Breaking down the task and following these simple steps can make planning your family’s meals for a week or more, which has become common with twice a week grocery runs, much easier to handle.
My Prepper Food Storage Budget
Correct. Write the phrase “long-term food storage budget” on the top of the paper in front of you to give it a formal status. Majority of us have a basic understanding of our weekly or monthly grocery expenses. At the very least, we are aware of the amount available to us after considering all the household bills.
In order to proceed, it is necessary for us to gather accurate data. Analyze your financial situation and determine the average amount you spend on groceries every week. It could be surprising to discover the actual figure, and it is probable that you will identify areas where money can be saved. Now, consider allocating some of these savings towards crucial emergency provisions.
It could be challenging due to the fact that many of us nowadays rely on each paycheck to get by, but it can be as uncomplicated as purchasing an additional can of tuna, jar of peanut butter, or bag of rice. Although it may not appear substantial, gradually accumulating these long-term provisions will prove to be highly rewarding.
Where does it all go & how long can I keep it?
After determining your budget and calculating your weekly or monthly prepper supplies expenditure, the subsequent task is to locate a suitable storage area. Choose a cool and dry space that is both easily accessible yet out of the way.
If you have chosen the ‘one extra can each week’ approach, it shouldn’t be too challenging. Locate a spot in a cabinet or on a shelf where you can store these additional items separate from the ones you use on a daily basis. Even a box or a plastic container in a closet will suffice, as long as you can access it easily. Keep in mind that these essential items are meant for you and your family during difficult times, so avoid using them unless you face situations like unemployment or financial difficulties, which can be considered personal emergencies.
How long can this stuff last?
The duration of food preservation is determined by the packaging and storage methods used. In numerous cases, store-bought cans can last for years beyond their indicated expiration date. However, it is advisable to regularly replace high-acid foods such as tomatoes, as they have a tendency to react with their containers and impact their nutritional content. It is important to only purchase cans that are in good condition. When trying to save money, it may be tempting to choose cans from the discounted section that may be slightly damaged. However, dented cans have the potential to leak or expose the contents to air, resulting in spoilage.
Although canned vegetables are suitable for long-term storage, other types of packaging are not. Flour, sugar, rice, dehydrated foods, and nuts (ideally in shells) can retain their freshness and be preserved for several months or even years by being stored in airtight plastic containers or ziplock-type bags to shield them from humidity and other environmental factors.
If your preppers pantry is stored in a location that remains dry and where temperatures are consistently below 85 degrees, all the supplies will have extended durability. These conditions allow for a variety of storage areas to be considered, aside from the garage or attic. Options can range from under beds to beneath a table with a cloth cover, as well as an empty corner in a bedroom closet or even the home office. Engage the entire family in an evening activity to locate the ideal spots in your home for your preppers pantry, and ensure to plan for additional space as your stockpile expands in the future.
What do I really need?
To begin, purchase and preserve only the necessary amount of food. It’s advisable to stick closely to your family’s regular diet, as we often rely on familiar choices. Begin your preparations by making a list of nonperishable and durable items that you know won’t be disliked by your family. Prioritize the essentials such as flour, sugar, salt, pepper, canned meat and vegetables, dehydrated and freeze dried goods, oatmeal, soups, as well as long-lasting items like canned or powdered milk. These items have prolonged shelf lives.
It may be beneficial to test items of questionable quality through a taste test or a brief trial to determine their acceptability. It is crucial to prioritize maintaining a healthy calorie intake, particularly when preparing for extended periods. As preppers, we go beyond the fundamentals, so remember to have plates, utensils, and cooking methods like a charcoal or propane barbeque, extra wood for a fire, and a hand-held can opener.
What it means to be shelf-stable or non-perishable
Taking advantage of the time remaining before the food’s expiration date, the FIFO method is a simple yet effective way to gradually stock your pantry. You can easily implement this method by purchasing a small surplus during your regular shopping trips.
In order to make your prepping easier and more efficient, it is important to have food that can last for longer periods of time. According to the US Department of Agriculture, “shelf-stable” refers to food that can be stored for extended periods without spoiling.
Products that can be stored safely at room temperature are referred to as “shelf stable.” These products include country hams, canned and bottled foods, rice, pasta, flour, sugar, spices, oils, and foods processed in aseptic or retort packages, among others, that do not need refrigeration until opened. However, it is important to note that not all canned goods fall under the category of shelf stable, as indicated by labels labeled as “Keep Refrigerated.”
Remember to check the expiration dates while shopping to avoid ending up with products that have either been sitting on the store shelves for too long or have already expired.
You may be curious about whether the printed expiration date on a package accurately represents the end of life for the food contained within. In the case of medicine, for instance, the “expiration” date typically signifies a slight decrease in effectiveness rather than rendering the medicine completely useless or harmful.
USA Emergency Supply is one of the few providers of preparedness supplies that provides an honest response.
Determining the length of time that food can be stored is a somewhat imprecise practice due to the numerous variables involved. These factors encompass the initial condition of the food at the time of purchase, along with many other considerations. It is important to note that this information should serve as a general reference rather than an absolute truth, as individual results may vary.
