Ray Stanton and his wife Charlotte never expected to live a life in the country, but find themselves doing just that after events beyond their control push them from their beloved city. When the dollar collapses, a scene of violence and hunger erupts. The rich hunker down or flee altogether, while the middle class and the poor are left to battle it out over the remaining resources like food and energy. By nationalizing large farms and setting up voluntary food camps, the government offers the people an escape from their hardships. Along with some old friends, Ray and his family choose to "rough it" and take care of themselves. After an especially harsh winter, a late night knock on the door brings news of what the voluntary food camps have truly become, and good people are forced to make a difficult decision - to maintain the status quo and hope things get better, or to bravely fight against tyranny.