How to Start Long Term Food Storage
In lean times, long-term food storage makes sense. In case of a glitch in the supply chain, a failed crop or financial turmoil, those with adequate food storage supplies will weather a food shortage more comfortably than those who are not prepared. Rising grocery prices are one sign that food shortages may be ahead. Get ahead of the curve and stock up for your family. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Begin with the basics -- the lowest-cost essentials that are simple to acquire and will help sustain you in times of need. These items, including rice, other whole grains and beans, are the bulk of many long-term food storage larders. Whole grains are superior because they are packed with nutrients.
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Add dried and frozen meats, as well as fish and poultry, to your stockpile. Try buying your beef by the side or quarter from a local butcher and you will save considerably.
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Make sure you have an adequate amount of storable fats, such as olive oil and coconut oil, for inclusion in your pantry.
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Include dried fruit, peanut butter and other snacks and energy-boosting foods.
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Acquire food storage containers, such as food-grade plastic pails with gamma seal lids. These are excellent for whole grains, nonperishable foods and emergency supplies such as matches, candles and lanterns. As you purchase survival foods and bulk items, store them properly to avoid waste.
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Find the best sources for price, quality and selection for the food items you need. Check food club stores, local food co-ops, and bulk distributors as well as your grocery store.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy types of food that you normally eat and eat the oldest items first, replenishing your stash as you go. This way, you won't throw out unused food and you will learn how to cook and enjoy survival food.
Keep track of expiration dates on your long-term food storage items.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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Comments
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Great place to start good information, another good one is is buy milar bags, O2 absorbers, and mositure absorbers and pack your stuff in one pound sizes or into meal sizes. This you will keep everything fresh and you will not open all your food supply to the air at once. Then put it all into five gallon buckets with gamma lids.
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Anonymous
Apr 17, 2011
One little known storing method is to use a "Food Saver" vaccuum machine with a jar lid attachment. It allows you to pack your own jars and suck out the air, for lots of foods this makes more sense than getting the big buckets. -
Amy Laine
Apr 29, 2008
This is great information and I believe a must have with a family.
