Tips for Building an Emergency Food Supply on a Budget

Keeping an emergency food supply on hand is essential to prepare for any crisis. Adding to your supply is simple and inexpensive.

Start by increasing the amount of staple foods you normally keep on hand. Make a list of all foods on your shelves, indicating amounts available, dates purchased/opened, and use-by or replace date if known. Post this list near your storage cabinets or closets and update it as needed.

Buy in Bulk

The most budget-friendly way to build an emergency food supply is to start with bulk staples that you already keep in your pantry. You can then add to your stock as items go on sale or as you get cash gifts from family and friends, such as on birthdays or Christmas.

Stored in an area with good ventilation and kept in airtight, dry containers, bulk staples such as wheat, beans, rice, and sugar will last for years. You can also find many brands of shelf-stable foods, such as freeze-dried meat, vegetables, and fruits that can be rehydrated using water.

You can build your emergency food supplies in two ways: by increasing the number of nonperishables you keep on hand at home or by buying specially designed ' survival food' that is stored for much longer and typically comes in convenient pouches. Either way, it is important to consider your nutrition needs and the amount of storage space you have available before making a purchase.

If you decide to purchase specially storable foods, make sure the packaging specifies the shelf life, such as 25 years or more. It is also a good idea to test out the food before you invest in multiple cases of something your family will not eat. This will also help you to learn how to prepare the food if necessary, as well as discover any issues such as moisture or rodents.

Focus On Nonperishables

In addition to stocking up on bulk staples, you should also include a variety of canned and dried foods. These items can provide your family with essential nutrients and calories in an emergency. To maximize your savings, be sure to shop for sales and discounts on these items. In addition, be sure to have a manual can opener and cutting tools in your kit as well.

Keep in mind that the foods you select for your emergency food supply will determine how long you can sustain yourself and your family during a disaster. Therefore, you should ensure that your supplies of nonperishable foods contain enough calories to provide your family with the energy they need for two weeks. To calculate this, you should factor in the number of people in your household, their activity levels, and dietary requirements.

You may not have the space in your pantry or closet to store an entire two-week supply of food. To make the most of your storage space, store purchased packages of dry goods in airtight plastic food storage or food freezer bags and glass jars with screw-top lids. This will help protect the contents from moisture and preserve them for a longer period.

Be sure to include snack foods in your emergency food supply, such as crackers and granola bars. These can help you stay full between meals and provide additional energy during times of stress or exertion. In addition, you should also consider including a few meal kits in your supply. These are self-contained meals designed for military personnel and disaster relief workers, have a long shelf life, and can be heated in hot water to provide you with healthy, nutritious food during an emergency.

Rotate Your Stock

Keeping an emergency food supply requires regular rotation to ensure that your family is using the oldest foods first, and that newer items are being replenished. Use a FIFO (First in, First Out) organizational system when stocking your pantry, and make sure to keep track of expiration dates so that you’re not stockpiling foods that will go bad before you are ready to consume them. Many grocery store staples like pasta, rice, and flour have a long shelf life when purchased in bulk from reputable manufacturers, but some foods require special storage conditions to extend their longevity. Invest in high-quality emergency food from companies that are devoted to long-term storage, and keep your supplies in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to maximize their shelf life. When you’re purchasing food for your emergency supply, consider how much you’ll need to feed your family for a period of up to three months. Aside from cost, the type of food you select will depend on your family’s tastes and nutritional needs. Be sure to taste-test any food you plan to add to your inventory and take into account how many calories each meal will provide. The average person requires 2,000 calories daily, but that amount can increase during periods of exertion or stress. If a specific food doesn’t have enough calories, you can always supplement it with additional snacks or other meals to make up for the deficit. Don't forget to check for available discounts and promotions, and use a Valley Food Storage Coupon Code to save on your emergency food supplies.

Consider Your Nutrition Needs

When building your emergency food supply, be sure to consider your family’s nutritional needs. Many emergency foods use high amounts of unhealthy fillers and additives to extend their shelf life, so it’s important to read the labels and prioritize nutrition-focused options. Look for canned fish that’s packed in water instead of oil; a variety of protein bars; packages of nut butter (presuming no one has an allergy); and low-fat or non-fat milk products packaged in airtight, shelf-stable containers.

Also, if you’re planning for a long-term emergency, make sure to store enough food to meet your calorie requirements over a three-month to year period. For short-term emergencies, it’s generally more economical to focus on pantry staples that you can rotate every week.

One last thing to remember when planning your emergency food supplies is that the shelf-life of nonperishables may be shorter than you think. Home-packed dehydrated foods, for example, typically need to be consumed within six months, while store-bought canned meats and uncooked instant cereals have expiration dates of up to a year. Pay attention to the shelf-life of the foods you’re purchasing, and always rotate your stockpile so that older items are used first. That way, you won’t be wasting any of your hard-earned prep money!

