Stocking up on food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. At Prep2Survive, we believe you can easily build a stockpile over time, even if you’re on a tight budget. One of the best ways to do this? Stick to a manageable plan, like setting aside $5 each week to buy essential items.
As inflation rises and grocery prices increase, now’s the time to start securing your food supply. We’re here to show you that with as little as $5 a week, you can build a year-long stockpile without feeling the pinch. Let’s break it down!
At first, $5 might not seem like much. But if you commit to spending an extra $5 every time you shop, you’ll be surprised at how fast your pantry grows. By the end of the year, this small investment adds up to **52 weeks of essential food supplies**. The trick is to be consistent. A little here, a little there, and soon you’ll have a fully stocked food supply.
Stockpiling 5 Items a Week
One of the simplest ways to get started is by adding five extra canned goods or non-perishable items each week. Imagine this: if you pick up five extra cans of food per week, you’ll have 260 cans by the end of the year. That’s a serious boost to your stockpile, and it won’t strain your budget!
You can mix and match, buying what’s on sale or what your family enjoys eating. Flexibility is key, and there’s no need to stress about sticking to a specific order—just start adding what works for you.
Need ideas? We’ve put together a checklist of the most popular canned and dry goods, perfect for getting started.
Ready to Do More? Double It Up
Feeling a bit of urgency? You’re not alone. With everything going on in the world, it’s understandable to want to stock up faster. If you can, consider doubling your weekly stockpile to 10 items. Even small increases can make a huge difference when building up long-term food security.
The $5 a Week Stockpile Checklist
For those of you who prefer to stockpile based on budget rather than a specific number of items, we’ve created the $5 a Week Stockpile Checklist. We researched common pantry staples and checked current prices at major retailers like Walmart to figure out how much you can realistically buy for $5 each week.
With this method, you’ll end up with a diverse array of 243 items by the end of the year! And remember, this isn’t limited to just canned goods. Depending on sales, you can pick up bags of rice, pasta, sugar, and more. While prices may vary, the $5-a-week plan offers a flexible, budget-friendly approach.
Why Walmart Prices?
Walmart is accessible to most people in the U.S., making it an ideal reference point for pricing. Of course, if you shop at Aldi, Grocery Outlet or find deals at a local grocery store, you might be able to stretch your $5 even further.
Want to Get Started?
We’ve made it easy! Whether you’re going with the 5-item plan or sticking to a strict $5-a-week budget, we’ve created a free downloadable 52-Week Stockpile Checklist to guide you along the way. It’s flexible, practical, and designed for real people who want to make sure their families are prepared.
By breaking it down into simple weekly tasks, stockpiling becomes manageable, not overwhelming. You’ll be building a strong food reserve that ensures peace of mind—and could save you a lot of stress and money in the future.
No matter what path you take, Prep2Survive is proud to be part of your journey. Stockpiling is a smart move for your family, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Grab your Free Checklist How to Stockpile Food for $5/week Here.
