Introduction
A prepper pantry is a cupboard or set of shelves stocked with food and other supplies that would be useful in the event of an emergency. This could be a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, or it could be a man-made emergency, such as a power outage or economic collapse.
A well-stocked prepper pantry should have enough food and supplies to last for at least three months. This may seem like a lot, but if you break it down into week-by-week increments, it is much more manageable.
There are several things to consider when stocking your prepper pantry. First, you need to have a plan. What types of emergencies are you preparing for? Second, you need to know how many people you need to provide for. Third, you need to stock non-perishable items that have a long shelf life. Fourth, you need to rotated your supplies so that they do not go bad.
Here are some suggested items to include in your prepper pantry:
- Canned goods: soup, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, beans
- Dried goods: rice, pasta, cereal, oats
- Protein: canned tuna or chicken, powdered milk
Prepper Foods
A prepper pantry is a collection of food and supplies that you may need in an emergency. The foods in a prepper pantry are typically non-perishable and have a long shelf life. This list of prepper foods will help you build your own pantry and know what to stock it with.
Non-perishable food items
There are many types of foods that are considered non-perishable, or have a long shelf life. These items do not need to be refrigerated and can be stored at room temperature. Non-perishable food items are a good choice for stocking up your pantry or emergency kit, as they will not go bad quickly.
Examples of non-perishable food items include:
-Canned fruits and vegetables
-Dried fruits and nuts
-Canned soups and stews
-Canned meat and fish
-Boxed or canned milk
–Flour and other baking ingredients
-Salt and spices
-Rice, pasta, and other grains
Canned goods
Canned goods are an essential part of any prepper’s pantry. They have a long shelf life, they’re easy to store, and they can be used in a variety of ways.
Canned fruits and vegetables are a great way to add nutrition to your diet, and they can be used in recipes or eaten on their own. Canned meat is also a great option for adding protein to your diet, and it can be used in a variety of recipes.
Weight watchers should take note that canned goods are often very high in sodium, so it’s important to check the labels before you buy. Canned goods can also be high in sugar, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, it’s also important to check the labels.
Dry goods
Dry goods are non-perishable items that can be stored for long periods of time. They are an important part of any prepper’s food storage plan, as they can be used to make meals in a pinch or when fresh ingredients are not available.
Some common dry goods include:
-Grains: rice, pasta, oats, quinoa, barley
-Legumes: beans, lentils, peas
-Baking essentials: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda
-Condiments: salt, pepper, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
-Dried fruit: raisins, apricots, dates, figs
-Nuts and seeds: peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds
Frozen foods
Frozen foods are a great way to have a stockpile of items on hand for emergencies. They can also be a lifesaver when you’re short on time and need to get a meal on the table quickly.
There are a few things to keep in mind when stocking your freezer with prepper foods. First, you’ll want to make sure you have a good mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy. This will help you create quick and easy meals that are balanced and nutritious.
Second, you’ll want to pay attention to the expiration dates on your frozen foods. While frozen foods can last for months or even years, they will eventually go bad. When in doubt, throw it out!
Finally, if you plan on using your frozen food stockpile in an emergency situation, make sure you have a plan for power outages. A generator is a good option, but you’ll also want to have backup batteries and dry ice on hand just in case.
Fresh foods
While the image of the prepper is often someone who is holed up in their bunker with years’ worth of canned goods, the truth is that fresh foods are going to be a top priority after a disaster. Canned goods are great for long-term storage, but they won’t do you any good if you can’t cook them. In a post-disaster world, you may not have access to electricity or gas, so you’ll need to be able to cook over an open fire. That’s why it’s important to have fresh foods that can be cooked without power.
Some good options for prepper foods include:
-Fresh fruits and vegetables
-Beans
-Rice
-Potatoes
-Oats
–Bread
Water
Water is the most important item in a prepper’s pantry. While you can survive without food for weeks, you will only survive without water for a few days. water is heavy and difficult to transport, so it is important to have a plan for how you will obtain and store water in an emergency situation.
Storing water
Water can be stored in a number of different ways, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:
-Bottled water: This is the most common way to store water, and it’s also the most expensive. Bottled water is convenient and easy to use, but it can be expensive, and it creates a lot of waste.
-Tap water: Tap water is a convenient and inexpensive way to store water, but it can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals.
-Rainwater: Rainwater is a great way to store water, but it’s not always reliable.
-Well water: Well water is a good option for storing water, but it can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals.
-Rivers and lakes: Rivers and lakes are a good source of water, but they can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals.
Purifying water
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your survival is to purify water. Common methods for water purification include boiling, filtering, and chemical treatments.
Boiling is the most common and effective method for purifying water. Simply bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill most disease-causing microorganisms. Keep in mind that boiling will not remove all contaminants from water.
Filtering is another common method of water purification. There are many different types of filters available on the market, but not all filters are effective against all contaminants. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using any filter.
Chemical treatments are also used to purify water. The most common chemicals used are chlorine and iodine. These chemicals are added to water and allowed to stand for a period of time before use.
Sanitation
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency is to make sure your food and water is safe. That means keeping your pantry clean and organized so you can easily find what you need and rotate your supplies.
Personal hygiene
Personal hygiene is the practice of keeping oneself, one’s living and working area, and contact surfaces clean in order to prevent illness and the spread of illness. Good personal hygiene habits include regular hand-washing with soap and water, brushing and flossing one’s teeth, wearing clean clothes, and bathing regularly.
Food preparation
One of the best ways to prevent foodborne illness is to practice food safety when cooking. This means keeping your hands and surfaces clean, cooking food to the correct temperature, and storing food properly.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after handling food.
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, and seafood, and wash them with hot, soapy water after each use.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils (or washing them thoroughly) when handling different types of food.
Cook all food to the proper temperature to kill bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check that food has reached the right temperature:
-Beef, pork, veal (steaks, roasts) & lamb: 145°F (medium rare), 160°F (medium), 170°F (well done)
-Ground beef, pork & veal: 160°F
-All poultry: 165°F
-Seafood: 145°F (medium rare), 160°F (medium)
First Aid
A prepper pantry should have a first aid kit. This should include band-aids, Neosporin, pain killers, etc.
Basic first aid supplies
Whether you’re at home or on the go, it’s important to be prepared for minor injuries and illnesses. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you provide basic care for yourself and your family.
At a minimum, your first aid kit should include:
-Bandages in a variety of sizes
-Antiseptic wipes and/or cream
-Sterile gauze pads
-Adhesive tape
-Scissors
-Tweezers
-Pain reliever/fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children or teens)
-Antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (also provides relief from itching)
-Hydrocortisone cream (to reduce itching)
-Calamine lotion (to soothe insect bites and poison ivy/oak/sumac)
Emergency contact information
When an emergency strikes, you may not have time to search for critical contact information. Keep a list of important phone numbers and addresses in an easily accessible place, such as on your refrigerator door. Include the following:
-Emergency services (911 in the United States)
-Poison control center
-Your doctor and dentist
-Family and close friends
-Contact information for your child’s school or daycare
-Work numbers for your boss or human resources department
You may also want to include emergency contacts for your pets, such as your veterinarian, kennel or pet sitter.
Conclusion
A prepper pantry is a must for anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency. It should be stocked with enough food to last your family for at least three months, as well as items like toilet paper, soap, and first-aid supplies. While it may seem like a lot of work to get started, a prepper pantry is an essential part of being prepared for anything life may throw your way.