We do that too B2Y. I grew up on a small farm, so it was natural to do all the preparing for the winter months....for us and the cattle. Even though we were in the southern US, at times in the 60s our winters were very cold with lots of snow and ice.

When I left home, I never thought that far ahead until we spent 4 winters in Omaha, NE. Now that was rough. Our first night in Omaha in 1982... -75 with wind chill factored in. I cleared a closet and stocked up first chance I got! I still fill the freezers and store staples for at least 4 months worth of meals for the winter. Especially soup/stew ingredients. It use to be because of the cold that I did this, but with my health and age I try to stay out of public places like grocery stores during flu season.