Building Your Survival Food Supply

Preparing for emergencies is on everyone's mind these days. We can all agree that having a stockpile of survival food gives peace of mind when facing uncertainty.

The good news is that with some planning, anyone can gradually build a well-rounded, budget-friendly survival food supply tailored to their family's unique needs and storage space.

In this comprehensive guide you'll discover the most nutrient-dense foods to prioritize, smart shopping strategies to keep costs low, space-saving storage solutions, and best practices for maintaining freshness so your stockpile is ready when you need it.

The Importance of Building a Survival Food Supply

A survival food supply is crucial for emergency preparedness. This article provides practical guidance for starting and gradually building your supply in an affordable, space-efficient way.

Assessing Your Family's Unique Needs

Consider key factors like food preferences, allergies, available storage space, budget, and likely regional emergency scenarios when planning your survival food supply. This ensures you build a supply tailored to your family's specific needs.

Focus on shelf-stable foods your family already eats and enjoys. This makes rotation easier and boosts morale in an emergency. Review any allergy or dietary restrictions as well to choose safe, appropriate foods.

Take stock of your current pantry and storage space. This determines how much additional food you can realistically store. Given space constraints, prioritize nutritionally dense foods over bulk ingredients.

Set a reasonable budget that works for your family. Having some supply is better than none at all. Build up gradually as your budget allows.

Creating a Well-Rounded Food Supply

Include a diverse mix of proteins, fruits/vegetables, grains, comfort foods, and vitamins for nutrition. Variety also prevents taste fatigue if relying on your supply for an extended time.

Good proteins to stock up on include canned tuna/salmon, beef stew, chili, peanut butter, dried beans, milk powder, and textured vegetable protein (TVP). These provide sustenance and muscle recovery.

Fruit cups, canned vegetables, dried fruit/veg add vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Choose items your family likes for morale.

Grains such as rice, quinoa, oats, pasta, and crackers offer carbohydrates for energy and can stretch meals.

Comfort foods like candy, coffee, tea, or drink mixes boost morale in stressful times.

A multivitamin provides nutritional insurance for any dietary gaps.

Focusing on Nutrient-Dense, Non-Perishable Shelf-Stable Items

Prioritize non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf life that don't require refrigeration. These include:

Canned goods - meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, soups
Dried fruit, vegetables, beans, lentils, TVP
Nuts, nut butters, protein/granola bars
Powdered milk, eggs, butter
Cereals, grains, pasta
Comfort food treats
MREs or freeze dried camping meals
Water and water flavorings

Canned and dried foods last 1-5 years. Powdered items 5-10 years. Food-grade Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, gamma lids, and cool storage extend shelf life even further.

Storing Food Properly for Maximum Freshness

To maximize shelf life, store survival food properly using:

Food-grade plastic buckets or Mylar bags - air/water tight
Oxygen absorbers to remove oxygen, prevent oxidation
Gamma seal lids for easy re-sealing
Cool, dark place - root cellar, basement

Heavy duty 5+ gallon buckets with gasket seals work great for larger quantities of grains, beans, rice. Stack neatly to save space.

For variety packs, individually sealed pouches, or smaller amounts, store in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Then place inside buckets, or seal with an iron to create an airtight barrier.

Establishing a Rotation System

Set up a first-in, first-out rotation system to cycle through foods before expiration. Stick to a schedule of checking dates and replenishing items every 6-12 months.

Keep an updated inventory with purchase dates and expiration dates. This prevents waste from items expiring before use.

When restocking, buy supplies to eat now plus extras to replenish your survival reserves. This keeps the emergency food supply fresh and avoids wasting money on items that expire unused.

What foods should I stockpile for survival?

When building your survival food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable foods that will provide sustenance in an emergency. Here are some of the best options to stockpile:

Canned and Dried Goods

Canned meats like chicken, tuna, salmon that are packed in water provide protein. Choose low-sodium options.
Canned beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber.
Canned fruits packed in juice offer essential vitamins.
Canned vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and tomatoes add key nutrients.
Dried grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta are calorie-dense and have a long shelf life.

