Get ready to pay much more for groceries.  I have been warning that the flood of new money that the Federal Reserve and Congress have been pumping into the system would have very serious consequences, and I have also been warning that food prices would be shooting higher.  When things start getting really crazy, demand for food and other basic essentials goes way up, and meanwhile this pandemic has significantly disrupted production of certain products.  So even though most of the economy is currently still in a deflationary phase, food prices are beginning to spike.  In fact, the U.S. Labor Department says that we just witnessed the largest one month increase since February 1974…

The Labor Department reported Tuesday that prices U.S. consumers paid for groceries jumped 2.6% in April, the largest one-month pop since February 1974. The spike in supermarket prices was broad based and impacted items from broccoli and ham to oatmeal and tuna.

The price of the meats, poultry, fish and eggs category rose 4.3%, fruits and vegetables climbed 1.5%, cereals and bakery products advanced 2.9%, and dairy goods gained 1.5%.

Sadly, this is just the beginning.

Prior to this pandemic, Americans spent about 10 percent of their incomes on food.

As this new economic depression deepens, expect that number to eventually more than double.

We live at a time when global food supplies are becoming increasing stressed for a variety of reasons.  In wealthy countries this is going to force food prices aggressively higher, and in poor countries this is going to mean that a lot of people simply will not have enough to eat.

Already, we are seeing some crazy prices for certain items here in the United States.  King Arthur Flour is very popular these days, and because supplies have become so tight a single bag is now selling for more than 26 dollars on eBay…

Five-pound bags of King Arthur Flour have been so hard to score that they were selling this week on eBay for $26.49, five times the store price.

If you planned on stocking up on flour, hopefully you did it ahead of time.

Many out there are suggesting that the best thing that we can do during an economic environment such as this is to keep showering the American people with more government checks.

In fact, Democrats in Congress have just introduced a new bill that would borrow and spend an additional three trillion dollars that we don’t currently have…

State and local governments would share nearly $1 trillion in federal aid to cover their coronavirus-related costs and families would get another round of direct payments under a stimulus bill House Democrats unveiled Tuesday.

The more than $3 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or HEROES Act, also would expand unemployment assistance, boost food stamps, increase emergency grants to small businesses trying to weather the COVID-19 pandemic that has slammed the economy and upended daily life in the U.S.

Without a doubt, millions upon millions of Americans are deeply hurting right now.  Just about everyone has been thrilled to receive the first round of “stimulus checks”, and certainly very few people would complain if another round was sent out.

But if sending everyone a thousand dollars is good, wouldn’t sending everyone a million dollars be even better?

Needless to say, throwing giant piles of money around recklessly is not a good idea, because it destroys the value of our currency.

Venezuela tried that, and at this point almost everyone in the country is a millionaire…

What if I told you that in the socialist paradise of Venezuela, everyone’s a millionaire?

The Bolivarian Revolution has raised the minimum wage over 50 times throughout the past 20 years. As of May 2020, it’s been set at 400,000 bolivars, plus a 400,000 socialist food ticket bonus, bringing it to an astounding total of 800,000 bolivars per month.

But even though there are so many “millionaires” running around, almost everyone in Venezuela is living in deep poverty because the money has become virtually worthless.

Do we really want to become just like Venezuela?

Because that is the path that we are currently on.

Every time a new dollar is created, every existing dollar that you currently hold declines in value.

And every time a new dollar is created, the value of your paycheck goes down if your employer doesn’t give you a raise to match the increase in the money supply.

But the mainstream media continues to be enamored by the Federal Reserve’s ability to “solve our problems” by creating trillions of dollars out of thin air.  Just consider the following quote from a recent USA Today article…

It works like magic. With a few strokes on a computer, the Federal Reserve can create dollars out of nothing, virtually “printing” money and injecting it into the commercial banking system, much like an electronic deposit. By the end of the year, the Fed is projected to have purchased $3.5 trillion in government securities with these newly created dollars, one of many tools it is using to help prop up the ailing economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Oxford Economics.

“It works like magic”?

You can probably imagine how I responded when I first read that.

They make it sound like some sort of Disney production, but in reality what the Federal Reserve is doing is slowly but surely turning us into the Weimar Republic.

Unfortunately, the mainstream media will continue to cheer the Fed on as they steadily kill the U.S. dollar, but none of us will be cheering when a loaf of bread costs 5 dollars and a gallon of milk costs 10 dollars.

A torrent of newly created money is not going to fix our economy.  What we really need is for the American people to be allowed to go back to work, but quite a few states are indicating that some restrictions may not be lifted until August or later.

And even if all of the restrictions were lifted immediately, fear of COVID-19 is going to keep many Americans from resuming normal activities for the foreseeable future…

Most Americans say they would be uncomfortable returning to their regular routines today, even as they are increasingly leaving their homes to visit others, according to a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS.

The 58% who say they are not comfortable returning to their routines today is similar to the 60% who said last month that they would be uncomfortable doing so if guidelines on social distancing expired on April 30. On the other side, 41% say they would be comfortable resuming their regular routines now.

What all of this means is that we are going to be dealing with an economic depression for a long time to come, and every new crisis that erupts during this period of time is just going to intensify our problems.

For a long time, I warned that an economic collapse was coming, but I don’t have to do that anymore because the economic collapse is here.

Now the value of our currency is being absolutely destroyed by our authorities as they respond to this economic collapse, and that is going to have very serious implications for our future.

About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all many people as we possibly can.

The post A Taste Of What Is Coming – Food Prices Just Increased By The Most That We Have Seen Since 1974 appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Are you out of Lysol? Are the grocery shelves out of it, too? Don’t panic, you can still make natural household disinfectants you can use to replace the good ol’ Lysol!

DIY Natural Household Disinfectants

If you’ve been watching the news in 2020, you’ve heard a lot of discussion about cleaning and disinfecting your home and your car.

Coronavirus is highly contagious, and keeping surfaces clear of the virus is an important step in preventing the virus from spreading. But store shelves were quickly emptied of the usual household cleaning products as panic buying became rampant.

When you can’t get your hands on the usual Lysol and Purell, you can create effective household cleaners using products you likely have in your medicine cabinet. You can successfully DIY your own hand sanitizer, disinfecting spray, and wipes — without the harmful chemicals.

To make your own disinfectants, you’ll need to have on hand:

• Hydrogen Peroxide, at least 3% concentration
• Isopropyl Alcohol, at least 70% concentration
• Aloe Vera gel
• Spray bottle and Paper towels

The Best Defense

Your absolute best defense against coronavirus, as well as other cold and virus germs, is to wash your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is not a replacement for hand washing. It is simply the best option available when you do not have access to a sink.

DIY Hand Sanitizer

Hopefully, you keep isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) in your medicine cabinet, as it has been hard to find in stores recently. You’ll want a concentration of 90%+ to make effective hand sanitizer.

• 3 parts isopropyl alcohol
• 1 part aloe vera gel
• 3 drops essential oil for scent (optional)

Keep your hand sanitizer in a small bottle that is easy to keep with you. It’s recommended to shake the bottle before use.

DIY Disinfecting Spray

 

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All you need for this one is a spray bottle and hydrogen peroxide. Simply pour the peroxide into the bottle and spray onto surfaces. Be sure to let peroxide sit on the surface for at least 6 minutes.

DIY Disinfecting Wipes

Disposable disinfecting wipes are in high demand right now, as they can be used to quickly and easily clean shopping cart handles, door handles, steering wheels, and anything else you might come into contact with while doing essential business.

