Introduction
The term “food shortage” is often used interchangeably with “food security,” but they don’t mean the same thing. A food shortage occurs when there isn’t enough food to go around, and people go hungry as a result. Food security, on the other hand, exists when all people have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
With that being said, it’s important to remember that a food shortage can lead to food insecurity. And while we may not be facing an imminent global food shortage, there are some factors — like climate change and political instability — that could lead to local or regional shortages in the future.
So, what can you do to prepare?
For starters, you can make sure you have a well-stocked pantry with shelf-stable foods that will last in case of an emergency. Here are 10 foods to stock up on now so you’ll be prepared if a food shortage does occur:
Canned goods
Canned goods are a great option when stocking up for a food shortage. Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, and even some meats can last for years when stored properly. Look for canned goods on sale and stock up your pantry. You may even want to consider investing in a small, portable can opener so you can access your food if power is out.
Dry goods
When it comes to stocking up for a possible food shortage, dry goods are a great place to start. Dry goods have a long shelf life and can be used to make a variety of meals. Here are 10 dry goods to stock up on now:
Pasta
Rice
Flour
Sugar
Salt
Baking soda
Baking powder
Yeast
Dried beans
Nuts and seeds
Frozen foods
Frozen foods will be one of the first things to go in a food shortage. If you have a chest freezer, now is the time to stock up on frozen meats, vegetables, and fruits. You can also stock up on frozen prepared meals, such as TV dinners and frozen pizzas.
Non-perishable snacks
- Peanut butter crackers
- Dried fruit
- Nuts and seeds
- granola bars
- hard candy
- trail mix
- pop tarts
- beef jerky
- canned soup
- ramen noodles
Water
Water is an essential part of any emergency food supply. It’s important to have enough clean water on hand to last everyone in your household at least three days. A good rule of thumb is to store one gallon of water per person, per day. If you live in a warm climate, or if you anticipate having to do a lot of physical activity, you’ll need even more water.
In addition to stocking up on water, it’s also a good idea to have a water filter or purification system in case your water supply becomes contaminated.
Baby food
- Canned goods: Canned goods will be a staple during a food shortage. They are non-perishable and can last for years. Choose canned foods that are high in protein and low in sugar.
- Baby food: Baby food is another non-perishable item that can last for years. It is also high in nutrients and easy to eat.
- Chips: Chips are a good snack to have on hand during a food shortage. They are high in calories and will help you stay full.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of protein and fat. It can be eaten with crackers or bread, or straight from the jar.
- Beans: Beans are a cheap and easy way to get protein during a food shortage. They can be eaten as is or used in recipes.
- Rice: Rice is a cheap and easy way to get carbohydrates during a food shortage. It can be eaten as is or used in recipes.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is another cheap and easy way to get carbohydrates during a food shortage
Pet food
If you have pets, it’s important to make sure that you have enough pet food to last them through a potential food shortage. Dogs and cats are typically not as easily able to fend for themselves as other animals, so it’s important to make sure that they have a reliable food source.
While it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the virus, it’s also important to make sure you have enough food to feed your family in case of a prolonged shutdown of businesses and transportation. Here are 10 foods you should stock up on now to prepare for a possible food shortage:
- canned fruits and vegetables
- dry beans and pulses
- rice and other grains
- flour and other baking supplies
- non-perishable milk
- shelf-stable meat and poultry
- canned fish and seafood
- nut butters and oils
- dried fruit and nuts
- powdered or shelf-stable milk
Paper towels
Paper towels are an essential item to have on hand, especially if you’re stocking up in preparation for a potential food shortage. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from cleaning up spills to absorbing excess moisture from food. In addition, paper towels are also useful for wrapping up food to keep it fresh.