thanks for the question! scavenge your closet!
you should not need to store anything, rations auto-apply to your totals
yes, don't buy rations, it's too expensive.
sorry for the long post here but i wanted to give you the infos! hopefully this isn't too much text
if you build up your scavenging skills with repeated scavenging [in the home closet/scavbox] you should have less trouble finding rations when you scavenge. if you have the UTILITY KNIFE tool (found in the closet), you can equip that and have better luck while scavenging!
the bonus from the agricen working is meant to update the amount in your home immediately,
but it's difficult to earn enough by working-- because it wears you out. it's hard work there
[ about rations/storage etc ]
rations are only able to be consumed while getting up each day, going to bed at night for a bonus snack [not required], or at will by interacting with the kitchen door. rations shown in the inventory should be there to represent the number at home, and should automatically be reflected in your ration total.*
rations are auto stored when you get them, and scavenging in the closet
and or the scavboxes are the most reliable way to find them.
the more scavenging you do the faster you'll have luck finding rations--
difficulty level impacts the amount of rations found too
hard mode is meant to feel bleak, and even normal mode is tough.
try playing easy mode if you're having trouble finding rations--
and then you'll get the hang of staying alive on normal.
[ protip ]
if you build a barricade in front of your apartment door,
you can do a SUPER SCAVENGE when the hallway is clear of threats.
the search results can be doubled with the time cost being not as much as two
-jen
* i will check to make sure the rations gain from agricen are adjusting your overall ration total, but you should not need to interact with them from inventory