of season, you’ll rely on your pantry to fill in the gaps. Home-canning is a way of life for us, but you don’t need to can everything yourself—just make sure you have nutritious, options that you will actually put to use on hand.

• Fats: Natural fats like butter, lard, and olive oil are crucial. They add flavor and calories to your meals. If you render your own lard, you can store it in a cool, dark place, but if not, make sure you keep enough fat to last you through the winter. Without fat, even the best meals can fall flat.

• Meats: Make and keep preserved meats such as canned, dried, or smoked options like jerky, sausage, and cured ham. If you have a freezer, keep a supply of frozen meats like chicken, beef, and game. You can always get to canning if the electricity goes out for more than a day or so.

• Dry Goods: Beans, lentils, rice and peas are long-lasting, nutritious, and filling. They’re great for soups, stews, and as a side dish. They also stretch your meals further, especially when meat is scarce or reserved for special occasions.

• Spices and Seasonings: While basic food is great, that doesn’t mean it should be bland. Make sure to stock up on the seasonings you love—garlic powder, black pepper, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and whatever spice blends you use most frequently. These little additions make a world of difference when winter dishes can start to feel repetitive.

• Sugars and Syrups: Keep a supply of sugars (white, brown, and powdered) and natural sweeteners like honey, molasses, or maple syrup. These not only add sweetness to recipes. Honey and maple syrup, in particular, store well.

A Well-Rounded Pantry Is More Than Just Food

While it’s easy to focus just on the food, true pantry/kitchen preparedness goes beyond that. Consider stocking items like:

• Cleaning Supplies: Whether it’s soap, sponges, or bleach, make sure you have what you need to keep your space clean. A clean home is a healthy home, and during the winter months, you may find yourself indoors more often than not.

• First-Aid Supplies: Winter can be hard on the body—dry skin, colds, and flus tend to appear more frequently. Stock up on your preferred remedies, whether they’re herbal or conventional, as well as bandages, alcohol, and anything else you might need.

• Emergency Heat Sources: If you rely on electric heat, think about what would happen if the power went out. We use gas and wood heat, but for those who don’t, having an alternative—whether it’s a kerosene heater or extra blankets—can be a lifesaver.

Avoid Overcomplicating It

When it comes to preparedness, remember to K.I.S.S. (keep it simple silly). It’s easy to get caught up in trends, trying to stockpile gourmet items or fancy gadgets you may never use. At the end of the day, the basics are what will sustain you. Focus on quality, nourishing foods and practical supplies that will see you through.

Yes, crisis items like home defense or emergency gear are essential. But you can’t eat freedom seeds, whistles, or Mylar blankets. Practical, tactical, and thoughtful preparedness means covering all the bases- not just the cool ones like freedom seed spreaders and such.

So, as you prepare for the coming colder months, remember: preparedness isn’t just for “apocalypse.” It’s a wise way of living all of the time.