Introduction
When it comes to food storage, it’s important to have enough emergency supplies to last your family for at least three months. This will help you get through any potential natural disasters or economic downturns.
There are a few different ways to store food, such as canning, dehydrating, fermenting, and freezing. You’ll need to decide which method or combination of methods is best for you, based on your budget and space constraints.
Once you have your supplies in place, it’s important to rotate them regularly so that they don’t go bad. Use older items first and replace them with fresh ones as needed.
With a little planning, you can rest assured knowing that you have enough food to last your family for several months in case of an emergency.
Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers are a great way to keep your food fresh and organized. But, with so many different types and sizes, it can be hard to know which one is right for your needs. Use this guide to help you find the perfect food storage container for your kitchen.
Types of Food Storage Containers
There are two main types of food storage containers: airtight and non-airtight. Airtight containers are great for storing dry goods, like rice, pasta, and cereal. They’re also good for storing cooked food, like soup and stew. Non-airtight containers are better for fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables.
Size of Food Storage Containers
The size of your food storage container will depend on how much food you want to store. For dry goods, we recommend 1-quart airtight containers. For cooked food, we recommend 2-quart airtight containers. For fresh produce, we recommend non-airtight containers that are at least 1 quart in size.
Material of Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, and metal. Plastic is the most popular material because it’s lightweight and durable. Glass is a good choice for those who want to avoid plastic. Metal is a good choice for those who want a sturdy container that won’t break easily.
Food Storage Guidelines
In order to have enough food to last 3 months, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that each person have the following on hand:
-1 gallon of water per person, per day
-Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dry goods, and other staples
-A working refrigerator and freezer
-A way to cook food (such as a stovetop or oven)
It is also recommended that you have a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water on hand in case of an emergency.
Three-Month Food Storage Plan
Now that you’ve decided to build a three-month food storage supply, it’s time to get started. But with so much food to buy and store, where do you begin? Use this three-month food storage plan as a starting point.
With this plan, you’ll store enough food to feed your family of four for three months. If you have more or fewer people in your household, adjust the quantities accordingly. And if you want to extend your food storage beyond three months, simply multiply the amounts listed below by the number of months you want to be prepared for.
3-Month Food Storage Plan for a Family of Four
- Canned fruits and vegetables: 180 cans
- Canned meat: 180 cans
- Canned soup: 90 cans
- Canned beans: 90 cans
- Canned fruit juices: 60 cans
- Boxed cereals: 12 boxes
- Pasta and rice: 60 pounds each
- Oatmeal and pancake mix: 24 pounds each
- Peanut butter and jelly: 3 gallons each
- Cooking oil: 2 gallons
- Flour and sugar: 60 pounds each
- Salt, pepper, and spices: As needed
Conclusion
After taking into account your family size, the number of people you will be feeding, and your lifestyle, you should have a good idea of how much food storage you need for 3 months.
Remember, it is always better to have too much food than not enough. So err on the side of caution when stocking up your food storage. And don’t forget to rotate your food regularly so that nothing goes to waste.