Four Things to Consider When Starting Long-Term Food Storage

Long before the days of refrigeration, freezing, and 24/7 shopping, everyone stored food for the long term. Fresh food would be produced in the summer and preserved in the fall to get through the winter months. Today, the reasons for storing food for the long term have changed. Now, people are worried about natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and faltering economies. With so many uncertainties in the world, more and more people are wanting to be prepared in case an emergency situation should arise in the future. If you’re thinking about long-term food storage, here are four things you need to consider.

1.    Determine Where You Will Store Your Food

Before you can begin stocking up on food, you need to find the storage space. A cellar or outbuilding is ideal, but if you live in an apartment you’ll have to be cleverer in finding space. Consider a closet or even under the bed. The storage space should ideally be cool and dark. Whatever space you use, add sturdy shelving or compartments to create more room for your long-term food.

2.    Consider How Often You Will Stock Up

You can stock up on foods that last a long time from the grocery stores, but if you want to ensure you have food that lasts past standard use-by-dates, you should consider getting emergency food supply packages that have shelf lives of years. Many have shelf lives of twenty-five years or more. Check out this emergency foods review to find the best available products for you. Whatever types of long-lasting food you purchase, you need to think about how often you will stock up. If you have lots of money, you may wish to spend a large sum in one go on long-term food. But most people will stock up gradually over time. You can pick up a few extra cans at the store each week, buy emergency food packages once a month, and take advantage of coupons and discounts.

3.    Decide Which Foods to Purchase

In addition to emergency food packages, you should buy food to store that has a long shelf life. Pasta, grains, rice, and beans can last up to thirty years when vacuum-sealed, so they are ideal for long-term storage. But you not only need to buy foods that last for years. You also need to consider whether you like the food. If you find yourself in a stressful emergency situation in the future, having food you actually like can make a huge difference in coping. So, stock up on foods that you’re used to eating and which you enjoy. Other foods that have long shelf lives include:

·        Pickled vegetables.

·        Canned soups, vegetables, and fruit.

·        Instant soup mixes.

·        Granola bars and protein bars.

·        Beef jerky.

·        Nuts and dried fruits.

·        Flour.

·        Sugar.

·        Coffee, tea, and powdered drink mixes.

·        Chocolate and candy bars.

4.    Consider Your Other Needs

You not only need to think about stocking up on food. You also need to consider what other essentials you would need in an emergency situation. For instance, you will want toilet tissue, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, detergent, feminine care products, vitamins, medications, batteries, candles, and water purification tablets. The latter can be handy if you run out of water and need to purify river water. But you should stock up on your water supply too. A good rule of thumb is to store at least one gallon of water for each family member to last at least two weeks. You will not only need water to drink. You’ll also need it for sanitation. As long as you make the right preparations with your water, food, and essentials, you’ll be able to much better face any future emergency situation.