Prepping shelf stable food for emergencies

Dear Friends, I truly hope this message finds you well. I have acquired some helpful knowledge that I'd like to share with you.

As a result of my health struggles over the years, I was slightly more prepared than the average person for the huge societal shift we are all experiencing now. I've never been supported by society...as a person with disabling health problems, as a full time caregiver of my disabled child, and as a mother. I've had to learn how to work within (or adjacent to) a system that many people find it difficult to thrive in. Most caregivers, minorities, women, and partially abled people experience this painful, stressful, financially unstable limbo in varying degrees. Decades ago I couldn't afford the expensive organic food my healer was recommending, so I started my first garden. Learning how to grow and preserve my own food has been the most liberating, soul and body nourishing experience of my life. My gardens became a source of security and hope during the most difficult times.

Now that I've shared a little bit of my story, I'd like to share some practical knowledge with you! I was feeling a bit concerned about having a steady supply of the foods that are on my child's restricted medical diet. He is type 1 diabetic and maintains excellent blood sugar as a result of his low carb/AIP diet. I feared running out of fresh zucchini which is a major staple for my kiddo. Then I remembered what I do in the summer when I have too much zucchini...I dehydrate it! So I asked my husband to buy a BUNCH of zucchini and I made a BUNCH of zoodles using my kitchen aid.

Next I spread the zoodles onto the trays for my dehydrator (I use the xcalibur which is expensive but when you process LOTS of garden food it pays for itself!)

I let it run for about 12 hours, poured a little rice in the bottom of dry sterile jars, and gently fill jars with zucchini "ramen" noodles! You can add them to soups or smoothies for extra nutrition and they should keep for quite some time in the pantry (just make sure it stays dry in the jar).

Here's the final product! Shelf stable nutritious food for the family!

**I know most folks aren't in a position to run out and start a garden and dehydrate large quantities of produce. Over the years, I've collected tools to help me be more self sufficient...I've had to. I invite you to plant some seeds and nurture your connection with the earth and with your source of food. It's been one of the greatest joys of my life AND it brings my family stability during uncertain times. Oh, and I"m just gardening in my back yard! I live on less than an acre. It's amazing what you can do with a little dirt, water, and sunshine!! Wishing you and yours well during this challenging time. May we rebuild a society together that is worthy of our children.