Starting From Scratch Challenge 2: The Longest Winter

Yes, I said just 5 months ago that I wouldn't do this challenge again. Stupid internet, remembering what I said all the time.

The agrarian life calls once again, and in response I have proposed a new challenge.

This challenge will be a competition - a culinary endurance match between the participants to see who can hold out the longest.

The challenge dates are January 2nd, 2012 to March 15th, 2012.

The goal of the challenge will be to see how long you can last on the foods you hunt, farm, fish, or forage for. And to the victor goes the spoils - a prize pack including a hand-made gift from every participant. Should multiple participants make it to the end of the challenge, the prizes will be divided amongst the winners.

Having had a good challenge season last year, participants of this challenge will have cash to spend on edibles at their local store. Each contributor from the last challenge will receive $10 per family member - less $1 per challenge day they cheated. (Spectators or those on the periphery of last year's challenge who want to join should leave a message to arrange a fair rate.) This money goes towards any store-bought edible goods. This includes salt, sugar, vinegar, spices, and any other supplies participants want to use in order to preserve food the cultivate over this current growing season. Seeds are not included in this budget, participants can spend what they like on seed. Purchased goods can be bartered with other participants (bulk buying and bartering is encouraged.)

There are no 'cheat' items in this challenge. Each participant is given a 1 meal 'party' exemption during the challenge, in which they can eat/drink whatever they'd like on 1 occasion.

Please add your questions for rules clarifications. Good luck to every one!

Oh - the picture is of soybeans collected for last year's challenge - 10/10 test subjects sprouted!