Okay,
Most of us like to eat. We go on an FTX and are reasonably sure on the return home, we can stop and pick up some fried chicken and beer. But what would you do if there were no stores, no fast food outlets, no taco stands, no gas station sushi, etc.
In the field, it's crucially important that while, high sugar, high protein foods are available, there must also be a good assortment of staple foods, prepared and brought to the front lines. I really like MH entrees. The granola ration is expensive, but it's about 500 calories of tasty milk, blueberries and granola. You can make your own, and if you have any recepies for DIY entrees, I'd love to hear about them. But when the MH food runs out, we don't want to be eating nothing but potatoes and radishes.
Therefore, I suggest every militia cell, big enough to have a QM is able to designate a certain amount of money, time and effort into developing a food protocol. I would start by buying thermos containers, 2-3 for every man, as well as insulated coolers. These containers can be filled with soup, hot cocoa, tea, coffee, etc and sent to the front along with ammo and fresh men. Insulated coolers can contain cooked meats, hot dishes and even the odd six-pack of Coke. If you make it very easy to send good food to the front, whether it's carried by runners or sent by motor transport, you'll ensure that the guys in the bunkers and trenches won't just eat Snickers bars and jerky. Those two foods tend to be handy, but lead to digestive problems and appetite fatigue.
Then start planning menus. I'd try to plan menus for a month at a time, then at the end of 4 weeks, start back at Day One. That way, if you decide Day 3 will be hot tea, sausages and instant potatoes, you can buy in bulk without having to process most of the foods yourself. Because you're part of a larger cell structure, all members, not just the QM should be a part of this plan. Then another set of menus should be planned, based on expected yields from gardens as well as long term storage foods socked away.
Other ways to avoid meal fatigue? Lots of hard candy. Peppermints are cheap and keep for ages. A few peppermints can make even the most bland oatmeal go down smoother. Also keep lots of spice, salt, sugar and soya sauce available.
Finally, there comes the issue of alcohol. During times of relative ease, men should be allowed to "purchase" (maybe a system could be set up where so many hours worked in the fields or on guard duty) such premiums from the mess as shots of rum or tequila. Otherwise, men will start making their own or trading valuable supplies for it. Every mess kitchen needs to have a supply of alcohol.
Just some thoughts. Feel free to share recipies, tips, etc. I tend to use a lot of BP and MH entrees when I go camping for longer periods of time, but I'd love some input.
CK
