You guys in Alaska are lucky, you can walk into Fred Meyer or other store and just buy this stuff.
I wanted to obtain a large quantity of this shelf stable cracker to put up in #2.5 cans, which one dozen of these large, thick crackers fit into perfectly (I've posted on the forum about the methods I use previously). So I started looking for a source here in the lower 48. Well, no luck there.
I saw that MRE Depot was selling pilot bread (based on the nutritional data, it wasn't "Sailor Boy" brand) already packed in #2.5 cans at $79.95 for a case of 12 cans (144 crackers). Add shipping and I'd estimate about $95.00 a case.
I finally found a source, Span Alaska Sales, http://www.spanalaskasales.com/shop/basic-snacks.html ,who is an internet/mail order grocer that serves Alaskans primarily. I was able to purchase 24 pounds of Sailor boy (12 2lb boxes) for 81.99. Shipping via Fedex ground was on the expensive side, bringing the total cost up to $134.26.
The Pilot Bread arrived six days after I ordered it. I immediately put it up in #2.5 cans with an oxygen absorber in each can. The yield was 38 cans of unbroken crackers, 12 to a can. Add my cost for the cans/lids at 90 cents per can, and oxygen absorbers at about 20 cents each, and I have about $175.00 invested (I already have a can seamer).
So, I got over 3 cases worth of the same thing MRE Depot is selling f(nothing against them, I buy other items from them) for about $110.00 less. Glad I bought that can seamer.
Why go through all this? I think having a shelf stable (estimated at 25 years packed in cans), ready to eat supplemental food that is rodent/vermin proof and protected from moisture and spoilage a good idea.
If anyone knows of a source for Sailor Boy in the lowere 48, please pass it along. I plan on putting up a bit more
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