Food-at-home prices are forecast to rise 2.4% in 2025 per USDA’s latest outlook, but with tariff threats looming and staples like rice up 1.2% already, your grocery bill could jump another 4–6% by Q1 2026. In this hands-on video, I show you how to meal prep a full week’s worth of defensive staples (rice, beans, oats, canned fish) for under $50—even if cash is tight. Pulling straight from my book Defensive Preparedness, these low-cost strategies turn bulk buys into resilient, no-waste meals that stretch during inflation squeezes or supply hiccups. No fancy kitchen needed—just smart swaps and a pantry mindset.