When you can’t get your hands on your favorite brands, it’s not hard to make your own wipes. You’ll need:

• Roll of paper towels cut horizontally, to create 2 rolls about the size of toilet paper rolls
• 2/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol
• 1/3 cup water

Put the paper towels and liquid solution into an airtight container, like a Tupperware or old wipe dispenser. When the paper towels are fully saturated, remove the cardboard holder from the center and pull towels for use.

If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious, you can make reusable disinfecting wipes that don’t result in so much waste. Instead of paper towels, use an old t-shirt or old towels.

Cut the cotton fabric of your choice into the size wipe you prefer, and soak them in the same alcohol solution in a re-sealable container.

Simply wash the wipes in hot water, and reuse in a new solution.

A Word of Caution

• Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide needs exposure to the virus germs/your surfaces for at least 6-8 minutes to be effective. It can also break down the finish on granite and marble.
• Isopropyl alcohol can cause discoloration in some plastics, so you’ll want to spot-test before using liberally for cleaning.
• If you are hoping to use vodka to sanitize your home, the brands in your liquor cabinet will likely not get the job done. You will need Everclear (the highest proof alcohol available) to disinfect.
• Vinegar makes a great household cleaner, especially on mildew, dirt, and bacteria, but has not yet been proven to kill virus germs.

As always, be mindful of labeling and storing your cleaning solutions to avoid accidental misuse or ingestion. Strictly adhere to dilution guidelines.

Have you tried making your own DIY natural household disinfectant? How did it go? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!

Up Next:

• Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer Strong Enough to Fight Against Coronavirus
• World Health Organization Director-General Warns: “This is not a drill…. It’s in our hands.”
• How To Make DIY Disinfectant Spray

Now we are up to 33.5 million jobs lost.  In just 7 weeks, the U.S. economy has been completely turned upside down, and the numbers are unlike anything that we have ever seen before.  On Thursday, the Labor Department announced that 3.17 million Americans filed initial claims for unemployment benefits last week.  That brings the grand total for this crisis up to 33.5 million, and that figure absolutely dwarfs what we witnessed during the last recession.  And as I discussed yesterday, even the mainstream media is now admitting that millions of those jobs are never coming back.

Yes, some Americans will be going back to work now that the lockdowns are being ended, but for now it is being projected that the job losses will continue to surpass any gains that are made by workers that are returning to their old jobs.

In fact, one prominent economist told CNBC that it will likely take until mid-June before the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits each week falls below a million…

At the current pace, the week claims numbers should fall below 1 million by mid-June, according to Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. “We’re very hopeful that June will see the beginnings of a rebound as states begin to reopen,” Shepherdson said.

To put that in perspective, prior to this year the all-time record for a single week was just 695,000.

So even when we get down to a million new claims each week, that will still be a catastrophic level.

And the truth is that these numbers don’t even tell the entire story.  Because state unemployment websites have been so overwhelmed, there are vast numbers of unemployed Americans that still have not been able to successfully file claims.

One of those unemployed Americans is Florida resident Roselande Guerrier…

Roselande Guerrier lies in bed each night, waiting for her cellphone to display 7:30 a.m. – when the Florida unemployment office opens – and calls, aching for answers, searching for help.

“All night, my eyes are open,” she said. “Five o’clock, my eyes are open. I call at 6 o’clock and the office is closed. I call at 7:30 and boom, ‘All lines are busy.’ Every number they give me, I try, but they’re always busy.“

She has been trying day after day, and she still hasn’t been successful.

So for now she doesn’t have a single penny coming in, and she has three hungry kids to feed…

Guerrier, 36, has spent 13 years changing sheets, picking up dirty towels and scrubbing bathrooms as a housekeeper at the Fontainebleau hotel, the iconic Miami Beach resort. At night, she would do the same at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, an art deco resort a few blocks away.

Both those jobs vanished on March 23 when the hotels were forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With three children to care for, she hasn’t seen a nickel of unemployment benefits or federal relief money.

Could you imagine being in her situation?

When you have little ones depending on you, it can be absolutely soul crushing to have nothing to provide.

Sadly, the job losses just continue to roll on.  This week, several more big companies have publicly announced layoffs…

The layoff announcements by larger companies continue on a daily basis. Yesterday, Uber announced that it would lay off 3,700 people; Haliburton announced that it would lay off 1,000 people at its corporate headquarters, after having already laid of thousands of people elsewhere; the Natural History Museum in New York City announced it would lay off 450 people; etc. etc. It’s a loud and terrible drumbeat. Thousands of smaller companies are laying off people without media attention.

If you were assuming that the U.S. economy would just bounce back to where it was before, you can forget about that right now.

In fact, Bob Michele told Bloomberg that it may be more than a decade before U.S. employment returns to the levels that we saw prior to this pandemic…

J.P. Morgan Chief Investment Officer Bob Michele predicted it will take 10-12 years after the pandemic for U.S. employment to get back to its pre-coronavirus level, insisting it won’t be as simple as turning the economy back on.

“No, it’s not that simple … it’s going to take years, or longer to get back to where we are, or where we were,” Michele said on Bloomberg when asked if reopening would be as simple as “turning on the lights.”

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what an economic depression looks like, and it is going to be with us for the foreseeable future.

Of course Congress certainly didn’t help matters when they created a big, fat juicy incentive for people to stay unemployed.  As Zero Hedge reminds us, millions of unemployed workers are now bringing home a lot more money than when they were actually working…

Worse still, the final numbers will likely be hurt even more due to the bailout itself: as a reminder, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed on March 27, could contribute to new records being reached in coming weeks as it increases eligibility for jobless claims to self-employed and gig workers, extends the maximum number of weeks that one can receive benefits, and provides an additional $600 per week until July 31. A recent WSJ article noted that this has created incentives for some businesses to temporarily furlough their employees, knowing that they will be covered financially as the economy is shutdown. Meanwhile, those making below $50k will generally be made whole and possibly be better off on unemployment benefits.

I certainly don’t understand why Congress would do such a thing.

If only we had elected at least a few people that could have brought some common sense to that institution…

Getting back to the economy, we continue to get more evidence that we are in the midst of a complete and utter economic implosion with each passing day.

For example, we just learned that orders for Class 8 trucks in April were down a whopping 73 percent compared to a year ago…

The misery in Class 8 heavy duty truck orders continues. Still struggling with the remnants of an order backlog that started almost two years ago with record orders in August 2018, the industry was unable to find an equilibrium prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Orders were sluggish and we noted numerous trucking companies that closed up shop altogether in 2019.

Post-pandemic, things look even more helpless. In April, the industry posted its worst order number on record as the economy ground to a halt as a result of the nationwide lockdown. Only 4,000 Class 8 orders were made last month, which is down 73% year over year and 44% from March.

Virtually every corner of the economy is dramatically slowing down, and that is going to force more layoffs in the months ahead.

As I discussed yesterday, one survey just found that 52 percent of all small business owners expect to be out of business in the next six months.  Traditionally, small businesses are the primary engine of job growth in this country, but now they are going to be failing at an unprecedented rate.

One of those small businesses that is in the process of failing belongs to wedding invitation designer Emily Rose Asher…

Wedding plans nationwide have been shot to hell in this age of social distancing. But Chicago-based calligrapher and wedding invitation designer Emily Rose Asher still has some work creating “save the NEW date” cards that couples are now sending to guests when they decide to reschedule their big event.

Still, Asher said, whereas she used to earn thousands of dollars during wedding season, she’s now earning hundreds. And the fact that she still has any income at all likely will disqualify her for unemployment benefits. But she did apply for a PPP loan at the end of April after trying to sort through conflicting guidance from two accountants about her eligibility.