Dairy and Shelf-Stable Items

Powdered milk and shelf-stable UHT milk can be reconstituted with water.
High-protein nutrition shakes and bars help round out the diet.
Comfort foods like peanut butter, honey, syrup, and baking mixes boost morale.

When building your supply, focus on nutrient diversity, not just calories. Stockpile at least a 3-month supply, buy in bulk to save money, and routinely cycle out products before they expire. With some planning, you can build an adequate survival food supply on a budget.

What is the most efficient survival food?

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables are a nutritious, space-efficient, and budget-friendly option for building your survival food supply. Here's why they should be part of your stockpile:

The Pros

Good Nutritional Value: Dehydrated produce retains most vitamins and minerals, including fiber, providing essential nutrients in an emergency.
Long Shelf-life: Properly stored in airtight containers, dehydrated foods can last over 25 years. Much longer than canned goods.
Space Efficient: Dehydrated foods take up far less space compared to other survival food options. Easy to store a large supply, even in small living spaces.
Budget-Friendly: Pound for pound, dehydrated produce is very affordable compared to freeze dried foods or MREs. Great way to build reserves without breaking the bank.
Variety: A wide range of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains can be purchased dehydrated. Allows you to build diverse and nutritious food reserves.

When building your emergency food supply, dehydrated produce checks a lot of boxes. Affordable, long-lasting, nutrient-dense, and space saving. Be sure to properly store in sealed mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Rotate and eat the oldest food first.

Why is Costco selling emergency food supply?

Costco's decision to sell emergency food supplies likely stems from increasing consumer demand for disaster preparedness products. As awareness grows around threats like natural disasters, pandemics, grid failures, and other crises, more households want to stock up on long-lasting foods to feed their families during emergencies.

Selling emergency food kits aligns with Costco's business model of providing bulk goods at a value. For cost-conscious consumers looking to be proactive, Costco offers an affordable way to buy a complete food supply in one purchase. Their emergency kits contain staples like freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, meats, and meals with 25+ year shelf lives.

While Costco has not publicly shared sales data, the uptick in catastrophic events and media coverage of "prepping" may be driving more of their members to get prepared. Having emergency food on hand brings peace of mind whether or not disaster ever strikes. For less than $1,000, a family can store a full year's supply of tasty foods adapted for emergencies.

With its wide member base and warehouse model, Costco can meet bulk demand for survival food, passing wholesale savings to families. Promoting emergency kits also builds community resilience and aligns with their values around social responsibility. Offering disaster prep products in store enables Costco to profit while providing a valuable service to communities facing growing threats in the 21st century.

How do I make my own survival food supply?

Building your own survival food supply can seem daunting, but it's an essential step in preparing for emergencies. The key is taking it one step at a time and focusing on non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods that don't require refrigeration.

Here are some budget-friendly tips for starting your supply:

Take Inventory of Your Existing Food

Take a look at what non-perishable foods you already have on hand. This can include canned goods, beans, rice, pasta, oats, shelf-stable milk, etc. Check expiration dates and set aside anything unopened that you can add to your survival stockpile.

Start with the Basics

Prioritize staples like survival food supply items such as rice, beans, pasta, and oats. These form the foundation of an emergency food supply as they are inexpensive, don't take up much space, and have a long shelf life. Consider adding canned meats and fruits/vegetables as well.

Buy in Bulk

Check big box stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers for bulk pricing on non-perishable survival foods. For example, a 25-lb bag of rice can be very cost-effective. Seal foods in airtight containers and use first-in-first-out rotation.

Grow Your Own

Even apartment dwellers can grow basic foods like herbs and sprouts. Over time, consider expanding into vegetables, fruits, and legumes that can supplement your stockpile. Homegrown foods ensure a fresh, nutritious component.

The key is tailoring your survival food supply to your household's unique needs and budget. Start small and build gradually towards a diverse, well-rounded stockpile.

