I've done a little preserving, not much at all though I guess and it's something I want to get into some more. I generally trade my excess stuff with friends, milk, eggs, other vegetables and fruits, and I also give them away. We have a fairly healthy trade scene here though and it works well.
Preserving is important for SHTF use. I'm pressure canning, dehydrating, vacuum packing, fermenting, and pre-freezing dry goods.
I'm also thinking about building a freeze drying unit, because they are too expensive; and not that difficult to build.
I have mylar bag storage, but I haven't used any yet...time is the limiting factor!
I'm so glad you have a community there to rely on. I'm building one with my family based on Keystone Lake for transportation. We own four homesteads on the lake, and will communicate by ham radio.
👍💙🙏📖🙏💗🤔🤠😋