I have such respect for people that create a business out of nothing and slowly nurture it into a success.

But now fear of COVID-19 threatens to kill millions of such businesses.

In other words, millions of hard working Americans are about to see their dreams go up in smoke right in front of their eyes.

It is a tragedy of almost unimaginable proportions, and I wish that it wasn’t happening.

But it is happening, and what is truly sad is that all of this could have been avoided if we had made much different choices.

About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all many people as we possibly can.

The post We Are Witnessing Economic Carnage Like We Have Never Seen Before, And The Economy Is Going To Continue To Bleed Jobs appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

The great outdoors is full of so many things to enjoy. The sights and sounds can be soothing and therapeutic. The tastes, on the other hand, can actually be deadly. North America is home to a handful of poisonous and toxics plants that you could encounter when hiking or camping. Below are the plants you should watch out for.

Toxic Plants to Stay Away From

Before you take up foraging for food, you’ll want to purchase a local field guide to help you identify the plants you will come across, and it’s still a good idea to pack your own snacks.

But in a survival situation, you may find yourself sampling some of the native delicacies.

Unfortunately, the results can range from vomiting and diarrhea to hallucinations, paralysis, and even death.

Before ingesting anything in the wild, do your research and be 100% sure that the plant is safe to eat. If you do think you’ve munched on something you shouldn’t have, take a photograph of it so that a medical professional can get you the help you need.

Plants That Cause Vomiting and Nausea

1. Beach Apples

If you find yourself hiking in Florida, stay far away from the Manchineel tree and its “beach apples.” Every part of the tree is highly poisonous.

The sap can blister your skin and cause blindness in your eyes, burning the leaves or branches can damage your lungs and eyes, and one bite from the small green fruit can kill you. Manchineel trees can be found along Florida’s coastlines and in salt-water swamps.

2. Raw Elderberries

Uncooked Elderberries can actually turn into cyanide if you eat them.

You’ll want to stick to the cooked variety, and avoid these in the wild if you come across them in a field or shady spot.

3. Castor Beans

Castor beans are native to Africa, but were introduced in the U.S. and have flourished in the East and South, along riverbeds and directly beside cultivated fields. They contain ricin, which will quickly kill you if ingested.

4. Daffodils

Any part of the Daffodil plant can poison you, and it is often the cause of death in pets that eat it. They are found throughout North America and are lovely to look at, but not to eat.

5. Water Hemlock Bears

Water hemlock bears an uncanny resemblance to Queen Anne’s lace and yarrow, which is unfortunate because both of the latter are full of medicinal qualities.

The former is not safe to eat but can be easily found across the U.S.

6. Pokeweed

Pokeweed has purple berries that you’ll want to skip over when looking for your next meal. It can be found in pastures, along roadsides, and on the border of wooded areas in the Eastern United States.

7. Rosary Pea

Rosary Pea was brought to the U.S. from India, and its red and black seeds are highly toxic. It grows in pastures, farms, and roadsides and you’ll want to stay far away from it.

Plants That Cause Hallucinations, Seizures, and Paralysis

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8. Angel’s Trumpet

Angel’s Trumpet is a lovely addition to your garden and smells great, but you’ll want to avoid eating it. Luckily, it isn’t really found in the wild.

9. Deadly Nightshade

You’re also not likely to stumble upon Deadly Nightshade and its cherry-like fruit.

However, if you do, it will be in the south or east U.S. Jimson Weed falls into the same family, and can cause hallucinations. Its spikes should be a clear indication to stay away from it.

Plants That Will Stop Your Heart

10. White Baneberry

Found in the northeast, White Baneberry has white berries that look like eyes. Ingesting them will cause cardiac arrest.

11. Foxglove

Foxglove is another lovely addition to your garden, but should not be consumed under any circumstances.

12. Death Camas

Death Camas often grows next to the edible Blue Camas and resembles an onion, which can be confusing to people looking for a meal. They are found in the West and should be avoided.

Exercise Caution Around Unknown Plants

It is recommended to keep your distance from plants you don’t know. Wear long pants and long sleeves to keep them from touching your skin. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling plants, and don’t burn anything that could contain toxins. Do not consume anything unless you are absolutely sure it is safe to do so.

Do you know other toxic plants to stay away from? Share it with us in the comments section!

Up Next:

• Top Poisonous Plants to Look Out for in the Wild
• Wilderness Survival Skills: A Guide To Identifying Poisonous Plants
• 12 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac

When it comes to camping, there are two schools of thought around creating meals:

It’s either,

“Hey, I’m ok being resourceful, so let’s take the minimum and catch or forage everything else!”

Or…

“We’re taking all the best foods we can fit in the cooler! If we catch something, sweet, it’ll be extra! But either way, we’ll eat like kings!”

The food philosophy camp you fall into comes down to how you prefer spending your time and energy in the great outdoors.

If you desire the freedom that goes with camping fast and light, you won’t have as many food options.

However, if you’re car camping, you can take many more food luxuries.

Luxury items such as portable stoves, griddles, Dutch ovens, etc. to make meal prep easier and faster. AND you can take fresh ingredients that make for a gourmet experience.

There’s a time and a place for each. But either way, it’s worth the effort to build a camping recipe list before you go.

A list you can use to put together your camp meals – whether it’s for a week away from home or just a long weekend.

So today I’ll be sharing all 32 of my favorite camping food recipes (plus helpful in-camp cooking tips and suggestions):

• 7 Time Tested In-Camp Breakfast Recipes
• 5 Easy On-The-Go Adventure Lunches
• 5 Delicious Gourmet In-Camp Dinners
• 7 Foil-Packet Campfire Dinners
• 5 Best Campfire Desserts (other than S’mores)
• 5 Kid-Friendly Camping Meal Ideas
• 4 Lightweight Backpacking Meals & Strategies
• Strategies and Tips For Cooking While Camping

*Note: Feel free to skip ahead to any section using the navigation links above.

**Note: You might want to BOOKMARK this page. That way you can reference it in the future anytime you’re getting ready to plan your meals for an upcoming camping trip!

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

7 TIME TESTED IN-CAMP BREAKFAST RECIPES

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Waking up in camp is always exciting. But I can never quite get rolling first thing in the morning until I’ve had something to eat (and a coffee).

Here are a few delicious recipes for some hearty in camp breakfasts. Ones you can prepare in camp before heading out to a day full of adventure or a date with the hammock and a good book.

1 – Camping Breakfast Sandwich

When it comes to breakfast sandwiches, we’re looking at a pretty simple formula. Muffin (or biscuit, if you ask me) + egg + cheese + meat = perfection!

I like to make it even easier by using up some of the leftovers from the night before. I love using leftover BBQ pork along with crispy fried eggs to start the day!

2 – Bacon and Cheese Pull-Aparts

This one works well IF you’re willing to pull out the Dutch oven and get a fire going in the morning. These bacon and cheese pull-aparts are a great way to start the day.

I mean, come on, cheesy goodness and chunks of savory bacon, what’s not to love!

They’ll keep you feeling full and warm all morning long.

3 – Farmers Scramble Breakfast

If you tend to head straight to the “skillet with potatoes” section of the breakfast menu, this one is for you.

This camping breakfast recipe combines crispy browned potatoes and tender scrambled eggs. You can also add some fried onions and bacon.

This Farmers Scramble hits all the bases – carbs, protein, salt, and fat. It’ll leave even the biggest eaters satisfied!

