By Joy Lynn Clark

3/9/2016

When I moved to the suburbs,  I realized that I just couldn’t afford to buy food.  I swear food is much more expensive in the burbs.  Anyhow, I had my rent, phone, gas and car.  Food was just killing me.

A friend of mine told me about a local food pantry.  I felt weird about it at first like, am I taking food from someone who really needs it?  However, I looked at my child and had to accept that I am someone who really needs it.

The food pantry was run by the local church.  We got canned goods, and even some meat.  The pantry even had a produce day.  On produce day we could come and get lots of fruits and vegetables.

One time, I was given a case of cucumbers.  This was when I started preserving.

I went to the local thrift store and found lots of mason jars and different types of glass jars for preserving.

Now I don’t pass up a good deal on produce.  I will bring it home and preserve it.  Through my struggle, I picked up a new skill.  Nothing is wasted.3/9/2016