Introduction
2022 is going to be a tough year for the food industry. A number of factors, including climate change, economic instability, and political unrest, are coming together to create a perfect storm that could lead to widespread shortages of many staple foods.
In order to prepare for this possibility, it’s important to start stockpiling now. But with so many different food items out there, it can be hard to know what to buy.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best foods to stockpile for the 2022 food shortage:
- Buy non-perishable items: Canning and dehydrating are great ways to extend the shelf life of perishable foods, but it’s always best to have a good supply of non-perishable items on hand as well. This includes things like rice, beans, pasta, and cereal.
- Choose nutrient-rich foods: During a food shortage, you might not be able to get all the nutrients you need from your diet. That’s why it’s important to choose foods that are high in vitamins and minerals. Some great options include leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid processed foods: Processed foods tend to be low in nutrients and high in unhealthy ingredients like sugar and sodium. They’re also more likely to spoil during a power outage or other emergency situations. So instead of stocking up on chips and cookies, focus on fresh or minimally processed foods.
- Think about storage: When choosing what food to stockpile, it’s important to think about how you’ll store it. For instance, if you live in an area with high humidity levels, canned goods might not be the best option because they can rust quickly in humid conditions.
The types of food that will be in shortage
The United Nations have released a report detailing the types of food that will be in shortage in the year 2022. The report advises that people should stock up on non-perishable items such as dried beans, canned goods, and rice.
Grains
Despite a good harvest in 2020, the world’s grain stocks are at their lowest level in 30 years, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The agency warned that a “perfect storm” of climate change, pests, and disease could lead to widespread shortages of staple crops like wheat, maize, and rice by the end of the decade.
The FAO’s new report paints a grim picture of the future of global food security. It says that rising temperatures and extreme weather events are damaging crops and making it harder for farmers to grow food. At the same time, pests and diseases are spreading to new areas as they adapt to warmer conditions.
The report warns that these trends could lead to widespread shortages of staple crops like wheat, maize, and rice by the end of the decade. This would put billions of people at risk of hunger and potentially drive up food prices around the world.
The FAO is calling on governments to invest in climate-resistant crops and early warning systems that can alert farmers to crop-damaging events like droughts or heatwaves. The agency also wants countries to do more to support small-scale farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to climate shocks.
Vegetables
The world’s climate is changing, and that is likely to cause agricultural problems on a scale we have not seen before, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.
One of the main problems will be a decline in the production of vegetables, due to both hotter temperatures and more severe weather conditions. This could lead to less availability and higher prices for many types of vegetables.
The impact will be felt most keenly in tropical and subtropical countries, where agriculture is a major part of the economy. In some cases, such as in Central America, the decline in vegetable production could lead to political instability.
There are things that can be done to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture, but it will require international cooperation and significant investment.
Fruits
Fruits are one of the food groups that will be in shortage in the near future. With the changing climate, fruit trees are bearing fruits that are smaller in size and less in quantity. In addition, pests and diseases are attacking fruit trees, further reducing the yield. As a result, the price of fruits is expected to increase in the coming years.
How to store food properly
The first step to stocking up food for the shortage is to stop eating out. This will help you save money so you can buy more food to store. The next step is to start meal planning. This will help you use the food you have more efficiently. Once you have a plan, you can start shopping for non-perishable items that will last.
Grains
Proper grain storage is essential to preserving the quality and shelf life of your grains. Grains should be stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. The ideal storage temperature for grains is between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are storing your grains long-term, you will also want to protect them from pests by using containers with tight-fitting lids or by freezing them.
Vegetables
For many people, the key to successful long-term food storage is a combination of common sense and consistency. That’s why it’s important to learn the proper techniques for storing various kinds of foods.
Vegetables are a great example. Depending on the type of vegetable, you may need to take special care to ensure that it stays fresh and edible. Here are some tips on how to store different types of vegetables:
-Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc.): These vegetables should be stored in a cool, dark place with plenty of ventilation. potatoes in particular will rot if they are stored in an airtight container.
-Leafy greens (spinach, cabbage, kale, etc.): These vegetables should be stored in a moisture-proof container in the refrigerator. If possible, wrap them in a paper towel or other absorbent material to keep them from wilting.
-Fruit: Most fruit should be stored in the refrigerator, especially if it is ripe or close to ripe. Exceptions include bananas and other tropical fruits, which should be kept at room temperature.
Fruits
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing fruits:
- Check for bruising or moldy spots and avoid those pieces.
- If you plan on keeping the fruit for more than a day or two, choose fruits that are not fully ripened as they will continue to ripen after being picked.
- Store most fruits in the refrigerator, except for bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, and melons which should be stored at room temperature.
- Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
How to ration food
If you are worried about the food shortage in 2022, there are some things you can do to ration your food so that it lasts longer.
First, make a list of all the food you have and how long it will last. This will help you to see what needs to be used up first.
Next, avoid wastage by only cooking what you need and eating leftovers. You can also preserve food by pickling or canning it.
Finally, think about alternative sources of food such as farming or foraging. This way you can be sure to have enough to eat even if there is a shortage.
Conclusion
We recommend that you buy the following food items in order to be prepared for the shortage in 2022:
-Rice
-Beans
-Pasta
-Canned goods
-Non-perishable food items