4 – Campfire French Toast

Whenever I’ve tried to make French toast in camp, it’s been at the pace of a single slice on the griddle at a time. But that’s not an efficient way to get breakfast out to a big group.

So, here’s a recipe that makes an entire loaf of bread into French toast.

It’s sure to please the group, and it’s way easier how I’ve always done it in the past…

5- Egg and Sausage Breakfast Taquitos

If your only experience with taquitos is in the frozen foods aisle, you owe it to yourself to give these a try!

They’re quick to prepare with sausage links and a pile of scrambled eggs. Plus, you can customize them with whatever extra ingredients you may have on hand.

I like to add a little hash brown to mine, and cheese works too. You’ll want to make a double batch though because they’re sure to go fast!

6 – Crispy Campfire Bacon

Cooking bacon over an open flame is one part culinary skill and two parts daring!

A well-meaning friend (but not very skilled grill master) tried it on my grill in college. He nearly burned our deck down in the resulting grease fire.

So if you’re willing to try this one, use stainless steel skewers instead and thread the bacon with space between the folds. This strategy allows the bacon to cook evenly, thoroughly, AND safely.

Yes, as the fat renders out and drips, you’re bound to get some small flare-ups. But slow cooking over low heat helps to minimize these flare-ups and leave you with crispy, extra smoky bacon.

Just NEVER leave it unattended!

7 – Dutch Oven Biscuits And Gravy

Biscuits and gravy are a classic breakfast menu item, but they can also be an in-camp breakfast treat as well!

The Dutch oven is a perfect tool to cook some fluffy biscuits.

Just add some warm, rich sausage gravy and you’ll have a breakfast that’s both delicious and filling.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 EASY ON-THE-GO ADVENTURE LUNCHES

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Camp lunches can mean anything from a quick snack to a full meal prepared in camp.

The name of the game is flexibility, as you never know how your plans will change or when everyone will start feeling hungry.

Individual portions help prevent a big set up and put away challenges…unlike a big spread. Leave the bigger meals for breakfast and dinner.

8 – Salads To-Go

Yep, I said salad!

Salads are NOT the first thing you think of for camping.  But a quick salad can be an excellent break from the heavy meals you may have planned for the first few days.

Hearty leafy greens (like kale) last longer in an ice-cooler than more delicate ones. I tend to avoid iceberg or spring mixed greens for this reason. I recommend you plan your own camp salads accordingly.

This recipe calls for individual salads in single-serving containers. That way, you can grab one at a time from the cooler when you’re ready to eat.

9 – Hot Ham and Swiss Croissants

Whether you choose to eat them hot or cold, these make-ahead ham and Swiss croissants are a camping food favorite.

Again, individual packaging makes it easy to grab them as needed.

AND each person can choose to eat them cold or heat them on the grill or over the fire.

All I know is, a gooey melt sandwich tastes so dang good after a long day hiking!

10 – Cashew Chicken Salad Wraps

Wraps are an excellent option for lunch on the go, whether that’s at home, at work, or camping.

The variety of flavors of pre-cooked chicken and tuna make for endless possibilities.

But this cashew chicken salad version is excellent and packs well.

If you have a fire or want to break out a portable stove try toasting the tortilla.

IT makes the wrap so much better, in my opinion.

11 – Trailside Hummus

When you think of portable foods, you don’t always think of heavy items like hummus.

But, with a home food dehydrator, you can dry any flavor of homemade hummus ahead of time.

Just be sure to NOT add the olive oil before dehydrating since it won’t keep that way.

Pack some buttery crackers or tortillas, and you’ve got a substantial lunch you consume on the trail!

12 – Crackers/Salami/Cheese

No recipe needed for this one.

Crackers, sausage, and cheese have been a staple on many of my hiking lunches for years.

They’re calorie-dense, pack well, and taste great.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 DELICIOUS GOURMET IN-CAMP DINNERS

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Dinner back in camp is a chance to regroup and wind down after a full day.

It’s a chance to make plans for tomorrow and to share stories of what you saw today.

I find that conversations are even more enjoyable over a hearty meal. One that will keep you (and everyone else) full until morning.

And trust me, there’s nothing is worse than having to crawl out of the sleeping bag to find a snack at 3 am.

These are some tested recipes that will tide you over until breakfast.

13 – One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

In camp, it seems like every meal needs more seasoning than it does at home.

This one-pot beef stroganoff recipe brings some big flavors to enjoy.

Steak, mushrooms, onions, and garlic flavors meld together to create a filling dish sure to be an in-camp favorite.

14 – Campfire Stew

This one is a perfect end of day meal if you plan to lounge around the campsite all day.

Let this hearty stew simmer over the fire for hours and it will develop a vast range of flavors.

Slow cooking can turn even the cheapest cut of meat into a tender delicacy. Plus, the swirling smoke will impart a wonderful smoky flavor throughout the campground.

You may have to beat your camping neighbors off with a stick!

You can adapt this recipe for the vegetables and meats you have on hand. Follow the cooking instructions on how to prep it at home or do everything in camp.

15 – Dutch Oven Stuffed Sausage and Potato Boats

This is another camp food recipe that’s easy to customize.

This stuffed sausage and potato boat recipe is super versatile.

Sliced sausage forms a base for potatoes mixed with any kind of toppings you like.

Using a Dutch Oven helps to prevent “drying out,” resulting in a “twice-based potato” texture and awesome flavors.

16 – Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

If you’ve been looking for a crowd-pleaser, this cast iron skillet pizza is it!

You can make the dough yourself or buy a convenient pre-made shell from the grocery store. But cooking in a cast-iron skillet will result in a thicker, chewier crust.

17 – Dutch Oven Pork Chops and Potato Casserole

Amazing pork chops and tasty potatoes make this a tasty and easy Dutch oven recipe for camping.

Cream of mushroom soup and bread crumbs make it an easy camp meal to prep and a surefire favorite!

Just take care not to burn the bottom of this casserole focusing most of the heat on the top of the oven.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

7 FOIL-PACKET CAMPFIRE DINNERS

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Cooking a delicious meal wrapped tightly in aluminum foil is a time-honored camping tradition. So much so that I decided to give them their own category!

There’s something so satisfying about opening that foil packet, sticking your nose in close to enjoy the first whiff of a fantastic feast.

Plus, individual packets allow for easy meal customization for each individual. I’ve found it’s the best way to make even the pickiest eater a happy camper!

18 – Foil-Wrapped Baked Sweet Potatoes and Chili

Tender baked potatoes and a hearty chili go just great together.

Cooking them over a campfire can help keep you warm and satisfied even on a cold night.

This recipe calls for sweet potatoes and vegetarian chili.

But you can substitute regular potatoes or any kind of chili you prefer.

19 – Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets

Sure, it “seems” like taking shrimp is an excessive camping luxury. And it is!

But I’ve made a similar recipe on several sea kayaking trips. I just used rock crabs I caught by hand instead of shrimp.

Crayfish are also another easy option in certain locales.

So mix your shellfish of choice with a fresh sauce and cook everything in tightly sealed packets. You’ll be known as the best chef in camp for years to come.

20 – Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches

French Dips are one of my favorite sandwiches of all time.

The tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy, salty au jus sauce in a giant pull-apart loaf of crusty bread – yes, please!

The French Dip is also perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd!

21 – Bacon Ranch Grilled Potatoes

You really can’t go wrong with potatoes baked in foil.

You can go with a pure blend of baked spuds and a perfect mix of cheese. Or you can add bacon, sour cream, and herbs, you know it’ll taste great and give you plenty of fuel for the next day.

