Having enough food is important, especially in times of crisis or disaster. Thankfully, you don’t need to stockpile large amounts of foods, only what a few packets per person will last.
Some things are more essential than others. We suggest stocking up on the following items:
Non-perishable fruits and vegetables
Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios
Canned goods
Packed juices (limited amount)
Sterilized dried milk
Yeast/dairy products
Salt and pepper
You do not have to buy all these items at one place, but rather online or from several sources to get a good deal. Buying them individually could also save you money.
Remember that it takes time for some of these supplies to go bad, so don’t worry about them immediately.
Store Water Bottles
Having enough water is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, most people are not good at estimating how much water they need for daily activities and survival.
Most individuals underestimate how much water they drink per day and some even forget that we always require a certain amount of water to survive!
Running out of water can be disastrous if done improperly. You could get very sick and potentially die due to poisoning or death by dehydration.
Fortunately, it’s easy to keep a supply of water on hand so during a food shortages people may consider buying a pack of 10-20 bottles. While this seems like a lot, it will easily last a person 2 weeks depending on how often they refresh their bottle.
Water bottles with wider mouths are better than those with narrower ones as these let more air enter your mouth which helps prevent thirst related health issues such as nose bleeds, dry lips and oral mucus changes.
Also make sure your bottle does not contain chemicals or alcohol because these would be consumed and could cause problems later when you add them to the water. Some brands test negative for toxins but check thoroughly before use.
Prepare for Emergencies
In an effort to be as prepared as possible, there are several things you can do to ensure your home life is stable in the event of a major disaster.
Stocking up on enough food for at least two months is one of the most important items. While it may seem like a waste of money, this preparation will help you restore normalcy after a crisis.
Many people begin preparing for disasters by stocking up on supplies such as meat, vegetables, rice, pasta, dried fruits, and water.
However, research shows that these foods may not last very long during a nutritional emergency. Nutrient-rich foods cannot be consumed when adequate amounts of certain nutrients have been depleted.
During times with limited access to nutritious food, our bodies start to suffer. Health issues worsen, and if health care is available later, recovery can be more difficult.
Fortunately, we can learn some easy ways to preserve the nutrition in many common foods. By using appropriate storage methods, you can make sure your body does not lose crucial vitamins and minerals.
Some tips include: use the back side of the shelf to retain moisture, don’t expose stored foods to strong light or heat, and never reheat leftovers unless they have first been heated once.
Have Enough Supplies
Having enough supplies is very important to stay healthy during a pandemic. You do not need much of anything really, except for purified water and maybe a few rolls of toilet paper per person.
Other items you will want to have are:
Some form of soap (hand sanitizer does not cut it)
A good source of vitamin D3 – this can be obtained from sun exposure or supplements
Towels to wash hands frequently with
Stripping sheets that are adequate for frequent washing
You do not need:
Clothing – unless you are a working professional or student who needs clothes to meet their job requirements
Sleeping bags or warm blankets
Pet food or cat bowls and toys
These things are unnecessary at this time and could create clutter if you already have them.
Know Where You Can Find More
In an effort to help people begin to feel more comfortable in their homes, there are various ways you can find extra supplies. Online shopping is one of the best ways to do this as it allows you to access supply sites, stores, and products easily.
By having online resources, you will have lower costs due to the fact that you won’t be spending money on shipping or traveling to get these supplies. Many websites offer free basic delivery which also helps save money!
Some other ways to gain supplies include going to thrift and garage sales, donating unused items to charities, keeping your room clean by using reusable bags, and supporting local businesses through buying snacks from them.
Food Storage Tips
Stocking up on enough food for at least two months is an excellent way to prepare for a food crisis. While it may feel wasteful buying lots of foods, we can make sure these stores of sustenance are not wasted in a crisis.
Many studies show that having adequate supplies of food reduces overall stress levels and helps you focus more efficiently during times of hunger.
In a food scarcity situation, people tend to gather around those with food because they understand they will be fed if needed. This can create uncomfortable situations for those who are hungry or need nourishment but don’t have anyone else’s food supply.
Finding ways to reduce your average grocery store inventory is an easy way to start stocking up.
Preparing for Emergencies
The best way to prepare for an epidemic or famine is by being well-rounded in your supplies. While it may feel wasteful to have all of these products, they are very important pieces to have if you really want to be prepared to survive a major health crisis or natural disaster.
Many experts suggest investing in at least six months’ worth of supplies per person. That means no going without food or water for that length of time!
By having enough supplies, you will never run out because you always have something you can use to fulfill your need for nutrition and hydration.
Sadly, this isn’t common practice when most people get their supplies. Most individuals purchase only about one month’s supply — one bottle each of water, soup, and prescription medication.
This is not enough to satisfy even your average daily nutritional needs during times of scarcity.
Stockpiling Basics
Before there was a term “foodie,” people really knew how to stockpile. It is not an exaggeration to say that most every person at some time in their life lived off the land or stockpiled at least wheat berries and rice.
During times of crisis, we remember those stores you always hear about where people go shopping for water and medicine. So why don’t we do the same with food?
Stockpiling isn’t just about having enough food for one week; it is about developing skills to help yourself and your family survive a longer period of time than a week. A lot of things can contribute to a food shortage, so being prepared for everything is important.
Store Foods Properly
Storing foods properly is an important part of being prepared in case of a food shortage. This article will go into more detail about how to do this!
Stocking up on enough food for at least one month is the first step towards surviving a crisis. The best way to do this is by matching your grocery store inventory with what needs to be stocked up.
Don’t buy too much if you don’t have space to keep it, otherwise you could end up wasting money.
Some things that can be wasted include: dried goods such as pasta dishes and rice, canned vegetables and soups, and dry packaged snacks like pretzels or trail mix.
These things all have a limited shelf life so they won’t last very long even when stored correctly, which makes them expensive to purchase once they run out. It is better to only buy a small amount than to spend lots of money afterwards.
Throwing away food is not a good idea during a pandemic. Not only are there shortages, but there are also going to be people who are hungry trying to avoid contaminated food. If you have to throw some out, then put some aside for later.
There are several tips here for how to organize your stockpiles.