Best Ways to Build Food Reserves on a Tight Budget

[MeadowWhisperer]

Canned goods and bulk rice seem to stretch the furthest for me, but I’m curious what overlooked staples others have found useful for building reserves cheap. Anyone got tips on where to find discounts or less obvious items that last?

 

[EchoTangoFox]

Dry beans are about as cheap as bulk rice and last forever if you keep 'em cool and dry. I also look for pasta when it’s on sale, and store-bought instant mashed potatoes are surprisingly shelf-stable and filling. Dollar stores sometimes have off-brand canned veggies or fruits for less than the supermarket. Anyone here had luck with bulk buying direct from restaurant supply or is that more hassle than it’s worth?