How do I improve the camp’s food preparation area?

Improving the camp’s food preparation area in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a key upgrade that enhances the quality of meals and boosts the morale of your gang members. To upgrade the food preparation area, you need to interact with the Ledger at the camp’s donation box, which is managed by Dutch and located near his tent. The Ledger allows you to purchase camp upgrades using money donated by you or other gang members. The food preparation area is part of the Provisions category, and upgrading it requires specific steps and resources.\n\nFirst, you must unlock the Ledger by completing the story mission ''Money Lending and Other Sins II'' in Chapter 2. This mission introduces you to the concept of upgrading the camp. Once the Ledger is unlocked, approach the donation box and open the Ledger to view available upgrades. Scroll to the Provisions section, where you’ll find the ''Improved Campfire'' and ''Deluxe Campfire'' upgrades. These upgrades improve the quality of meals prepared by Pearson, the camp’s cook, and provide better buffs for Arthur and the gang.\n\nThe ''Improved Campfire'' costs $145 and is the first step in upgrading the food preparation area. This upgrade enhances the variety of meals Pearson can cook, including stews that provide temporary health, stamina, and Dead Eye boosts. The ''Deluxe Campfire'' costs $220 and further improves meal quality, offering more potent buffs and additional meal options. To purchase these upgrades, ensure you have enough money in the camp’s funds. You can contribute money directly to the donation box or complete missions and activities to increase the gang’s funds.\n\nA common challenge players face is not having enough money to purchase upgrades early in the game. To address this, focus on completing story missions, hunting, and looting enemies for valuables. Selling pelts, herbs, and other items to traders can also generate income. Additionally, explore the world for hidden treasures and gold bars, which can be sold for a significant amount of money. For example, the Limpany gold bar, found in the burned town south of Horseshoe Overlook, is an easy early-game source of funds.\n\nOnce the upgrades are purchased, Pearson will begin preparing higher-quality meals. These meals are essential for maintaining Arthur’s health and stamina, especially during long journeys or intense combat. The Deluxe Campfire, in particular, allows Pearson to cook special stews that provide significant buffs, such as increased Dead Eye regeneration or enhanced stamina recovery. These buffs can give you a tactical advantage in missions and free roam activities.\n\nIn summary, upgrading the camp’s food preparation area involves unlocking the Ledger, contributing money to the camp funds, and purchasing the Improved and Deluxe Campfire upgrades. Focus on earning money through missions, hunting, and exploration to afford these upgrades early in the game. Once upgraded, take advantage of the improved meals to keep Arthur and the gang in peak condition. This upgrade not only improves gameplay mechanics but also adds depth to the camp’s atmosphere and the gang’s overall well-being.