No matter how long you plan to stay at Pennsic, you'll have to eat. What and how well you eat depend on how well you plan ahead. If you are only planning to be at the War a few days, eating out is possible. Pennsic has, believe it or not, a food court. There are several sit-down restaurants that range from sandwiches and pizza to full, period meals. There are also vendors that sell meat pies, period drinks and the equivalent of "fast food." Again, prices can be high, so bring money if you want to go this route.

Cooking can range from elaborate, period meals cooked over an open fire to canned soup heated on a propane stove. Both are acceptable, depending on time and your cooking ability. Most people pack some foods that can be easily heated or eaten cold. Precooked cold cuts or sausage are fine and will keep well in a cooler. Bread tends to go stale quickly in the humidity. We would suggest buying bread on a regular basis if you are a sandwich person, or buying several loaves of King's Hawaiian bread which doesn't seem to go stale. Its round loaves also look delightfully period. Like bread, soft fruit and vegetables will spoil quickly. If you like fruit and vegetables or are a vegetarian, plan to pack containers of cut-up fruits and vegetables that can be stored in a cooler.

Other good choices for Pennsic are stews which are cooked ahead and frozen in small containers. They will help keep the cooler cold for several days and are easily unpacked for quick meals. The same thing can be done with cabbage meat rolls, pasta sauces and other cook-ahead foods. Precooked chicken is a good snack and partially-cooked chicken be recooked over an open fire for a more period meal. It's not easy to plan food for up to two weeks, but it can be done. Multiple coolers make things easier, and supplies can be purchased on site or at area stores. Easily spoiled foods such as milk and bread are available at the camp store, but are expensive. Remember too, that in hot weather, lighter meals go down easier than four-course feasts!

Lastly, do not mooch. If you plan to be a full-time resident of a camp, bring your own food or expect to buy it in the food court. Your camp mates will have planned their meals closely and may not have extra to share. If you are asked to join someone for dinner, share and enjoy, but don't expect your neighbors to feed you.