How Do I Organize My Emergency Food Supply?

A well-rounded emergency food supply includes a variety of foods, including canned fruits and vegetables, long-life milk, and protein sources like dried meats. It’s also important to consider the dietary needs of members of your household, such as allergies or intolerances.

To avoid spoilage and waste, make sure to rotate your food supplies regularly. Use a first-in, first-out system to consume older items and bring newer foods to the front of your pantry. This will ensure that your family is eating the most fresh and nutritious food in an emergency.

Another way to minimize food waste is to group similar items. For example, store canned fruits and vegetables together, dried goods such as beans and rice together, and so on. This will make it easier to find what you need, and it’ll also save space in your storage containers.

When choosing your food storage containers, opt for clear, stackable ones so you can see what’s inside without opening them. It’s also a good idea to label your containers and include a description of what’s inside along with the expiration date. This will help you keep track of your inventory and know when it’s time to replenish or rotate your food stocks.

Building an emergency food supply doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Start small and build up your stockpile at a pace that feels comfortable to you. And don’t forget to shop for sales and coupons to make the process even more affordable!

How Do I Prepare for Emergency Food Shortage?

You should aim to keep at least three days’ worth of emergency food for everyone in your family, but more is advisable. A good idea is to buy foods that are non-perishable, such as canned goods, dry noodles, and rice. Freezer foods like meat, fruits, and vegetables are also a great addition to an emergency food supply. Be sure to regularly rotate your foods and use up older stock before buying more.

When building a short-term stockpile, purchase canned foods in small cans to avoid overstocking and waste. These foods don’t need to be refrigerated and can last two years or more once opened. It’s a good idea to purchase a can opener and utensils with your supplies.

If you’re planning a long-term food storage stash, it’s best to invest in a large chest freezer and plenty of frozen meats. Buy a variety of different meats to ensure you can cook up a meal during a power outage or other disaster. This type of preparation will also insulate you from any shortages of specific materials or even the price spikes that may occur during a national or global crisis.

Many people who focus on prepping plan a two-week supply, which should include all the basic foods they normally eat. It’s important to remember that you’ll need to have access to heat to prepare most of your supplies, so make sure you stock up on items like a fireplace grate, a camp stove, or a fondue pot. Additionally, when building your emergency food supply, consider using a Food & Drinks Discount Code to avail of discounts and save on your prepping essentials.

How Much Food Do I Need to Survive a Month?

When stocking an emergency food supply, consider each person's recommended daily caloric intake and nutritional needs. Familiar foods that lift morale and provide comfort in times of stress are also important. It is wise to choose foods that don't require refrigeration, water, or special preparation.

A good rule of thumb is to keep a month's worth of meals on hand in the event of an emergency. For many, this will be enough to get them through a short-term disaster until roads and other essential supplies are back in working order and fresh foods are available again.

The newest and most popular option is to purchase a pre-packed survival food kit from one of the many suppliers online. The kits offer a wide variety of flavors, including some that are gluten-free and vegan. Another option is to select individual food items that can be stored in your pantry or freezer.

If you are on a budget, opt for emergency supplies of granola bars, nuts, beans, and other dry foods that can be easily stored in your pantry or freezer. Be sure to include emergency water rations in your inventory as well. This way, you can stay hydrated even in the absence of electricity or running water. Newer companies like Nutrient Survival came on the market in early 2020 offering a variety of both nutrient-dense and delicious foods. Their entrees include sweet habanero chili with pineapple and cheesy potato soup, among other choices.

How Much Food Should I Store for Emergencies?

In general, most experts recommend storing a minimum of seven days’ worth of emergency food that does not require refrigeration or cooking. But this depends on the geographic location of your home and neighborhood, as well as other factors, such as the likelihood that you would be able to get supplies during an actual disaster or pandemic.

Before deciding how much to store, take into consideration the number of family members you will need to feed and their recommended daily caloric intake. Also, consider if there are any family members with special needs or dietary restrictions. These considerations will help you decide how many containers of each type of emergency food to buy.

When assembling your emergency food supply, choose foods that will last for a long time (products are available in the market that don’t expire until 2023). Canned goods are a great choice because they are already cooked and can be eaten straight out of the can or warmed if desired. Other good options are granola bars, instant coffee, and dry milk powder.

When buying your emergency food, be sure to research suppliers and choose a brand that makes its products. Some companies only re-package emergency food from other manufacturers, but be aware that the quality of these products may be compromised. In addition, they may not provide the same level of customer service as a company that makes their products.

Conclusion

Building an emergency food supply on a budget is not an impossible task. With careful planning, budgeting, and purchasing, you can create a well-stocked food supply that will help you and your family through any emergency. Remember to focus on high-calorie, non-perishable items, and don't forget to rotate your stock regularly to ensure freshness. With these tips, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.