Local Experts Extend the ‘Pantry Challenge’

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

Two local women hosted a set of meetings to encourage Moapa Valley residents to prepare to take on a “pantry challenge.”

Their challenge to participants is to build up their pantries, food storage, and freezers, so that they can last for a period of time using only what they have in their homes instead of going to the market.
Overton resident Laura Bledsoe and Moapa resident Cally Wade joined forces at the Old Logandale School on Tuesday, May 16 to talk to attendees about building up their food supplies in case of emergency.

“We need to be better prepared to take care of ourselves,” Bledsoe said. “It is no longer if, it is when.”

An emergency can mean loss of a job or income, low food supplies, or even food getting to be too expensive,” she said.

Bledsoe and Wade both grow most of their own food. But both women acknowledged that not everyone is at the same level. They encouraged participants to simply do what they can to be prepared and learn to be self-sufficient.

“If you are not at the level of growing your own food, start with buying something extra every time you go to the store,” Bledsoe said. “Case lot sales are a good way to start.”

Bledsoe also touched on the subject of having a small garden at your home. She said that anyone can start with a few basics. She brought several examples to last week’s event, such as garlic and herbs and fresh produce.

Another way to stock up and have a shelf life for fresh food is to dehydrate or freeze dry. Many people believe you can only dry and rehydrate produce or vegetables. But Bledsoe said you can freeze dry anything including meat and potatoes and complete meals. Freeze drying takes up less space and has a shelf life of about 30 years, she said.

Wade brought just a sampling of canning items that she does at her home. She cans and bottles everything from herbs to sauces, fresh fruit and pie filling, and even does a lot of pickling.

“It’s about taking the things you love that are store-bought and making it homemade to make it sustainable,” Wade said. “We are not just going to tell you what to do, we want to show you how to do it.”

Another subject that came up was bartering and combining with neighbors. “We have to realize we may be feeding other people,” said Bledsoe. “So we can do meal planning with our neighbors and combine ingredients and items that will help both families.”

Attendee Robin Maughan said that the evening was an interesting experience. “I want to learn more,” she said. “This is a great way to bring the valley together and share knowledge. These two women are exceptional teachers so why wouldn’t we take advantage of it?”

This pantry challenge is something in which everyone can participate. The idea is to possibly do a 14 day challenge in July, and again in October. Those experiences might build up to the possibility of a 30 day challenge next January.

“The point is to learn just how much we consume, what our likes and dislikes are, and learn to budget, preserve, and get new ideas from other people,” said Bledsoe.

Another meeting will be held June 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Logandale School. Everyone is invited and entry is free. Participants can share ideas, learn what to plant, and even up their game and make their own goals.

For further information, email Laura Bledsoe at Quailhollowfarms@mvdsl.com.

A series of classes will be held this summer, as well as a two-day event in October that will include many demonstrations and information on being self sufficient.