The shelf life has five enemies.
- Heat
- Light
- Moisture
- Pests
- Oxygen
By minimizing these factors, you can increase the longevity of your foods. For instance, an unopened bag of rice will not have the same shelf life in a garden shed as it would in your home.
When it comes to storing dry goods that require repackaging at home, the most reliable method is to use mylar bags in conjunction with oxygen absorbers and keep them in sealed buckets.
Nonetheless, the duration of shelf life for shelf-stable foods is often underestimated. Despite the fact that numerous canned goods have a “best by” date set within two years from their production, they can actually remain edible beyond that timeframe, provided that the packaging remains intact. According to the USDA, this is verified information.
Shelf-stable foods, including canned goods, are generally safe for consumption indefinitely, as long as the can remains in good condition without any signs of rust, dents, or swelling. Packaged foods such as cereal, pasta, and cookies can also be consumed beyond their indicated “best by” date, although there is a possibility that they might become stale or acquire an unpleasant taste over time.
Additionally, they include a cautionary note regarding the risk of botulism, which specifically applies to canned food products.
It is important to avoid using food from containers that display possible indications of “botulism” such as cans that are leaking, bulging, or severely dented; jars that are cracked or have loose or bulging lids; canned food that emits a unpleasant odor; or any container that releases liquid when opened. Even a small amount of botulinum toxin can be extremely dangerous. The linings of cans may undergo discoloration or corrosion when in contact with high-acid foods like tomatoes or pineapple. However, if the can is in good condition, the contents should still be safe for consumption, although the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food may deteriorate over time. It is recommended to consume home canned foods within a year.
Food list
Backed up by research, the following categorized list comprises the most frequently purchased foods for preppers.
Grains
Grains possess versatility, nutritional value, and impressive storability, making them an essential component of your prepper pantry.
- Rice: long grain, short grain (sushi), and basmati (Indian)
- Wheat berries (white, hard preferred)
- Dried corn
- Popcorn
- Rolled oats
- Cornmeal
- All purpose flour
- Cake flour
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Instant grits
- Instant mashed potatoes / potato flakes
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes, which are versatile and have a long shelf life, serve as another reliable staple in your pantry. They are rich in essential protein and fiber that your body requires.
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Navy beans
- Kidney beans
- Chickpeas/Garbanzo beans
- Lima beans
- Black-eyed peas
- Lentils
Fats
Do not automatically assume that fats are bad since they are crucial for cooking, nutrition, and satiety. Whether saturated or unsaturated, the majority of these fats can be stored for a minimum of 1-2 years.
- Lard
- Peanut butter (also a decent source of protein)
- Shortening
- Vegetable oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Coconut milk (good for Indian and Thai dishes)
Meats and other proteins
- Canned salmon
- Sardines
- Canned tuna
- Spam
- Canned chicken
- Vienna sausages
- Textured Vegetable Protein
- Imitation bacon bits
- Country ham
- Dry-cured bacon
Opinions on canned meat may vary, with some individuals enjoying it and others despising it. However, it is beneficial to keep such provisions in stock and you might be amazed by the dishes you can create using them. Canned chicken, for instance, can be unexpectedly enjoyable. Additionally, canned salmon can be used to prepare exquisite and unexpectedly sophisticated salmon croquettes. If you ever crave sushi, you can satisfy your taste buds by making spam musubi.
The inclusion of meat alternatives, like textured vegetable protein (TVP), in the list may come as a surprise. TVP, if stored correctly, can remain usable for up to 20 years. Moreover, imitation bacon bits, which are derived from TVP, have a significantly longer shelf life compared to authentic bacon.
In addition, it is important to take into account dry-cured meat products like uncut country hams, which have an indefinite shelf life as long as they are not sliced, and dry-cured bacon that does not need to be refrigerated. (Do not mistake dry-cured bacon for the moist-cured variety found in the refrigerated area.)
Spices
By incorporating spices into your plain staple foods, you can enhance the taste and subsequently boost morale. It is crucial to have an adequate supply of salt as it serves as a vital component for bodily functions and can also be utilized in preserving food. Apart from its role in flavoring and preservation, white vinegar, specifically, proves to be beneficial for cleaning purposes.
If stored correctly, a number of items such as salt, granulated sugar, and honey can last indefinitely. While pre-ground spices can remain usable for years, their potency diminishes with time.
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Honey (soak it in warm water if it crystalizes)
- White vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Rice wine vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Black peppercorns (requires a pepper mill)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Chicken bouillon
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Garam masala
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Curry bars
- Ginger: powdered and crystalized
- Coriander
Apart from the top four essentials – salt, granulated sugar, honey, and white vinegar – consider these as recommendations. We recommend some blended spices such as Italian seasoning and garam masala for convenience, but you are welcome to purchase the individual spices and create your own mix. Additionally, contemplate using whole spices like cumin and coriander seeds, as they maintain their flavor for a longer time and can be roasted as a whole for enhanced taste.
Tip: Quality honey will last forever, but it might crystallize and look weird. Just soak the container in warm water to heat the inside and everything will mesh back together.