Just layout pre-sliced potatoes and extras on a table. This buffet-style meal allows everyone to make their own version of the Bacon Ranch Potato Packets.

22 – Grilled Pineapple Chicken

This recipe is a quick and easy spin on teriyaki chicken.

This easy camping meal is simple to prepare at home by chopping all the ingredients and pre-mixing the sauce.

Once in camp, dish up to foil packets and cook until the chicken ready.

It should only take about 15 minutes to have dinner on plates!

23 – Southwestern Chicken Packets

Chicken, beans, and pepper jack cheese blend to create a hearty meal to fill you up after a long day in camp.

You can even tailor the spice level to fit each person – a win/win situation when camping with kids!

24 – Grilled Caramelized Onions

This simple recipe takes direct heat and sweet white onions. This combination helps create a great side dish or addition to other recipes.

If you get them caramelized and soft, you can even spread them on toasted chunks of crusty garlic bread.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 BEST CAMPFIRE DESSERTS (other than S’mores)

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25 – Blackberry Dutch Oven Cobbler

This cobbler is a GREAT dessert that’s a super easy camping meal that makes enough for a small group.

The carbonated soda gives it extra rise, so the cake is super fluffy with a crispy top.

It also makes a great breakfast if you have any leftovers!

26 – Grilled Banana Boats

When I was a kid, this was one of my favorites – in camp or at home!

They’re simple to prep and don’t take much in the way of ingredients.

Plus, you can store them all at room temp (unless it’s mid-summer and your chocolate is melting).

27 – Chocolate Orange Cakes

Orange cakes are an old standby in boy scouts, and they don’t disappoint.

Single-serving cakes, baked INSIDE the hollowed-out peel of an orange wrapped in foil!

Genius!

28 – Pineapple Upside Down Pound Cake

Foil packet cooking doesn’t have to end with dinner!

Chunks of fresh or canned pineapple cook down to a rich, mellow flavor. A flavor that pairs well with dense, buttery pound cake.

If you don’t have pound cake, chunks of old-fashioned donuts or even donut holes will work just as well!

29 – Cherry Hand Pies

Hand pies take some extra work to prepare, but they’re so good it makes up for it.

Using pre-made pie crusts is easy. But you can also do it with homemade if you’d rather not have the perishable dough in the cooler.

Either way, be careful with kids around the hot oil and cast iron.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 KID-FRIENDLY CAMPING MEAL IDEAS

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Anyone who has spent time with young kids knows that mealtime can be a struggle.

New foods are not always a hit, especially with overly-tired and hungry kids.

That’s why it’s wise to plan a few tried and true favorites. It can be a camping lifesaver. Because preventing a meltdown and saving your sanity is key to a great time camping with littles.

Plus, any food that you can have your kids “help” cook is food that you don’t have to prepare all by yourself. AND this helps keeps them entertained (at least for a little while).

30 – Campfire Cinnamon Roll-ups

Cinnamon rolls are always a breakfast hit, either at home or in camp.

If you’ve already got a fire going to heat water for coffee, give those bleary-eyed kids a fun task. Teach them how to whip up some cinnamon rolls on a stick!

Using packaged crescent roll dough makes it fast and no-mess. Plus, you can tailor the cinnamon/sugar mix to your liking.

31 – Make-at-Home Mac & Cheese

According to my sister, kids CAN exist entirely on Mac ‘n Cheese and pocket lint if push comes to shove.

The bottom line is, it’s a surefire hit for kids and simple to make.

Just pack some homemade mac and cheese into individual foil-wraps and heat them over the fire.

Since it’s already fully cooked, you only have to wait for it to heat up to your liking.

But if you let it sit just a little longer, you’ll reap the reward of crispy cheese on the top and bottom. This added texture and flavor turns a kid-friendly dish enjoyable one for adults too.

32 – Campfire Cheesy Breadsticks

Here’s another excellent entry in the “stick-based cuisine” category.

Campfire breadsticks are wrapped around a stick and cooked over an open fire.

There isn’t a kid out there who’s not fascinated by campfires. So this is a great way to teach them to use it as a tool.

So wrap store-bought dough around a handy stick and toast to your liking. These allow your kids to make their very own cheesy breadsticks.

33 – Hawaiian BBQ Pork Walking Taco

Multiple sources call them “a Midwest staple.” But in my 23 years of living in Michigan, I never came across the Walking Taco.

I learned about this camp friendly / kid-friendly dinner option after I moved out West.

This knowledge gap isn’t to say that they’re not a great idea – because they are!

First, prepare any taco/nacho toppings you like. Next, open a small bag of chips and layer everything inside on top.

This version used pulled pork and pineapple salsa for a Hawaiian flair. It’s a self-contained nacho platter in a handy bag.

No mess, no dishes, no cleanup!

The more I think about it; it *DOES* sound like something a Midwesterner would invent…

34 – Campfire Pigs In A Blanket

Both hotdogs and breadsticks can be big kid winners when cooked on sticks over the fire. But these Pigs In A Blanket take things to an entirely new level!

Be sure to use the loose foil wrap to slow down the cooking. This method gives hot dogs time to heat up without burning the breadsticks.

Afterward, dip in ketchup, mustard, or (my favorite) BBQ sauce.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

4 LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING MEALS

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Backpackers are a special breed. It’s all about minimalist camping!

In pursuit of lighter packs for more comfortable hiking, they do all kinds of odd things, especially with food.

But the need for good, filling, and tasty food is at its peak after a full day of hiking.

Something about long hikes and full packs drives a conversation towards camp food.

It was likely this hunger, mixed with ingenuity, which inspired such lightweight backpacking foods. I’m talking about inventions such as powdered peanut butter and freeze-dried roasted veggies.

35 – Backpackers Thai Noodles

You can find plenty of pre-packaged freeze-dried meals on the market nowadays. But this one is great to customize for yourself.

It’s got some intense flavors with spices that tickle the taste buds. And the richness of the peanut butter makes it particularly appealing.

You can purchase most of the ingredients at a local grocery store. But the powdered peanut butter and freeze-dried vegetables might be harder to find.

That’s why I suggest ordering such backpackers focused ingredients online.

36 – Spicy Curry Noodle Bowl

Curries are another easy meal to prep at home and save on food costs.

This one relies on lots of Southeast Asian spices and coconut cream powder for a thick broth that hits the spot.

If you’re feeling ambitious, add some home dehydrated cooked chicken or pork to the mix. I find such additions can make these meals SOO much better!

37 – Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Loaded mashed potatoes have been a staple of my backpacking menus since Boy Scouts.

You can either start with pre-flavored packets of instant potatoes or add your own spices.

This recipe is perfect if you’d like to start tinkering with your own flavors – because you can add nearly anything you want!

Mashed potatoes are the multi-tool food of backpacking cuisine.

38 – Peanut Sauce Ramen

This recipe uses easy to find ingredients. But you can cut the mess and weight if you swap in powdered peanut butter.

This one is a lot like other peanut sauce noodle recipes. But the ramen spice packet adds more sodium (you’ve likely sweated out a lot after a day on the trail). And it’s cheaper as well.

It’s an excellent addition to your backpacker meal plan.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

STRATEGIES AND TIPS FOR COOKING WHILE CAMPING

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Unless you have a big RV with a full kitchen, you’re going to have to rethink how you cook at a campsite. Why? Because there are several unique challenges to cooking at a campsite.

From preventing stored food spoilage to dish clean up – without kitchen appliances, you’ll need to get creative. The good news is, I have experience with each of these camp food challenges.

