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Ideas for Surviving Food Shortages

There are ways to alleviate your fears if you are afraid of a potential food shortage due to natural disasters or political unrest. Taking small steps to store food, supplies and seeds can help you survive a food shortage and to help those around you if the time comes.

  1. Nonperishable Foods

    • Stock up on canned food with high protein and calorie content, such as beans, canned tuna and canned chicken. Canned food has a long shelf like and the cans will protect the food inside from any abuse over time (just don't forget to pack away a can opener.) Also make sure to store nonperishable carbohydrates such as rice, pasta and grains such as couscous. Compile all of your nonperishable food items and store them in a cool place.

    Store Seeds

    • If there is a food shortage in the future, you can't rely on your food stockpile for long. Store seeds from fruits, vegetables and leafy greens so that you can plant a garden to raise your own food after the shortage. Select plants that will grow well in your environment, making sure to choose fruits and vegetables that are excellent suppliers of vital vitamins and minerals. Pack seeds away in a water-tight plastic bag. Make sure to check their expiration dates and replace them before they expire.

    Store Water

    • Water is necessary to human survival, and if there is a natural disaster such as a large earthquake, water lines may be broken or polluted, resulting in undrinkable water. Storing at least 5 gallons of water is vital to your survival. Also pack away a water purifier and extra filters, which you can find at any outdoor gear store, to ensure that you will be able to replenish your water supply long after the shortage strikes.

    Stove and White Gas

    • The food shortage will most likely come hand-in-hand with other shortages, such as gas or electricity. After a natural disaster, you will need a quick way to heat up food and (if your water stores and water filter are damaged) boil water for purification. It is a good idea to store away a small stove and fuel so that you can give yourself a means to cook the food, if disaster strikes.

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