Selecting the Best Emergency Food Supply

When building your survival food supply, it's important to select high-quality products from reputable companies. Here are some tips for choosing the best emergency food:

Evaluating the Best Survival Food Companies of 2023

Look for companies like Augason Farms, Mountain House, and Wise Foods that specialize in freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients with long shelf lives. Check reviews and compare based on taste, nutrition, preparation methods, and cost per meal. Focus on variety, quality control, transparent sourcing, and products made in the USA.

Considering Augason Farms Emergency Food for Long-Term Storage

Augason Farms offers convenient food kits and bulk ingredients like grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairy that can last up to 25 years. Their products require only water for preparation, provide balanced nutrition, and come in budget-friendly packages.

Planning a 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

Begin with a 3-month supply and gradually build up. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods like beans, lentils, oats, rice, honey, and shelf-stable milk. Store in a cool, dark place and use first-in, first-out rotation. Also stockpile a manual can opener, fuel for cooking, vitamins, and water.

Choosing ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply

ReadyWise prepares packaged entrees, fruits, vegetables, and meats that have a shelf life of up to 25 years. Their food kits are handy for grabbing and going in an evacuation while meeting dietary needs. Focus on their gluten-free and vegetarian options too.

Finding Emergency Food Supply at Sam's Club and Costco

Wholesale retailers have affordable bulk options for building your stockpile over time. Shop for items like canned goods, grains, dried beans, baking staples, peanut butter, and bottled water. Just be mindful of expiration dates and storage space.

Building Your Supply Over Time on a Budget

Take an incremental approach, buying a little extra nonperishable food each shopping trip. Shop sales, buy in bulk, and consider building a small garden.

Creating a Shopping List

Make a list of survival foods to buy whenever they go on sale, in family-sized quantities when possible. Good items to put on your list include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups
Rice, pasta, oats
Peanut butter and other nut butters
Dried fruits and vegetables
Canned or pouched meats like tuna, chicken, salmon
Granola bars and cereal

Check grocery store flyers and apps for sales and stock up on your list items when the prices drop. Buy extra to store while still affordable.

Price Comparing Essentials

Find the best deals on staples like rice, beans, canned meat, and freeze-dried produce by comparing local stores. Make note of the regular prices at grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers. When you see a particularly good discounted price, buy a large quantity within your budget.

For example, a 25 pound bag of rice may be $18 at Costco but $28 at the grocery store. Stock up at Costco when they offer an additional discount or coupon.

Joining Warehouse Clubs for Bulk Buying

Memberships to places like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's provide big savings on giant packages of nonperishables. A membership can easily pay for itself in survival food savings. Shop their sales for things like huge sacks of rice and beans, #10 cans of freeze-dried produce, and variety packs of canned meats.

Purchasing High-Quality Emergency Food Supply Kits

Reputable brands like Augason Farms, Mountain House, and Wise offer bundles with variety and long shelf lives. Though more expensive upfront, they provide complete nutrition. Watch for deals and free shipping offers. Consider starting with a small 3-day kit and gradually working up to a 1-month supply.

Planning Out Meals to Use What You Store

Incorporate stored ingredients like canned and dehydrated goods into regular meal prep. Get creative with recipes to make dishes like chili, fried rice, beans and rice, and rehydrated stews and soups. This ensures you cycle through products before expiration and know how to cook with your emergency stash.

Tailoring Your Survival Food Supply for Family Needs

When preparing an emergency food supply for your family, it's important to take into account each family member's unique needs and preferences. Here are some tips for customizing your food storage plan:

Calculating Emergency Food Supply for a Family of 4

Estimate needing ~2,000 calories per person per day for a bare minimum food supply
Plan for a variety of foods like grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables to meet nutritional needs
Expect to need ~75-100 pounds of food per person for a 3 month supply
Consider special needs like infant formula & food for your storage calculations

Incorporating Kid-Friendly Survival Food Kits

Choose familiar comfort foods kids already enjoy - mac & cheese, peanut butter, soup
Include kid-friendly proteins like tuna packets, beef jerky sticks
Add single-serve pouches of applesauce, fruit cups, pudding snacks
Dried fruit, trail mixes, granola bars make easy, healthy snacks