Keeping Foods Cold

Most campers do not have access to a fridge. So the food items you bring must either b safe to store outside, or you’ll have to protect them somehow.

Most people use a cooler full of ice to keep things cold on a hot day, and it works well.

But you can also put canned and sealed items in cold running river water or a snowbank if needed. This strategy works well if you’re trying to avoid taking a cooler…

Keeping Foods Warm(ish)

Fewer people realize you can also use a cooler to keep things from freezing if the temps dip too low at night.

An empty cooler will insulate the contents from moderate freezing temps. AND the addition of a hot water bottle before bed can protect from extreme cold conditions.

This strategy comes in handy during the late fall, winter, or early spring camping seasons when it can dip below freezing at night.

Baking Tools / Strategies

It’s a real challenge to bake in-camp without a standard kitchen oven.

Luckily, you can use things like a Dutch oven or a backpacker oven if you just HAVE to make a batch of fresh cookies.

However, for most baked goods, it’s easier to just cook these items at home and take them on the road with you.

Stovetop Camping Solutions

In-camp gourmet meals tend to require cooking over a portable stove or open flames, so prepare for that.

Depending on the fuel source, these can be messy, sooty affairs for your pots and pans.

They also may get scorched on the outside, so this isn’t the time to take your best pots and pans from home.

Instead, I keep a small camp skillet and old pasta pot in with all my essential camping gear. That way I know exactly what I have every time I go.

Grilling Strategies

It might be tempting to take a small grill along as well if you have some trunk space.

If not, you can usually do most of your grilling directly over the campfire (if the fire ring has a flip grill). Or for some recipes work well with camping skewers, baskets, or sticks.

Washing Up / Clean Up

Unfortunately, it takes longer to wash up in camp than at home. Why? Because heating water for wash-up takes both time and energy, so often I’ll just wash in cold water instead. Yes, it takes a bit more elbow grease and scrubbing.

Try using a metal brush and strong detergent to get your cast iron skillets and ovens clean.

You want to be diligent about it, though, as any leftover food smells are sure to draw animal visitors. Some animal scavengers are cute but mischievous squirrels, but there are also dangerous predators like bears.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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Cooking in camp should always a vital activity (as long as the weather cooperates). And when done right, it can bring everyone together.

Assigning tasks like prep and cleanup to help distribute the load. And this also helps ensure everyone has time to relax and enjoy their food.

Good camping food is key to keeping you fueled, focused, and ready to enjoy all the moments in the great outdoors.

Hopefully, these recipes give you a starting point to build your next epic camping food menu!

If you liked this article, you’ll also enjoy our 20 camping hacks article.

Jason K.

P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?

There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.

Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?

Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.

The post 38 Easy Camping Meals For Breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Building off my review of the Olight PL-PRO, SHTFblog is partnering with our friends at Olight to give away one PL-PRO Valkyrie weapon light to a lucky SHTFblog follower.

Enter the giveaway here.

The PL-PRO tactical light has a retail value of $129.95.

This is light offers a lot of power for the price. Additional features include:

• extremely power 1500 lumens with 280 meters of throw
• rail mount capabilities
• rechargeable battery
• magnetic USB charging cable
• quick attach level for fast removal and installation
• lockout mode and strobe features

Olight One-Day Flash Sale

In addition to the above giveaway, Olight has a one-day sale going on today only. The sale offers discounts on the following:

• PL-2 Gunmetal Grey Limited Edition 30% OFF
• Warrior X Pro Desert Camo/Gunmetal Grey Limited edition 30% OFF
• Bundle: PL-2 Gunmetal Grey +i5T 40% OFF (limit 2 per person)
• Bundle: Warrior X Pro Desert Camo/Gunmetal Grey +i56 (limit 2 per person)
• FREE I3UV keychain light worth $14.95 (login to account and add to cart)
• i5T EOS 25% OFF

Visit the Olight store to capitalize on all of these savings. Ends on 5/8/20!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

The post Giveaway: Olight PL-PRO Valkyrie Flashlight & Flash Sale appeared first on SHTF blog – Modern Survival.

This article was originally published by Ryan McMaken at The Mises Institute. 

People of a certain age might remember the old John Birch Society slogan “Support your local police!” The idea here is that your local policeman is a liberty-loving buddy of yours who would only ever support just laws and constitutional mandates. Only those bad guys in the FBI or BATF would ever consider violating your rights.

Now, obviously that has always been a rather naïve fantasy, but the notion certainly has a long history of support among American conservatives. The idea that unionized, well-paid government employees sympathize with the common man instead of with the government that signs the cops’ checks apparently has long made sense (for some reason) to conservatives and many others.

David Icke To LEOs & Military: “Look Your Children In The Eye” & Tell Them YOU Enforced Tyranny

But thanks to the ongoing “state of emergency” and the fact that state governors, mayors, and health officials now rule by decree, we’re witnessing more and more how local law enforcement officers have no particular interest in the rule of law, the Bill of Rights, or basic human rights of any sort. Police have been at the forefront of arresting business owners for the “crime” of using their own private property, using city parks, and engaging in other peaceful activities.

As Judge Napolitano has noted, these “stay-at-home orders”—and the penalties that accompany them—aren’t even real laws since they were never passed by a legislature or brought into being by any process other than on the authority of a single person who is usually a state governor or municipal official. By no definition of “rule of law” do these measures meet basic moral requirements for their imposition on peaceful citizens.

But the police are enthusiastically enforcing these edicts nonetheless and using them as an excuse to harass the taxpayers.

Here are just a few examples from around the United States.

• Police arrest a business owner for refusing to close his smoke shop.
• Police harass and detain a man for playing softball with his family in a nearly empty park.
• In Delaware, “a local business owner was even arrested for personally violating Carney’s stay-at-home order.”
• Wisconsin police arrested a dog groomer for social distancing–related “violations.”
• Shreveport, Louisiana, police threaten local business owners.
• NYPD officers assault a man for violating social distancing “laws.”
• In Odessa, Texas, a SWAT team descended on a peaceful demonstration at a tavern.

Keep in mind that no one is required to go near these places or interact with anyone involved. Those who wish to isolate themselves from these businesses and their clientele may freely do so. Yet these are just a handful of the many cases of police harassment involving citations, arrests, and other forms of coercion and intimidation brought against people who are just trying to live their lives. Nor should we assume that this is “as bad as it gets.” Since there is no longer any due process or public legislative process subject to checks and balances, governors and mayors can unilaterally decide at any time to ramp up social distancing requirements and business closures. If the public appears uncooperative, public officials can simply order police to be making mass arrests. We have no reason to think the police would not comply with this order.

After all, police personnel, who do not have a particularly impressive record when it comes to stopping or investigating real crime, have plenty of resources to crack down on nonviolent “perpetrators.”

The cases of New York and Odessa are instructive. Odessa law enforcement officers apparently have the extra time and resources to assemble a SWAT team in response to protests, but does this mean there is no real crime that needs investigating in Odessa? Of course not. According to the FBI’s 2018 crime survey, Odessa had 1,049 violent crimes in 2018, including 118 rapes and 819 aggravated assaults. If late 2019 and early 2020 were at all similar, then we’re talking about hundreds of violent crimes that Odessa-area police officials are ignoring in order to harass people for entering a tavern.

Indeed, if Odessa law enforcement agencies are anything like countless police agencies in other areas, only about half of the violent crimes are “resolved” at all. That is,

only 45 percent of violent crime lead to arrest and prosecution. That is, less than half of violent crimes result in what is known as a “clearance” of the crime. Property crime clearances are much worse. Only 17 percent of burglaries, arsons, and car thefts are “cleared.”

