I used to think that but then I learned about a family in California with a house on a tiny lot who raise tons of food every year. Ive been following them for a long time. They inspire me. But it’s really not just about gardening. Americans spend on nonessential and then live week to week when it comes to the necessities — food, shelter and clothing. People are going into retirement with a mortgage. That makes no sense. I keep my kitchen stocked but most of it I purchase from stores and local markets. I paid my house off twenty years ago. I live debt free and choose food and shelter over cars, vacations, name brands, and stuff. Waiting until there’s an emergency to stockpile is ineffective. It’s misplaced trust in the system and a modern day phenomenon.