This thread should stay up there. Should there be an economic collapse being prepared is vitally important. I suggest we post more excellent suggestions on preparedness/survival here.
And in keeping with the original post in the title of this thread, here's an article I found at
http://www.survivalblog.com/ about cheap survival food.
"Jim,
Being born and raised in Maine, I was introduced to B&M baked beans at a young age. Beans and brown bread were our standard fare on Saturday nights for many years. Over the years, I have grown increasingly fond of them, although harder to find in the Midwest - they seem to get crowded off many grocery store shelves in favor of lesser rivals.
In particular, I love B&M brown bread (with or without raisins) - rich, moist dense bread made with molasses and packaged in a can. It is heated inside the can (hint: slice it cold, before heating). A pat (or two) of real butter melting on it makes the meal complete.
From a preparedness perspective, both the beans (available in glass jars or cans) and brown bread are a treasure. The manufacturer confirms (below) that their standard freshness shelf life is three years from date of manufacture (longer is still good, I'm sure). Given that we regularly eat it, there is no problem adding this to our "rotation". And in the case of distress, we have the ability to heat the meal right in the can - the original MRE.
When I had trouble finding B&M at my local grocer, I wrote the B&G Foods and purchased several cases directly from their distribution group.
Blessings and love to you and your family. - BeePaw"