Having one year food storage options can be a great backup plan should something happen during these tough economic times. There are many reasons to create a personal food supply. Having one years worth of food on hand can help on through hard times. Whether it be the loss of a job, sever illness of a family member, extreme weather conditions, or just needing a basic ingredient in order to complete dinner tonight, a well planned supply can help ease the stress of taking care of loved ones.
When beginning to undertake a food storage start with small steps. First make a plan. Consider the need of the individual or family that the supply is for. Think about any special dietary restrictions or needs of those who will depend on this supply. This would include infants, elderly members of a family and those with allergies or other medical needs.
Next consider the foods that are used on a regular basis in the household. The best way to increase a long term supply is to begin with baby steps. Start with the foods that are eaten often by the family. On the next visit to the grocery store include a few extra things in a purchase. For example, pick up an extra jar of peanut butter, can of soup, or canned fruits or vegetables and add them to the pantry shelves. Adding frequently used foods little by little will help ones storage to begin to grow. Check the expiration dates on these foods and be sure to rotate them.
For long term storage consider dry pack canning. It is important to know that not all foods can be canned in this way. Foods like flour, sugar and dried beans are a few items that can be canned in this manner. Those that can be packaged in this way may last anywhere from five to twenty years and are a good option for long term storage.
Making a place to store a large quantity of foods is a good idea. Pantries are not the best option for a years worth of food because it requires a good amount of space. A cool dry place is the best option for keeping supplies in an edible condition. If space is limited consider storing items under beds or in closets. A room in the basement of a home could also be a good option.
Having a prepared one year food storage plan is a step towards emergency preparedness. Start with small step and try not to get discouraged. Taking daily steps will slowly build the items that are needed in order to be prepared when the time comes.
Everybody understands that life changes quickly, and thus it’s a wise decision to invest in one year food storage kits to ensure you’re prepared in a flood, blizzard or other crisis. Natural disasters and other events often leave essential supplies like food and beverages in short supply, and thus it’s vital to lay away adequate stores and supplies to survive on your own if need be.
