Cara Jones, who used to rely heavily on takeaways and supermarket frozen meals, has switched to growing and preserving her own food, enough to feed her family for four months, saving her around $2,000 annually.
At 27, Cara delved into the world of homesteading during the pandemic, feeling a loss of control. She self-educated on food preservation methods like canning through YouTube.
Now, the mother of two boasts a well-stocked pantry with canned vegetables, flour, and ready-made meals that can last three to four months. This lifestyle shift has led to significant savings for Cara, her husband Devon, 28, a truck driver, and their two children, aged two and three.
Living near Chicago, Cara previously depended on weekly grocery trips and fast food. She had the misconception that homesteading was only possible with ample land and livestock.
However, in summer 2022, she began growing vegetables in her small garden and set up a pantry in her basement, learning canning techniques online.
