It’s important to appreciate that food shortages can occur anytime and anywhere, even when your area isn’t going through an emergency. If one were to happen in your location, you’d be surprised to learn that most grocery stores normally only have enough food stocks to meet the needs of the locals for three days or even less.
Storing food for that unforeseen emergency can be tricky. It’s still possible to start with our simple https://basicfoodprepper.com/ list of food items that can be purchased easily from your local grocery store or even the larger big-box chain stores.
Cereals and shredded wheat
Stockpile whatever cereals that are normally eaten in your household. That can include rice, wheat, corn, oat, or wheat-based products. Shredded wheat is particularly handy, especially when you don’t have refrigeration issues as it contains high levels of vitamin E and fiber.
Oatmeal is an important prepper food, low in saturated fat, and an excellent source of fiber. In the event of a long crisis, oatmeal is priceless as it’s easy to store and cook. It ensures the family doesn’t miss breakfast.
Dry pasta and pasta sauces
These foods may be gluten-full, carb-heavy, but pasta is filling. Dry pasta and jarred sauce may last on your pantry shelves for several months. Just in case someone in the family has dietary restrictions, opt for gluten-free pasta or chicken-based pasta.
Canned vegetables and fruits
Did you know you can store fresh vegetables and fruits for several months when the storage environment is right? As a general rule, your fresh produce needs a dark, cool environment with good air circulation to stay fresh. A recommended way of storing fresh foods is to build or buy a stackable storage unit in your pantry that facilitates air circulation.
Alternatively, use stacking, open-air wire, or plastic bins available at most home improvement outlets. You could also use a wooden orchard rack, or you could build your storage system. If you have no access to fresh fruits, consider storing dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, and raisins. These are excellent sources of potassium and fiber.
Potatoes and root vegetables
If something disrupts the food supply chain, your local market or store could run out of essential foodstuffs quickly. The Department of Homeland Security recommends at least three days’ worth of water and food to see you through the most common emergencies.
Potatoes are a handy food that can last up to six months if they’re cured before storing in the pantry. To cure your potatoes, lay them on a newspaper in a single layer in an area between 45 and 60 degrees. This toughens the skins, preventing them from turning green. Other root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips can be stored for between three and four months.
Conclusion
If the emergency you’re facing is disease-related such as the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s particularly important to stock up on nutritious foods that help maintain good health. The food items we’ve recommended above in this https://basicfoodprepper.com/ storage guide should see you through most emergencies.