LandedGentry

There's much more to bulk shopping for staples than the big box stores. EZ Prepping has a searchable directory of stores and markets, so you can shop like a stone cold Mennonite saver. Things I've noticed about shopping at Amish or Mennonite stores: 1.) Many are not listed online, you have to find them in the local paper or word of mouth. That's how I found "Sunny Gardens" in Lamar, MO. 2.) Call before you go, as many of them change their hours based on seasons and stock availability. These are mostly family-run, small places. If Grandma is at her heart appointment and can't man the cash register, then that's it for the day. 3.) Bring your own shopping bags. 4.) Less packaging on everything. They buy in bulk and re-sell most items in smaller packaging labeled and sold by weight. 5.) Take your time shopping, they're also selling chickens, nursery stock and a bunch of other stuff, they'll get to you when they can. Again, family-run. 6.) Bring cash, these are low volume places and the credit card transaction fees, IF they take credit cards, might be punitive for the owners. 7.) There might be a minimum charge to use a debit or credit card. 8.) There probably won't be a public bathroom. 9.) You will meet cool people who know how to raise their own food. The ladies at Sunny Gardens didn't mind being asked about hyperlocal gardening stuff- climate, planting dates, soil, what works and what doesn't. Asking "what is worth my time to grow around here?" can unlock a wealth of experience and information. Don't just go by books, Rodale Press doesn't know shit about what to grow in Missouri or Kansas and I'm calling them out, right here, right now. Rodale, you are not the be all and end all. There are neatly dressed old ladies in kerchiefs who will tell you how it is.