How to Do Food Storage 101

home food storage

We take our food supplies for granted but experts estimate that, after any national or regional disaster or emergency, grocery shelves in the area would be bare within 48 to 72 hours. That estimate means no bottled water, matches, flashlights and batteries etc., besides the food. None of these items, (food to eat, water to drink, or emergency supplies), would be in the stores until regular shipping channels were reestablished. That could take two weeks, or even longer. Where would you go for food if you haven't put aside an emergency supply of food for your family? It's just common sense to keep enough extra food in your house for emergency situations. You can't depend on the government for this, you need to do it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• desire to start a food storage program for your home
• money to purchase food and other items
• room to store food

Instructions

1. 

   Food riots in American cities? Think it can't happen? Think again. People are already fighting over bags of food in places as distant as Alaska (a state that is particularly vulnerable to food shipping disasters as nearly all the food in the grocery stores in Alaska is shipped very long distances), and certain other areas of the United States. Bags of rice (and other foods) are being fought over in grocery stores, literally.

   No one knows exactly why food prices have gone so high, so quickly, and while people in the US still are able to purchase food at relatively low prices, (and using a smaller percentage of their income than many other countries), that might not always be the case.

   Some experts are predicting that, if things continue as they have been, in the future nearly fifty percent of our net income will have to be spent on food.

   One way to protect your own family from food worries is to start a food storage program. Yesterday. Spending money on food storage now could be the smartest buy you ever make. As little as $100.00 can buy a lot of basic food items, and the security of knowing you are prepared, for awhile anyway. Also, see the resources list below for other articles I have written about food storage.

   I don't like to think I will ever need to use my food storage because of a natural disaster or emergency, or because of some personal emergency like prolonged unemployment or illness, but it makes me feel good to know it is there if I need it. Plus, if you regularly rotate and use your food storage, you are saving money because food prices are rising alarmingly, and that trend is expected to continue for some time.

   Growing a garden is a good idea too, so buy some seeds for a garden of your own (no matter how small) while you can, and start sprouting too.

2. 

   What to store is harder to say, because only you know the needs, wants, and likes of your own family. A single person has vastly different storage needs than a family of five with two teenagers and a toddler.

   The basics are always good though, rice, wheat, beans and other legumes, honey, sugar, cooking oil, yeast and other baking supplies, cocoa, and things like this. Estimate how much of each your family uses in a month or a year and then go out and buy enough for a month, or for one year if you can. Do this with everything you regularly eat.

   Some people turn their noses up at storing canned vegetables, (unless they are home canned) and other canned foods, but I'm not so picky. I'd rather have something to eat in my cupboards than worry about what the experts say.

   Learn to can, yes it is a good idea, but in the meantime, stock up on canned vegetables, fruits, soups, chili, tuna, ham, chicken, tvp products, and things of this nature.

   An easy way to start stocking up on canned items is to buy a case of the item you need (say canned corn), instead of just one can at a time. Look for sales, and really stock up when you find a good sale. Use a marker to date the items you buy, and remember to eat the oldest items first, putting the newer cans behind the old in your cupboards.

   Water is VIP too, so store a few gallons of water and items like can openers, sterno for heating food, and other emergency items in or near your emergency food storage.

3. 

   There are a lot of different ways to store your food, but keep in mind that you want to avoid temperature extremes, water, insect infestation, and waste. A basement pantry is perfect if the items are off the floor and the place is cool. Use a kitchen or other closet if that is all you have. Food is more important than the brooms or stuff you have in the closet right now.

   Five gallon plastic buckets are good for storing your food, and can be purchased cheaply, or get them free from your local bakery or restaurant. Ask if you can have the empties, they just throw them away. (What a waste!)

   There are hundreds of web sites with information on food storage and emergency preparation, as well as books in your local library, so educate yourself about how to do it and get started.

4. 

   The time to start your food storage program is right now. Tomorrow might be too late, so educate your family, your friends, and your neighbors about food storage too.

5. 

   In the resources list below I've listed some articles I also wrote about where to put your food storage if you have a small house or a tiny kitchen so check them out.

Tips & Warnings

• All households in the past kept a year or more supply of food stored in their household pantry, root celler, etc. The time has come to follow the wise ways of our ancestors and be prepared.

• Don't panic even if an emergency does happen and you aren't fully prepared. Start now and do the best you can. Even a little preparation and food storage could save your life, or at least keep your family from going hungry.

Resources

• Store One Weeks Emergency Survival Food
• Start Stocking Your Food Pantry
• Food Storage in Small Spaces
• Store More Food in a Tiny Kitchen
• Live a More Self-sufficient Life in the City
• Practice the Rule of Five in Food Storage