I always thought it curious that so many have basements back east or in areas where it floods but here no one constructs them.
Yes, we do have basements, back in the day when families canned fruit, meat, veggies, etc., canned food was and still is stored in basements.
Some folks in rural areas have root cellars for the same purpose. Also, freezing foods is easier, veggies stay fresher.
My daughter cans food, nothing like home canned veggies.