Long Term Food Storage
Long Term Food Storage Containers
hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, blizzards, and floods.
Since one or more of these disasters can occur almost anywhere
in the U.S., Canada and the world it makes sense to be
prepared for the
eventuality.
Long Term Food Storage Guidelines
plan for short and long term food shortages. A
blizzard might only last for 2-3 days. But it could take more
than a week before the road clearing crews reach your area.
First, start with basic staples such as beans, rice, dried
corn, and dried noodles. Whole grain foods and brown rice are
better as they retain much of the nutrient values. These are
ideal because they can be bought in bulk. Buying in bulk saves
money.
Be sure to choose a variety of basic staples. Chances are
after 2 weeks of eating rice you are going to burn out on it.
Small children and older adults are especially vulnerable to
appetite fatique and
will actually go hungry instead of eating foods that they have
grown tired of eating.
Second, put in a stock of high protein items such as dried
meats and canned meats. It's best not to stock up on frozen
foods or meats as a long term storage solution. If the power
goes out the refrigerator and the freezer will quickly become
useless. Beans, peas, rice and other legumes are excellent
sources of protein and usually cost less than comparable dried
meats.
If you are a vegetarian or you want an alternative to meat
there are some good soy protein souces. You can get soy
protein in a powder or in dried chunks that when soaked in
water are quite usable
as a meat subsitute in any dish that you would use meat in
such as stews and meat sauces. Soy protein kibbles or chunks
are usually available at organic stores and health food
stores.
Third, If you have a baby put a stock of powdered baby formula
in. If you are worried about cost you can put in a supply of
powdered milk and baby vitamins which can be used to replace
baby formula. Keep in mind that the baby will be used to the
taste and consistency of formula and forcing the little guy or
gal to switch to powdered or canned milk in the middle of a
crisis is going to be extremely stressful to you and to the
baby. Try to have at least 30 days worth of formula on hand.
Substitutes can be introduced gradually over a 30 day period
and the baby and you will have a much easier time of it.
Fourth, stock up kitchen essentials such as salt, pepper, a
few dried spices. cooking oils such as canola or olive oil.
If you use olive oil you can use it to create basic
salad dressings to enhance to food you are eating. Be sure to
include sugar, vinegar, baking soda, baking powder,
and powdered milk or canned milk. If you have the storage
room there is a type of milk called shelf stable or irradiated
milk. It can be stored in the pantry and does not require
refrigeration. This is an excellent alternative to powdered
milk.
Fifth, put in a supply of quick and easy to eat items such as
peanut butter, jelly, crackers, hard candies, dried fruits and
even chocolates. Trail mixes and granola bars are ideal for
this type of item. Trail mixes can be bought very cheaply in
bulk or at warehouse stores such as Costco or Sam's Club.
These foods are quick sources of energy and are easy to store
and keep for long periods of time.
Sixth, be sure to put in a stock of basic medicines and
vitamins. Basic over the counter medicines such as aspirin,
ibuprofen, decongestants, and even a basic first aid kit are
essential. Multi-vitamins and supplements are a good hedge
against malnutrition as you may not have a source of fresh
fruits and vegetables.
Seventh, if you are diabetic or have a health condition that
you have to take medications for every day then be sure to
have a one to three month supply of all of your medications on
hand.
Eight, estimate quantities for each adult and child you expect
to feed. This is a partial list of the amounts to plan
for an average adult to consume for one month.
Long term food storage containers should be
sturdy, rated for food storage, and should be able to withstand
insects and small rodents. Containers that are made of clear or
see through
plastic have the advantage of making it easy to see what is in
the container. You should label all containers with the name of
the food or item stored and the date. The container should be
able to seal out air and water or be air and water tight.
You might choose to use plastic buckets lined with plastic for a
food storage solution, If you do be sure to use food grade
plastic and not trash bags. Commercial trash bags are treated
with
insecticide which can be toxic to people.
canned goods are excellent for long term food storage
containers. Commercially canned foods have a shelf life of at
least two years from the date of processing. In reality they
can be consumed for
a considerable number of years after they have been canned.
Never store foods in paper or the plastic baggies that come from
the grocery store. These bags are not resistant to water,
insects and other storage hazards. Store your food containers
on sturdy shelves in a dry cool place that does not receive
direct sunlight. a closet, basement, or purpose built pantry
are all ideal.
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