How to Build an Emergency Food Supply at Home

A well-stocked pantry typically saves significant amounts of money, while at the same time providing a high level of emergency preparedness. Families with long-term food storage and survival supplies have a real sense of security and peace of mind when faced with crises that range from loss of income to natural disasters.



Build an emergency food supply in your own home, using foods you already buy on a regular basis, as well as some additional items that store exceptionally well for long-term preparedness.

Things You'll Need

• Drinking water
• Bulk grains
• Canned foods
• Dry goods

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Instructions

• 1

  Water is key to emergency food storage.

  Make a plan for water storage or acquisition in case of an emergency. If you rely on municipal water supplies, water storage is essential. Always keep at least a week's supply of water on hand, which is one gallon per person per day for drinking, and five gallons per person per week for personal hygiene and food preparation. Water stores should be rotated, used and replaced as bottled water has a limited shelf life. If you have a well, you will need a back-up pump system or generator to continue using the well in a power-down situation.

• 2

  Prepare the storage area for bulk grains, canned foods and dry goods. Find a cool, dry location, such as a humidity-controlled basement or cellar. The area should be clean, free of pests and have adequate shelving for food items. Garages are typically not an ideal location because they can become too hot in the summer months.

• 3

  Bulk grains are economical for home food storage.

  Purchase bulk grains, such as wheat berries, buckwheat groats and rolled oats. Whole grains store for decades under the right conditions. Use food-grade storage buckets with oxygen absorption packets and tight-fitting lids. Invest in a grain mill if you do not already own one, since you will need to process grains into flour.

• 4

  Buy extra canned goods of the foods your family eats on a regular basis. Wait for sales and stock up when the items are available at their lowest prices. Use these foods for meals as needed, replacing them and adding additional ones in rotation as you buy them on sale. Use and rotate food storage items to avoid waste and spoilage.

• 5

  Dried fruit, nuts and seeds make great survival foods.

  Acquire a month's supply of shelf-stable foods, such as pasta, cereal, powdered milk, dried fruits, nuts, beef jerky, peanut butter, crackers and drink mixes. Keep these items organized on your food storage shelves, and rotate periodically.

• 6

  Purchase and store basic items, including salt, sugar, yeast, baking soda, baking powder and oil. These ingredients are necessary for cooking and baking from scratch, while salt and fats are essential for long-term survival. Keep yeast in the refrigerator or freezer, especially if it won't be used within a few months of purchase.

• 7

  Add freeze-dried meals to your long-term food storage. Sealed in Mylar packaging or large #10 cans, these foods can last for over 20 years while in their unopened containers. They require only clean water for preparation and are one of the easiest ways to ensure palatable food in an emergency situation. Having some ready-to-go meals on hand can be a help in unfamiliar circumstances.