Simply Prepping: Feeding Your Family

Last week, I introduced you to a new, sweet little town called Simply Prepping. For the rest of the month, we’re going to hang out there, and see how the townsfolk are able to bring prepping and living a simple life together, and have it blend smoothly. This week, it’s going to be all about one of the basic necessities of life: food. Listen in and find out how living a simple life and prepping can work together - and bring you a delicious meal, no matter what’s going on around you!

Transcript

Welcome back to the porch! Last week, I introduced you to a new, sweet little town called Simply Prepping. For the rest of the month, we’re going to hang out there, and see how the townsfolk are able to bring prepping and living a simple life together, and have it blend smoothly. This week, it’s going to be all about one of the basic necessities of life: food.

When it comes to feeding your family, there's no greater act of love and care than ensuring that the food you provide nourishes them physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Now, some folks might think the term "prepping" only involves long-term survival scenarios where you're stockpiling cans of beans and bags of rice, but I’m here to tell you that feeding your family can be part of a simple life that’s rooted in what’s truly important.

Let’s talk about how prepping, at its core, can also mean feeding your family well now, today. Not just when the big storm hits or when the world goes sideways. And let’s be honest – if the only thing you have in your pantry is 10 cases of canned chili and some freeze-dried scrambled eggs, you might be in for a world of hurt when the family starts asking for a real meal. Most preppers know better than that.

Feeding your family isn’t just about survival. It’s about joy, connection, and making meals that give you energy, warmth, and comfort. And I promise, if you’re blending a little prepping with a simple life, it can be both practical and fulfilling. Now, I know the idea of “prepping” food might bring to mind shelves of dried-out, vacuum-sealed packages of who-knows-what, but let’s pause for a moment and think about how you can use that same mindset to make sure your family is fed—whether it’s for today, next week, or even next year.

Let’s start with some basic principles that can apply to both simple living and prepping:

The first on the list would be Stocking with Intent. Simple living isn’t about having less for the sake of it. It’s about having what you need when you need it, what you love, and what enriches your life. And this can absolutely include a well-stocked pantry that serves multiple purposes. 

Whether it’s preserving the bounty of a summer garden or preparing for those days when life is just too busy to run to the store, having a pantry full of good, versatile food helps you live intentionally. When I say prepping in this context, I’m not talking about extreme hoarding or setting up a mini grocery store in your basement. Instead, I’m talking about stocking up on things you actually use on a regular basis. You know what your family eats – so why not be a little proactive and make sure you’re ready to feed them, even if the unexpected happens? I’m guilty of this – you should see my ‘baking freezer’. It is filled with different types of flour, baking supplies, and more. And if the Country Boy hasn’t gotten into them, I may even have enough chocolate chips in there to make cookies for everyone within a five-mile radius. 

The second thing on the list is having something to stock, which boils down to the skill of preserving fresh foods. Canning, freezing, dehydrating – whatever your method of choice, preserving food is a big part of both prepping and simple living. It's not just about having enough to eat if things go sideways; it’s about capturing the flavors of each season and giving yourself the gift of time when time runs short on those busy days. 

When you put up your own vegetables and fruits, you’re not just preparing for a disaster; you’re honoring the land, the work, and the fruits of your labor. It's about planning for the months when fresh produce is scarce, but still enjoying the sweetness of summer peaches in the dead of winter. Or maybe it’s just about making sure you can feed your family well when things get a little hectic. 

We all know it’s always smart to use what you have. If you’re really trying to simplify, you’ll find that waste isn’t just about clutter; it’s about food as well. Both prepper and simple-living advocates can find joy in reducing waste – from leftovers to garden scraps – and turning them into something useful. A roast chicken today becomes chicken soup tomorrow, and chicken stock is a perfect base for a hearty stew next week. 

The trick to feeding your family well without overspending (or getting overwhelmed) is to use everything you have first. And yes, that includes the bits of leftovers you think just need to be tossed. Even a few leftover carrots or green beans can be added to a vegetable soup. If you want to be prepared, learn to cook like you’re on a mission – a mission to make your dollar stretch, your pantry last, and your family full and satisfied.

You may also want to plan for the long haul – just without going crazy and overdoing It. We don’t have to make sure that every meal is required to be prepped to the nth degree. Sometimes, just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is the perfect meal for a busy day. 

But it doesn’t hurt to have a few “emergency” meals ready to go, just in case. I’m talking about the double batches of casseroles, soups, and other meals you made, just so you could eat one for dinner and put the other in the freezer for those hectic days. This is a great way to blend prepping and simple living – a little forethought, a little practicality, and a whole lot of comfort.

Now let’s talk about incorporating healthy, long-term foods. One thing that may often get lost in the prepper mindset is nutrition. A stockpile of only instant mashed potatoes and canned corn may get you through a storm, but it’s not going to do much for your long-term health. A simple life, on the other hand, is about finding joy in healthy, nourishing foods. When you combine the two, you end up with a pantry that includes things like whole grains, dried beans, and canned vegetables that are packed with nutrients – and ones that you know how to cook! 

As you prep, think about what your family needs for long-term health. And don’t forget the flavor! A jar of dried herbs or homemade seasoning mixes can transform even the most basic canned beans into a meal that everyone will enjoy. I mean, let’s face it – a meal without flavor is basically punishment, right?

And while you’re at it, make it fun and enjoyable by getting the whole family involved. One of the joys of living a simple life is that it encourages family togetherness, and that extends into the kitchen. Get your kids involved in meal prep, and not just for the “emergency” meals – but for the meals you’re making today. Teach them how to grow a garden, cook the harvest, how to preserve the rest, and how to appreciate the food you grow and prepare. 

This doesn’t just feed your family; it strengthens the bonds you have with each other. It gives everyone a sense of purpose and connection to the food they eat. And while you might get a little flour on the kitchen ceiling or have a few extra dishes to wash, I can guarantee it’ll be worth it when you all sit down to a meal you’ve prepared together.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of needing to “prep” for every scenario. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a breath and remind yourself that you don’t have to be perfect. So, when the power goes out for the 10th time this month – like it seems to do around here every time a bird sneezes while perched on the wires, just remember – you do have those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the pantry. And if it’s too stressful, just open that jar of jam you’ve been hoarding for a special occasion. Who says prepping can’t be fun?

In the end, feeding your family is about balance. It’s about having the foresight to prep, while also embracing the joy and simplicity of what you’re doing today. It’s about finding peace in the present moment while knowing you’re ready for whatever might come. And, as always, it’s about love – because nothing says “I love you” more than a full belly and a shared meal around the table.

As you move through your week, whether you’re putting up jars of peaches or roasting a chicken, remember: there’s no need to overcomplicate things. The best meals don’t have to be fancy; they just have to be made with love. You don’t have to sit at the crossroads where prepping and living a simple life intersect. Instead, just stop by any of the homes in Simply Prepping – they’ll be happy to set a plate for you at their table! 

As always, thanks for stopping by today on the Porch. I hope this gave you a few ideas for feeding your family with intention, simplicity, and a little extra love. Be sure to share this episode with a friend or leave a review if you found it helpful! Until next time, remember - feed yourself well, feed your loved ones well, and never underestimate the power of a good home-cooked meal.

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Thanks again for stopping in. I will see you next week on Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. And while you are waiting for the next episode, grab that glass of refreshment, pull up a rocker, and sit back for a while. It’s time to relax and enjoy.