I think this thread has the potential to rock <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> I have my Depression Era grandparents to thank for my knowledge.

Your local Cooperative Extension Service also has many free/cheap publications on all sorts of topics, like how to make your own jerky, can using cans (like tuna fish cans), gardening, etc. The USDA oversees them; you can find them in your State Blue Pages. Ours:

http://www.alaska.edu/uaf/ces/publications/

http://www.backwoodshome.com/store/files/ss49prep-pack.html
Just the pub itself is interesting

I refer to this book quite a bit; I believe it's in its 4th edition:
Putting Food By

What Curtis refers to is this stuff for your basic needs:

Basic Canning Kit It's important to keep in mind that with old canning books, they are sometimes outdated; it's best to pick up new ones periodically, as preservation techniques improve and are safer. Ball and Mason are your main canning suppliers.

I also have one of these; you can make solar ones for your latitudes/temps as well.

Excalibur dryer

I want to try the little panel cooker sometime <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Solar cooker Lots of YouTube film for these.

Last, but not least, make sure everyone over the age of 12 in your house knows CPR and basic first aid. Contact your local Red Cross for classes.

Bogo had it right awhile back; sugar, salt, n seeds.