Talking to other preppers?

Yesterday I was at the local grocery discounters, scoping out deals. Got some good stuff, but no more canned chicken, which my life goes through like crazy. I was slipping through the store when I noticed two guys going over a list written on the back of an envelope, talking about things that don't need refridgeration, and mentioning that the dried rice and beans were in the next aisle. Sure enough, they had cases of things in their cart, just like I did. As they generally go tin my way, I noticed them stacking cans of cream of chicken in their cart. "Hmmmm" I thought, ".40 a can? Good price" As they meandered on, I walked over, grabbed a can and flipped it. The stamped date read 9-10-07. Yuck.

After doing the rest of my shopping, they guys were still going down the aisle, and as I slipped past them, I said, in a low voice. "Hey man, I just wanted to say something, since it looks like you guys are buying for storage... the cream of chicken expired last year. The guy raised his eyebrow and thanked me.

As I was standing in the checkout line, I heard the first guy go up and ask his buddy, "Man, you get cream of chicken?"

"Yeah, you told me to."

He pulled out a can, and flipped it over, "Man, you gotta check the dates!"

I laughed to myself, figuring they now knew the big secret to the discounters, and I'd have to be much more dilligent to keep stocked on canned chicken.

Have any of you guys ever approached other people who are obviously on the same tack as us and talked with them? I don't really want to make friends, but a little bit of community might be nice. Like the old ladies quick to tell a young bachelor what to watch out for when buying squash. . .

-g