In light of recent events, may people have felt the subtle urge to start preparing for the possibility of something affecting their food supply. Each individual has his or her own reason for preparing. It could be the threat of global warming, the possibility of a major economic downturn, a job loss, or a natural disaster. Whatever the concern may be, it never hurts to start preparing.
With all of the different food storage products out there, many people wonder where they should start. Do you need to go out and buy hundreds of pounds of wheat and powdered milk? Maybe you need a solar cooker? Or, is storing water your best choice?
For the sake of all of those who may be a little intimidated with building up their food storage, here are couple tips for getting started:
First, it is important to remember that you are going to want variety. Many people never get passed buying the four essentials: wheat, milk, honey, and salt. However, think about this objectively. What on earth are you going to make with wheat, milk, honey, and salt, outside of making sweet and salty mush? Consider adding a variety of different foods. Consider a variety of grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, meats, or other foods that add different colors, textures, and flavors.
Second, make sure as well to add more than one type of staple. Simply put, make sure not to buy too much of one type of food. Remember to make something other than mush. You can go the traditional route of purchasing cooking oil, shortening, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, yeast, powdered eggs, powdered milk, wheat, flower, oats, canned item, etc., but keep in mind that many of these items will spoil if not rotated properly. In recent years, many people have chosen to purchase freeze-dried entrees instead of meal components. Freeze-dried foods benefit from having a long shelf life, are easy-to-prepare, taste great, and retain their nutritional value.
Third, remember you are going to need vitamins. Consider buying some good quality multi-vitamins and vitamin C. This will be especially important for little children.
Finally, keep in mind that you are going to want some quick and easy foods to make. Foods like pudding, canned sausages, hard candy, freeze-dried fruits, granola, drink mixes, etc. These foods not only provide a quick meal, but can also be comforting in times of distress.
In conclusion, stocking up on food storage and emergency supplies is not difficult. Just remember you need a variety of easy-to-prepare foods. Using common sense can go a long way when it comes to getting prepared. Remember, you could be living off these foods for an extending period of time, be practical, but also sensible, and you’ll do great.
Contributed by Carlos Morgan
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Good article! Most people overlook the health factor in buying emergency food. I don’t know about everyone else, but I wouldn’t want to eat powdered eggs and plain rice for (possibly) months at a time! Anyone starting their own emergency food storage system should check out this article about which foods to buy, what amounts, how to store them, etc. It will help you avoid a lot of common pitfalls in food storage.
I was drawn by the hoensty of what you write