In the event of natural disaster, fuel-supply interruption, or systemic economic failure, local markets have, on average, only three days of inventory on hand.
Residents of Nevada County are invited to participate in a short-term community food-storage campaign through the month of August. Discounted bulk orders for a limited list of staples (grains, seeds and beans) will be available from participating local markets: Briar Patch Community Market, California Organics, Natural Selections & Mother Truckers Market, Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, and SPD Markets.
In future, if the supply trucks aren’t rolling, we’ll be able to take care of our neighbors for a few transitional months. Nevada County will stand as a ready model for preparedness, stored-food wealth, and generosity-of-spirit. (Neighborhood block parties rather than Mad Max 😉
Participatory demonstrations of long-term food-storage strategies will be offered from 5-7pm on Tuesdays August 11 & 25 and Monday 31 at Banner Grange, and on Sundays August 16 and 23 at Briar Patch Community Room, both in Grass Valley. Participants who bring staple foods, regardless of where purchased, will be assisted with bagging and, for a nominal donation, Nitrogen tanks and food-grade plastic tubing and bags will be made available for community use. (Demonstration: You Tube: Bag It! Packaging Bulk Foods with Nitrogen) Though long-term storage is encouraged, participants will use their foodstuffs as they see fit. The idea is to decentralize, for many to hold a part. Information on reduced-cost auxiliary well water hand pumps will be available.
Additionally this summer and fall at Banner Community Grange, indigenous cultural curators will offer a seed-saving seminar, and instruction in the traditional storing and preparation of regional foods.
Individuals, families, and houses of worship are invited to participate with the Neighborhood Readiness Project, a not-for-profit endeavor.
With thanks for support from Banner Community Grange, Briar Patch Market, California Organics, KNCO Radio AM, KVMR Radio FM, Natural Selections & Mother Truckers Market, Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, Simple Pump, SPD Markets, The Union newspaper, UNFI, and YubaNet.com
Neighborhood Readiness Project 2026
Discount bulk order staples
Available to Nevada County residents through locally-owned suppliers for the month of August:
Each supplier will accommodate through their own discounted bulk order process: Briar Patch Market,
California Organics, Natural Selections, Mother Truckers Market, Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden
Supply, Prepare Direct, and SPD Markets.
Limit of 2 units per order of the following UNFI catalog items:
Rice:
25# bag organic long-grain White Rice 01607
25# bag organic long-grain Brown Rice 01556
Beans:
25# bag organic Black Turtle Beans 00070
25# bag conventional (non-organic) Black Turtle Beans 00010
25# bag organic Pinto Beans 00054
25# bag organic (white) Navy Beans 00063
1 case organic (12 15-ounce cans) Black Beans 30443
1 case organic (12 15-ounce cans) Pinto Beans 11431
1 case organic (12 15-ounce cans) Cannellini Beans 11460
1 case organic (12 15-ounce cans) Garbanzo Beans 11434
25# bag organic Rolled Oats 00585
25# bag organic Quinoa (white) 00552
25# bag organic Baker’s Choice all-purpose unbleached White Flour 00604
Seeds:
Contact Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply to access the NRP discount for seeds.
Freeze-dried food products:
Contact Prepare Direct Grass Valley to access the NRP discount for shelf-stable food products.