Balancing Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

Check all ingredients for common allergens like dairy, nuts, wheat
Seek out gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan, low-sodium options
Accommodate medical needs like diabetes with low-carb choices
Mix in culturally-relevant comfort foods family enjoys

Utilizing Compact Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Prioritize lightweight, space-saving foods like dried, freeze-dried, condensed
Store in airtight containers under beds, on shelves, or stacked in closets
Use space-saving racks, hangers, and organizers to optimize storage
Set up an organized rotation system to cycle out food before expiration

Engaging Family Members in Emergency Preparedness

Get input from family on favorite foods to include
Assign each person storage tasks like sealing containers, taking inventory
Let kids decorate storage bins and organize snack items
Conduct periodic practice drills using your emergency food

Maintaining and Cycling Through Your Stockpile

Maintaining a well-organized stockpile that gets used and replenished is key to ensuring you always have emergency food on hand before it expires. Here are some tips:

Labeling Food with Purchase/Expiration Dates

When adding new items to your stockpile, immediately label them with the purchase date and expiration date
Use a permanent marker directly on the packaging or masking tape
Keeping this info visible ensures you can easily identify oldest food items

Planning Meals Around Oldest Food Items

Develop a meal plan that purposefully incorporates foods closest to expiring
Make these a regular part of your diet to cycle through stockpile
Keeps storage space clear for new items coming in

Replacing Food as it Reaches Expiration Dates

Check expiration labels monthly
Create reminders to buy replacements as existing inventory hits shelf life limits
Keep quantity levels steady by replenishing food as older packages get used

Conducting Annual Reviews of Supply Levels

Do a full physical inventory check once a year
Assess freshness and quantity of all survival food items
Identify any shortfalls needing to be addressed

Establishing Reminder Systems

Use a calendar app or written planner to schedule key tasks
Set alerts for upcoming food expiration dates
Create annual reminders for supply reviews and inventory checks

Staying organized is vital when maintaining a survival food stockpile. Follow these tips to efficiently cycle through your supply so it remains fresh and sufficient to feed your family in an emergency.

Key Takeaways

Building a survival food supply takes planning and gradually accumulating resources over time. The key is focusing on nutrient-dense, non-perishable foods that meet your family's unique dietary needs, while also providing some morale-boosting comfort items. Buying on sale, in bulk, and maximizing limited storage space helps make prepping more affordable and sustainable long-term. Proper storage and rotation practices are critical to maintain quality and avoid waste. With some strategic effort, you can gain invaluable peace of mind knowing you have an emergency food supply for your loved ones.

Consider Your Family's Unique Dietary Needs

When building your supply, think about your household's food preferences, restrictions, and likely emergency scenarios. Prioritize nutrient-dense basics like proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables suited for long storage. But also consider comfort foods to boost morale if needed. Special dietary needs may require more planning and specialty items. Define daily calorie goals based on gender, age, activity levels, etc.

Blend Nutrient-Dense Basics with Morale-Boosting Comfort Foods

A well-rounded supply has a balance of core nutrition and comfort foods. Stock up on canned proteins like tuna, salmon, chicken, beans, and chili. Include freeze-dried or dehydrated produce like apples, carrots, potatoes. Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats store well. Comfort foods like candy, coffee, soups can lift spirits.

Buy Gradually Over Time, Focusing on Sales and Bulk Purchasing

Building an emergency food supply happens gradually over time. Take advantage of sales, coupons and bulk pricing. Set a budget to regularly add a few extra non-perishables to your normal shopping list. Over time this cost-averaging approach leads to a well-stocked supply.

Maximize Limited Storage Space

Use strategies to efficiently store your supply. Sturdy plastic bins with sealing lids can neatly organize items. Install shelving up walls or consider buying an emergency food supply storage cabinet. Vacuum seal or Mylar bag goods for compact storage.

Maintain Quality Through Rotation Practices

Use a first-in, first-out rotation system to cycle out food before expiration. Label containers with purchase dates. Set reminders to regularly check and consume oldest items, replenishing your supply with fresh items to maintain quality and prevent waste over long-term storage.