Among violent crimes, homicides experience the highest clearance rate by far, at 61 percent. Aggravated assault comes in at 53 percent, and rape at 34 percent.

But these are just cases where arrests are made and prosecutions are initiated. A smaller number of cases actually lead to convictions. A crime may be cleared even when the suspect is later exonerated.

New York is not exempt from these trends, yet the New York mayor recently dispatched one thousand cops to break up Jewish funerals and ensure that people don’t have barbecues on warm spring days.

By the way, there were more than forty-six thousand violent crimes in New York in 2018. But don’t fear, the police have extra personnel to come and break up your small backyard gathering.

There’s nothing surprising here, however. Police have long shown a lack of enthusiasm for addressing real crime, knowing that business owners, small-time drug users, and loiterers won’t fight back, and thus make for much better targets.

This is why police are often found to run and hide from truly violent criminals while the victims must fend for themselves, as in the case of the Parkland shooting or the case of the stabbing of Joseph Lozito.

Police are always careful to use the legal defense that they are not obligated to actually protect anyone from anything. The courts agree with this defense, and it is now well established legally that although you have an obligation to pay the police to “protect and serve,” the police have no obligation to actually provide protection.

But police officers and their bosses have convinced themselves that the really important policing right now involves hauling dog groomers off to jail and collecting revenue from parkgoers who are only standing five feet from the next person. But if you have a problem with real crime? You’re likely out of luck.

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s note: This prepping primer was written by guest contributor Mark Hedman.

So, you bought into the idea of hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, which is great! But how do you get your family onboard the prepper lifestyle when they may be less excited about it than you? 

Whether you’re trying to convince your extended or immediate family to adopt the prepper lifestyle, it can be a difficult task. Here’s why some people are leery of prepping for the worst and some simple tips to get your family on board.

Why Some People are Reluctant to Start Prepping

First, having reluctant family members is common. Sometimes it’s as simple as laziness because prepping takes work. Others fear disaster, so, by not prepping, they adopt the “bury-your-head-in-the-sand” attitude. They don’t want to acknowledge the possibility of disaster and possibly death. 

“The Normalcy Bias”

This bias is the state of mind that people often have when they think about the reality of a potential disaster. They tend to underestimate the possibility that a disaster could occur at any time, as well as the effects of a disaster. 

“Death Would Be Better”

Many people say they would rather die than survive a disaster. They often develop the mentality that death would be better. Some of these people may eventually come around to the prepping lifestyle, but if this is their honest belief, respect their opinion. 

“There’s No Money in the Budget to Prepare for a Nuclear Armageddon”

The cost of prepping is a legitimate concern. Many people struggle to make ends meet, and they think there just isn’t enough money to prep the right way. Prepping over time is much less expensive, though, and makes prepping totally doable.

Tips for Introducing Your Family to Prepping for Disasters

Here are some helpful tips to help get your family on board with prepping for the worst.

1. Discuss It in More Immediate Terms

Your family may not understand prepping for something that may never happen like all the people building bunkers during the Cold War. (News flash! Nuclear Armageddon could still occur, and maybe those people were smart.) Talk about disasters we see regularly, such as power outages and hurricanes, instead of nuclear war. You might be able to spark their interest and then bring them around to more hardcore prepping once they warm up to the idea.

Approach slowly because, if you don’t, you risk increasing their resistance to the idea, which defeats the purpose of getting them on board. Most people don’t like making decisions when they feel rushed. 

2. Try Different Family Vacations

If your family goes to the beach every year, try camping in a national park near you. Camping will introduce your family to critical survival skills like building a shelter as well as living and cooking in the wild. 

It will also teach them the vital things to pack, such as essential first aid supplies and shelf-stable food. They’ll learn how important a durable tactical flashlight is when there’s no electricity. Remind them of necessities such as a can opener if you have canned food in your stockpile.

3. Ask Someone to Help Get Your Family Onboard

Perhaps another family member believes in the prepper lifestyle and may be able to help you pitch the idea to your family. Or maybe it’s a friend that they’ll listen to because, let’s face it, sometimes the inspiration needs to come from someone else. 

4. Use the News to Warm Them Up to Prepping

Sometimes a reputable source can help get your point across. Your family may digest this information much easier than you speaking to them directly about it. The TV news is full of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, illnesses, disease scares, and more. If you’re watching the news with your family and one of these stories pops up, it’s the perfect time to mention prepping. 

5. The Indirect Way of Talking About Your Day

An indirect conversation is a perfect way to introduce your family to the prepping lifestyle. You may sit down to dinner with your family, and you’ll ask your kids how their day was. In return, they may ask about your day. You can reply, “I cleaned out the garage to make room for emergency supplies” or something similar. 

Mentioning it indirectly won’t make your family feel like you’re pressuring them. Don’t say you’re stocking up on supplies in case of a nuclear holocaust. Dramatic flair won’t help you in this instance.

6. Books About Prepping

Books are an excellent way to explain the importance of prepping for the unexpected. They can be non-fiction, but even fiction books work well if they’re about learning to survive in the wilderness or after an apocalypse. They’re good conversation starters, especially those that illustrate what happens if you don’t prepare for the worst.  These books make good gifts. 

7. Prepper Games

There are some prepper games out there that you can play with the family. Buy a survival-related set of playing cards for family game night. There are also card games and board games about surviving an apocalypse. A game is a fun way to shine light on a serious topic. 

8. Movies, Documentaries, and TV Shows

There are plenty of movies and shows related to the prepper lifestyle. Some of these include:

• The Purge
• Contagion
• The Impossible
• Apocalypse 101 by National Geographic
• Apocalypse Now by the Discovery Channel
• American Blackout by National Geographic
• Blindness
• Babylon AD
• Catching Fire
• City of Ember
• Dante’s Peak
• Deep Impact
• The Walking Dead
• Electronic Armageddon National Geographic
• I am Legend
• Life After People by the History Channel
• Live Free or Die Hard
• And many more

It may take some convincing to get your family on board with the prepping lifestyle, but avoid direct confrontation or you may sabotage your efforts to make sure that your family can survive after a major disaster. Whether you choose a movie for the family to watch or give your wife a prepping book for Christmas, use these tips to educate your family on preparing for the worst. 

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Mark Hedman is the CEO of LA Police Gear, located in Valencia, CA.

The post 8 Helpful Tips for Introducing the Prepper Lifestyle to Your Family appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Prepping can involve building things useful for survival or comfort during lean times. Here are the tools preppers should consider having to make the job easier.

Editor’s note: This prepping primer was written by guest contributor Brandon Smith.

Preppers are always ahead of the curve when it comes to being ready for any eventuality. If you don’t know all the basics around food, health and general survival preparedness for something like the recent COVID-19 outbreak then take a look through this guide.

Here, I’m going to take you through the best power tools for preppers.

Whenever we talk about having power tools, we usually mean hand power tools that are easy to use and get the job done. It’s important to have some manually powered tools to hand just in case the grid goes down, but power tools will make things easier.

Power tools can make life easier

Prepping is all about being prepared. If SHTF then there isn’t going to be any time to learn to build a log cabin in the woods and if the grid goes down, it will take you too long to build it using manual tools.

That’s why it makes sense to add a few power tools to your tool kit. Use them now to build any structures or defenses to help you through the tough times ahead.

The power tools that every prepper needs:

• Cordless Drill
• Circular Saw
• Angle Grinder
• Reciprocating Saw
• Charger

Cordless Drill

This should be your first purchase if you don’t own any power tools. It’s versatile and can be used for jobs around the house like putting up shelves or fixing new cabinets. It will also be used for fence or gate repair and will be your go-to tool when boarding up windows.

