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Step 1
Decide how much food you can afford. This will help you determine how long you can plan storing items; one year, two to five years, ten years or more.
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Step 2
Look at your storage situation. Factors such as temperature, humidity and exposure to light all will determine how long your food will last. Ideally, the storage temperature should be above freezing and below 72 degrees. Humidity is best at less than 15 percent. Exposure to light will slowly degrade nutrients and flavor.
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Step 3
Do your research. There are groups of people who are very organized and realistic about these issues such as the Mormons, survivalists, and the "rugged and outdoors" types. Find out what they have to say about the topic.
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Step 4
Draft a plan that creates a balanced diet. You need staples such as grains and beans, dried milk, dried vegetables and fruits, beef bullion, dried cheese and eggs, and pasta. However, you should also include your own personal food preferences. Include foods that make your dishes palatable, like cornstarch (for thickening), cooking oils and sweeteners.
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Step 5
After you decide which foods to store, consider the number of people you are planning for and re-evaluate your storage situation. Make adjustments as needed.
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Step 6
Refer to the resources below for websites, food lists, software programs for emergency food planning, one-year survival food packages, and other relevant information.
