FYI, I have read that some people are nervous about scratch and dent canned food, as they get concerns that if a can's inner surface is compromised, then there is the possibility of food poisoning.....especially botulism.
I question this, as I make a distinction (which I should have clarified earlier) between a dented can and a bulging can.
A bulging can is definitely dangerous. A can from a scratch and dent store with part of the label missing, or if the label has water spots on it from a water leak on a store shelf....should be fine.
If the danger from food poisoning from dented cans is so much of a concern, then I would imagine that lawsuits (in our litigious culture) and regulation would have closed down all of these stores. I also think that the FDA would say something.
So, I still stand by my scratch and dent philosophy of saving money when prepping.
I have--literally--got four months worth of canned food for less than $80.00, which I relabeled with mailing labels and a black sharpie.
After about a year, I donate any unused food to a church and/or soup kitchen, and take a deduction on my taxes.
If you play your cards right and get creative, one can almost prep for free.