You remind me of my parents whenever there was can goods on sale. We would head out to the store and buy a case instead of a few cans. My father would ask the clerk if he can bring out a case for us, and yep he would. Your right, can goods sale is a good way to start prepping.
It’s nice to buy six cans of tomato sauce for six dollars and then get 40 or 50 cents a gallon off gas as part of the store’s rewards program. I keep my eyes open for the best buy/bonus, and that often means nearly free food. I’m careful not to be too much like my parents (not to get food that no one particularly wants to eat just because it’s cheap). I get what I wanted anyways, just not the very week I want it. i get it when it’s cheap.