The Dollar Tree for Preppers: My Latest Haul for the Alaska Granny Camper

Hi, it’s Alaska Granny! I’m currently spending time in the lower 48 and enjoying taking out my travel trailer, the Alaska Granny Camper, while visiting the Pacific Northwest. One of my favorite activities here is visiting Dollar Tree stores—something we don’t have in Alaska. Stocking up at Dollar Tree is always a treat, and it's particularly useful for ensuring my camper is well-prepared with essential items.

RV Food Storage Tips

Storing food in an RV can be challenging due to limited space and the potential for attracting critters and insects. Here are some tips for effective RV food storage:

1. Avoid Stockpiling Perishables: Keep food that won’t spoil easily and isn’t attractive to pests.
2. Consider Heat Stability: Ensure the food you store can withstand the varying temperatures inside the RV.
3. Regularly Refresh Stock: Rotate your food supplies to keep them fresh and usable.

Why Stockpile Food?

Having extra food on hand is crucial for several reasons:

• Weather Emergencies: Be prepared for unexpected weather that prevents you from reaching stores.
• Financial Hardships: Having a stockpile can help if you run out of money before the end of the month.
• Natural Disasters: Be ready for emergencies that might close stores or make it unsafe to shop.

Preppers always aim to have extra supplies, not for a doomsday scenario, but to ensure they have what they need for daily life and emergencies.

My Dollar Tree Prepper Pantry Haul

Let me share my latest haul from a well-stocked Dollar Tree store in the lower 48. Despite long lines, the pleasant and patient clerk made the experience enjoyable. Here’s what I picked up for my prepper pantry:

Snacks and Treats for the Grandkids

• Marshmallow Treats: Tiny marshmallows, rainbow twists, and marshmallow swirls.
• Cheerios: A big box of this versatile cereal.
• Milk: Shelf-stable whole milk and almond milk, which last up to a year.
• Fruit Snacks: Unicorns, sharks, and mermaids.
• Teddy Grahams: Individual packs of chocolate chip cookies, perfect for portion control.

Easy Meal Ingredients

• Spaghetti and Sauce: A 20 oz box of spaghetti and a can of spaghetti sauce.
• Instant Mashed Potatoes and Beef Stew: Quick to prepare and hearty.
• Ready-to-Eat Rice: Chicken-flavored rice for an easy meal.
• Chicken à la King: Versatile and can be served over various bases like rice, pasta, or toast.

Pantry Essentials

• Asparagus and Mushrooms: Convenient and ready to eat from jars.
• Coconut Milk: A great deal at $1.25.
• Goya Chickpeas: A versatile bean that’s often more expensive than pinto beans.
• Yams/Sweet Potatoes: Ideal for upcoming Thanksgiving preparations.

Seasonings and Condiments

• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Perfect for adding flavor to various dishes.
• White Vinegar: Useful for cleaning, cooking, pickling, and even killing weeds.

Conclusion

These are the items I chose to restock my prepper pantry while traveling in my Alaska Granny Camper. What are your go-to Dollar Tree items? Have you noticed any changes in stock availability? Share your thoughts in the comments below.