Food Storage

I know I am not the only one who has concerns about starting a food storage. Just take a good look at the grocery store AND your receipts! Not only that, look at what is going on around us. I do think it’s a good idea to be prepared. Not prepare out of panic but prepare using some wisdom.

This post could get very detailed very quickly so I am just going to cover the basics of what foods you should be buying.

What is food storage?

Preparing for an emergency of any kind, having a food storage is important whether it’s short term for emergencies such as blizzards, floods, etc. Or for long term situations such as the lock downs we all experienced in 2020. With the inflation happening these past several months of 2022 the grocery prices are rising each week. It’s important that we all are prepared and have food, water, medicines and other items on hand for our families.

What do I buy?

First, don’t go out and buy all types of things. Buy the food your family normally eats. And don’t go out and panic buy. You want to buy extra items here and there. It can get overwhelming on knowing what you should buy, so keep reading.

Short term

Here is a good example of how to figure out what you need for your family. Think about what you typically use for one day, multiply that by 7. Start building a 1 week supply. Build on that until you have a 3 month supply of food for your family. Just remember to rotate your items by placing your recent purchases behind what you already have so that you use the oldest dates first.

Short term items can be stored in your pantry, cupboards or a closet that isn’t being used.

Long term

Long term items are foods that can be safely stored for 5+ years. Foods such as rice, beans, oats, pasta, etc. To store food long term you need to have specific food grade buckets to keep the food fresh and safe. I found my buckets at home depot.

Items should be stored in a cool dry place and be kept off of floors.

Items to begin buying

• Flour
• Rice
• Oats
• Yeast
• Dry beans
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Bouillon & broth
• Salt
• Spices
• Oils ~Avacado, coconut, olive
• Syrup & honey
• Sugar
• Canned fruits & vegetables
• Sauces ~Spaghetti, tomato, alfredo, etc
• Nuts
• Peanut butter & powdered peanut butter
• Canned meats ~ chicken, tuna, salmon, etc
• Milk & powdered milk
• Eggs, milk & butter
• Proper storage containers for long term storage

What other items do I need to have on hand?

Whatever situation arises it’s important to have these items on hand.

• Medicines
• Vitamins
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Candles, bic lighters and/or matches
• Battery powered radio & extra batteries
• Baby items
• Pet items
• Generator
• Water purifier & extra filters

Garden & canning

I have had a garden in the past but I have never canned. I believe this is as good of time as any to learn both. It is spring and I have got a small garden planted. My prayer is that everything I planted grows in abundance so when it’s time for harvest, I will have enough to can. Home grown food and canning is perfect for adding to your growing supply of food.

If you are lacking space there are many vegetables that grow in containers! Here is a list but keep in mind there are others. This list are vegetables I have had great success growing in containers!

• Tomatoes
• Peppers~ hot & sweet
• Herbs
• Lettuce
• Cucumbers
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Green beans

Make a list

This post may have been overwhelming for some of you. Writing things down helps me feel more organized. If that is you, print out this list and make as many copies that you need. Start writing down the essentials and how much you need. There is a row for writing down the shelf life but you can also use this area for writing the expiration date. The last row; check it off when you have the amount you need.

Print this list out for free and keep track of what you already have and what you need.

Bulk Food

If you are interested in purchasing bulk food storage items check out these websites.

• youtu.be/QrccrOAaHms Haxman shares 3 forever foods to buy now
• www.azurestandard.com
• www.augasonfarms.com