The best type to buy is a hammer drill. It will do all the general jobs like acting as a screwdriver and drill holes in wood, plastic and metal, but it also works well on concrete and other harder surfaces.

It’s going to cost a little more than a standard drill/driver, but when you need to drill into masonry or other toughened material you’ll be glad you have it. Ensure it can handle 1,000lbs of torque, has a ratcheting chuck, has a side handle (to prevent kickback), and that you buy some masonry, Cobalt and titanium-coated drill bits.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is an important tool for a prepper to have. If you’re building any type of structure then this is what you will use to cut wood or metal. The decision over a cordless or powered one will depend on its use. If you’re building things and using it to prepare structures then a corded one is more powerful.

But, having a corded power tool when the power goes out isn’t much use. I’d suggest buying a cordless one with a larger battery by a professional brand. 

Angle Grinder

This is a powerful tool that has several functions. It can be used to grind and shape different material like stone, metal and concrete as long as the right blade is attached.

If you need to remove paint or rust from surfaces then this is the tool. They come in different sizes, so choosing the right size is important. Most preppers will find one that is 4 ½ inches suitable for most jobs.

Some attachments to purchasing are discs (different types for different materials), diamond-tipped discs (for granite and asphalt), sanding pads & discs (removing and finishing), and cut-off discs (similar to a Dremel but much more powerful).

Reciprocating Saw

This piece of kit, alongside a cordless drill, should be on every prepper’s “I have to buy this tomorrow” list. It’s versatile and if you select the right blade you can cut through almost any material.

You can cut wood, prune branches and bushes, and easily cut through thick wood and metal. This is the tool you see firefighters use when they remove car roofs to free a victim in a crash.

When you buy this piece of kit, get an assortment of blades too. You will then be able to cut through different types of material. Keep in mind that the blades won’t last forever, so having a stock of some regular ones you use is advisable. 

Charger

Lots of manufacturers sell chargers that can plug into the 12-volt power port in your car or van.  This works in a similar way to charging the tools when you plug them into the wall. It ensures you can charge your equipment should the power go out and expands your ability to keep the batteries charged.

Most of them have indicator lights to show you when the battery charge is full, and many have a sensor to shut off the charger when your vehicle’s battery level gets to a certain point.

Manual Tools

There are lots of manual tools that come in handy too. If you want some of the most popular ones to add to your tool shed then this tool kit page gives some great ideas.

Conclusion    

Having some power tools as a prepper will allow you to be self-reliant and build any structure you feel is necessary. Small jobs can be completed around the home and if things head downwards you can be confident you have the right tools for any eventuality.

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Brandon Smith is an Editor at TheSawGuy.com – a woodworking & DIY resource for everything from comparing the best table saws and mitre saws, to home and garden projects.

The post Power Tools for Preppers appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Many Americans have been absolutely shocked by the meat shortages that have started to happen around the nation, but what most of them don’t realize is that the worst is yet to come.  More workers keep getting sick, more processing plants keep getting shut down, and Time Magazine is now warning that the meat shortages “could last for months”.  And even if meat is available at your local grocery store, you may be limited to one or two of a particular item on each trip.  For those not familiar with the concept, this is what is known as “rationing”.  And even though President Trump just issued an executive order that “encourages” meat processing facilities to stay open, it actually won’t do very much at all to alter our current trajectory, and I will explain why below.

But first, let’s talk about where things currently stand.  According to USA Today, the number of cattle, hogs and sheep being slaughtered is way, way down compared to last year…

American slaughterhouses processed nearly a million fewer cattle, hogs and sheep in the past week than they did during the same time a year ago, marking a new low that experts say will likely increase “spot” shortages of meat at some grocery stores.

And as the number of meat processing facilities closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic has surged, the decline in meat production has accelerated…

Last week, meat production was down about 25 percent compared to the same time last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On Wednesday, production was a full 42 percent lower than the same day last year.

If production continues to stay at such a low level, we are going to run into major supply chain headaches very rapidly.

After all, do you plan to eat 42 percent less meat this year?

I certainly do not.

In recent days, there was hope that President Trump’s new executive order would bring a quick end to the meat shortages.  When I first heard about this executive order, I assumed that it would force all of the meat processing facilities to reopen and would shield the owners from any lawsuits.  But it turns out that this executive order doesn’t actually do either of those things…

Meanwhile, legal experts said President Donald Trump’s executive order Tuesday declaring meatpacking plants “critical” to keep open will do little on its own to stop the slide in meat production brought on by the spread of the coronavirus among meatpackers.

“It doesn’t compel meat or poultry producers to remain in production,” said Deborah Pearlstein, a law professor at Yeshiva University, and it doesn’t give employers immunity from lawsuits.

Sadly, it appears that this executive order isn’t really going to do much good at all.

Big meat processing corporations are going to be quite afraid to reopen facilities as long as the threat of lawsuits looms large.  I can promise you that there are already lawyers circling like vultures, and they are going to try to squeeze millions of dollars out of these large companies.

So when will the threat of lawsuits finally go away?

Well, it won’t just be “weeks”, and “a few months” might be overly optimistic.

In our overly litigious society, reopening facilities and exposing your employees to the virus while a pandemic is still raging is basically the equivalent of begging for a class action lawsuit.

Unless President Trump or Congress steps up and takes bold action, nothing is going to change.

And if nothing changes, Tyson Foods is warning that “millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the food chain”…

Tyson Foods, one of the U.S.’s biggest meat processors, didn’t mince words in a full page New York Times spread that ran Sunday, in which they warned, “the food supply chain is breaking.”

“As pork, beef and chicken plants are being forced to close, even for short periods of time, millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain,” John Tyson, Chairman of the Board of Tyson Foods, wrote in a letter published as an advertisement. “As a result, there will be limited supply of our products available in grocery stores until we are able to reopen our facilities that are currently closed.”

And with supplies getting really tight, we are already starting to see prices go into the stratosphere.

In fact, Zero Hedge is reporting that the price of wholesale beef has already risen a whopping 62 percent since February…

Wholesale American beef prices jumped 6% to a record high of $330.82 per 100 pounds, a 62% increase from the lows in February, according to Bloomberg, citing new USDA data.

Eventually, it is likely that we will get to a point where many Americans are forced to cut back on their consumption of meat because they simply can’t afford as much of it anymore.

I hope that you did what you could to get prepared in advance, because it appears that these shortages may be quite painful.  If you can believe it, McDonald’s has already implemented a system of “controlled allocation” for their restaurants…

McDonald’s is temporarily changing how restaurants get their supply of beef and pork, as the US faces potential meat shortages due to slaughterhouse closures.

McDonald’s has put items including burger patties, bacon, and sausage on controlled allocation. That means the company’s supply chain will send restaurants meat shipments based on calculated demand across the American system, as opposed to the usual practice of management ordering the amount believed will be needed.

Did you ever imagine that we would see a day when McDonald’s would be worried about potentially running out of meat?

Well, it is actually happening, and supplies are only going to get tighter in the months ahead.

Sadly, farmers are having to euthanize millions of chickens, pigs and cattle because meat processing facilities won’t take them while they are shut down.

So the truth is that there should be plenty of meat to go around, but fear of COVID-19 has caused a total breakdown of the supply chain.

What is happening is truly a tragedy, and hopefully our politicians will step forward and take dramatic action before things get even worse.

About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all many people as we possibly can.