Food Storage challenge wrap up

For almost 4 weeks we challenged ourselves to a food storage challenge, I have to admit it was not easy. By the last week I did break down and buy some produce, so for 4 weeks our grand total of food spending (not counting a few meals out because we were working or out of town) we spent about $100. This bought apples, lettuce, some veggies, sodas (we could not make it without them), and one rotisserie chicken. Tom ended up working in Fresno all week, and we needed some things for him to take some food with him.

Things that were good for us using the food storage challenge:

1. Now when I do go to the grocery store I ask myself "can we eat this", I realized how many items that are non food item we I am putting in the grocery cart. These items add up, and it takes a hit on my food budget.
2. I am really going to think now about "do I NEED to go to the store" or is it just for something to do. I really am not a clothes buyer, or like to shop that much, but I do stop by the grocery store many more times than I NEED to, every time I walk in the store I will spend money, this is a great reminder for me.
3. We have A LOT of food that is getting outdated or will be outdating soon, I need to cook from food storage at least 2x per week ongoing to help the rotation of canned meats, and short shelf life items.
4. I enjoy making bread, and others around me like when I make bread also.
5. Tamales are a great break from routine meals for us and super simple to pull out of the freezer, I made a ton of them at Christmas and they blessed others and continue to bless us. I really like having them in the freezer for potlucks also.
6. I am pretty good at creating a meal out of what is on hand, this is a true gift and talent, Tom is not able to do this.
7. Having home canned meats in the pantry is awesome!
8. Homemade flour tortillas are better, been a while since I made them and now I am wondering why I stopped.
9. I was better mentally with finances all month because I did not go into stores and did not buy things I did not need. I worked on cleaning up financial paperwork, budget.

Things I did not like about the food storage challenge, things I learned or was reminded of:

1. We do not have enough canned fruits and veggies on hand.
2. I like fresh fruits and veg better - need to work on greenhouse and/or garden.
3. We drink sodas, I ended up not quitting - work has been super stressful and I did not give up my sodas.
4. My husband like to eat out too much, he did not participate in the food storage challenge as much as I did - and I will leave it at that!
5. When we had company it was harder to do the food storage challenge.

Would love to hear your comments about food storage and/or food storage challenges. How did you, or how do you think you would do?