Survival Food Storage for Beginners

When it comes to emergency preparedness, most people would agree that having some basic survival food storage is important.

This guide will outline key information for total beginners on how to start building an affordable, nutritious stockpile of survival food that can last for years.

You'll discover the best foods to store, proper storage methods to maximize shelf life, how to create a budget plan, and essential next steps to take to get your survival food supply started.

Introduction to Survival Food Storage

Survival food storage involves stockpiling non-perishable food items specifically for emergency situations or disaster events in order to feed yourself and your family. Having a reserve supply of food allows you to be self-reliant if stores close or supply chains are disrupted.

This guide covers the basics of building an emergency food supply as a beginner, including what food items to stockpile, how much you need, storage considerations, and cost-effective tips.

Defining Survival Food Storage

Survival food storage refers to keeping a supply of non-perishable foods on hand specifically for emergency preparedness purposes. These long-shelf life foods can feed you and your family in a crisis when you may not have access to grocery stores or if supply chains are disrupted.

Some key aspects of survival food storage include:

Non-perishable - Shelf-stable foods that do not require refrigeration. This allows them to last for years when properly stored.
High calorie - Foods that provide sustenance to keep energy levels up in a stressful situation.
Easy to prepare - Items that require minimal cooking resources like water, stove fuel, electricity, etc. which could be limited in an emergency.
Portable - Lightweight, packable foods if evacuation is necessary.
Affordable - Building a supply on a budget over time.

Having emergency food reserves can provide comfort knowing your basic needs are covered if an unexpected event or disaster strikes.

The Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is crucial because disasters or crisis situations can happen suddenly with little warning. Having survival food storage allows you to be self-reliant for a period of time when stores may be closed, utilities could be disrupted, or supply chains broken. Reasons to be prepared include:

Natural disasters - Weather events like blizzards, floods, etc. can prevent you from leaving home for days or weeks.
Power outages - Loss of electricity impacts preservation and cooking of perishable foods.
Economic crises - Situations like hyperinflation can cause food prices to rapidly skyrocket.
Civil unrest - Social instability leads to supply chain interruptions and closed grocery stores.

Having your own reserves frees you from dependence on external systems and ensures basic nutritional needs are met no matter what happens.

How This Guide Will Help

This beginner's guide focuses on the fundamentals of survival food storage. It will provide recommendations on:

What food items to stockpile - Non-perishable staples that provide calories and nutrients.
How much to store - Suggested quantities to meet different durations and family sizes.
Storage considerations - Proper techniques to maximize shelf life.
Cost-saving tips - Building reserves in an affordable way over time.

The goal is to help newcomers take the first steps towards emergency preparedness through food storage. Being self-reliant is important for weathering any crisis.

What is the best survival food to store?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to store nutritious and shelf-stable foods that don't require refrigeration. Some of the best options include:

Peanut Butter

An excellent source of protein, peanut butter has a very long shelf life. Opt for natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place.

Whole-Wheat Crackers

Crackers made from whole grains provide good carbohydrates and fiber. Choose low-sodium varieties and store in airtight containers. Pair with peanut butter for added protein.

Nuts and Trail Mixes

High in protein and healthy fats, nuts and seeds last for months when properly stored. Stick to raw, unsalted nuts and make your own trail mix combinations.

Cereal

Choose whole grain cereals and oats, which have a shelf life of up to a year when stored properly. Opt for low-sugar varieties.

Granola and Protein Bars

Store high protein, natural granola and energy bars with ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Avoid bars with hydrogenated oils.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits like apricots and raisins are tasty sources of nutrients and fiber. Prioritize sulfite-free fruits and store in airtight containers.

Canned Meat

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey provide essential proteins and nutrients. Seek low-sodium options packed in water.

Canned Vegetables

Canned green beans, carrots, peas, and other low-sodium vegetables stored properly can last 2-5 years.

When building your survival food storage, focus on nutrient-dense, non-perishable foods. Store them properly in a cool, dark place and routinely check expiration dates. Start with a few key items, then build your supply over time.

What foods should I stockpile for survival?

When building your survival food storage, focus on shelf-stable foods that provide protein, nutrients, and calories to sustain you in an emergency. Here are some of the most essential foods to stockpile:

Canned and Dried Meats

Canned varieties of meat like chicken, tuna, salmon, and beef stew are nutritious and last 2-5 years. Canned and pouched meats provide about 90% of the protein found in fresh meat. Consider stocking up on:

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, beef stew and chili
Canned baked beans, refried beans, black beans, etc.
Beef and turkey jerky or pemmican

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies stored in cans, pouches or jars have a shelf life of at least 2 years. Focus on nutrient-dense veggies like spinach, carrots and tomatoes. Prioritize fruits packed in juice rather than syrup.

Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
Canned carrots, spinach, green beans, peas, corn, beets
Canned pears, peaches, pineapple, applesauce

Grains, Cereal, Crackers

Grains are an essential part of a balanced diet. Opt for whole grains when possible. Some options are:

White rice, brown rice, oats, quinoa, pasta
Granola bars, protein bars
Crackers, pretzels
Flour, pancake mix

Shelf-Stable Dairy

Powdered milk and shelf-stable UHT milk boxes can provide important nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamin D. Other dairy items are:

Powdered milk
Evaporated milk
Hard cheeses like cheddar

With the right combination of survival foods, you can build a well-rounded food supply to nourish you and your family during an emergency. Consider creating food supply kits tailored to feed one person for X days or a whole family for X days.

How do you store food for long term survival?

Properly storing food for long term survival requires some key considerations. Here are a few tips to get started:

Use food-grade plastic buckets or Mylar bags - These create an air-tight seal to protect against oxygen, moisture, insects, and rodents. Mylar bags provide better protection but buckets are more durable long-term.
Oxygen absorbers - Place these in buckets or bags to absorb oxygen and prevent food spoilage. Follow instructions to calculate how many you need per container.
Store in a cool, dark place - A basement, root cellar, or closet works well. Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight.
Rotate stock - Use and replace food before expiration dates. First in, first out. Keep an inventory list with purchase/expiration dates.
Store high-calorie, non-perishable foods - Whole grains, beans, nuts, dried fruits, spices, honey, vegetable oils. These provide nutrients and calories for survival situations.
Keep food sealed airtight - Open carefully to preserve freshness then re-seal tightly. Improper re-sealing leads to spoilage or insect/rodent infestations.

With proper planning and storage methods, you can stockpile a robust food supply to sustain your family in emergencies. Start with basics like rice, beans, oats and build up from there.

How can survival food last 25 years?

Most survival food kits are designed to have an exceptionally long shelf life through food preservation methods like freeze-drying and dehydration. This removes moisture from the food, preventing spoilage and allowing it to last for decades when properly stored.

Here are some of the keys to long-term survival food storage:

Use high-quality ingredients and advanced preservation methods like freeze-drying, dehydration, nitrogen flushing, and vacuum sealing. This extends shelf life by preventing oxidation and moisture exposure.
Store kits in a cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar. Light and heat can degrade food over time.
Use food-grade buckets, pouches, and cans to create an additional barrier against oxygen, insects, rodents, and other contaminants. Oxygen absorbers can remove remaining oxygen inside containers.
Follow all storage instructions carefully regarding ideal temperature, light exposure, and maintenance. Improper storage shortens shelf life.

With the right ingredients and packaging, survival food can retain nutrition and taste for 20-30 years when stored properly. This gives peace of mind that emergency rations will be there when you need them.

Understanding Survival Food Kits

Survival food kits play a critical role in an emergency food strategy by providing convenient, nutritious food with a long shelf life. Pre-assembled kits from reputable brands take the guesswork out of building a balanced food supply and ensure your family is covered in an emergency.

Benefits of Best Survival Food Kits

The top survival food kits offer these key benefits:

Convenience - The meals come pre-packaged so you don't have to assemble menus or measure portions. Just open a pouch and prepare.
Nutritional balance - The kits include a variety of entrées, sides, and breakfast items to meet nutritional needs. No need to worry about missing key nutrients.
Long shelf life - Many kits offer a 20-30 year shelf life. The food stays fresh and edible for decades when stored properly.

Selecting a 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

When selecting a 25-year food kit, consider:

Storage conditions - Ensure your storage area stays below 75°F. Some kits require 60°F or less.
Taste - Sample kits first when possible. Flavor and texture varies between brands.
Special diets - Check if gluten-free, vegetarian, or other specialty meals are included.
Water provisions - Calculate if the kit includes enough water for the full 25 years.

Emergency Food Supply for Family of 4

For a family of 4, a 3-month supply is a good starting point, with 1,500-2,000 calories per person daily. Aim for:

100+ entrées & sides - Allows for menu variety and prevents food fatigue.
20+ breakfasts & desserts - Adds crucial morning and sweet options.
Drink mixes - Rehydrates dried food & prevents taste fatigue.

Scale up for longer duration. A 1-year supply takes up significant space.

Reviewing Popular Brands: Augason Farms & ReadyWise

Augason Farms offers convenient kits for emergency & long-term needs. Their 1-month supply for 4 people covers basics like grains, veggies, milk, and meat alternatives.

ReadyWise focuses on freeze-dried meals with a 30-year shelf life. Their 120-serving bucket has enough for 2 people for 2 weeks. Offers more variety than Augason Farms.

Both reputable brands. ReadyWise more expensive but higher quality. Augason Farms better value for long-term bulk supply.

Choosing Food Items To Stockpile

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to stockpile non-perishable foods that will meet your nutritional needs during a crisis. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Canned and Jarred Foods

Canned goods like vegetables, fruits, beans, soups, meats, and seafood are great for emergency food storage because:

They have long shelf lives of 1-5 years typically
Provide balanced nutrition with protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals
Are inexpensive sources of calories and nutrients
Don't require cooking - just open and eat

Focus on nutritious options like low-sodium veggies, fruits packed in juice or water, beans high in fiber and plant-based protein.

Dried and Dehydrated Items

Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are lightweight and take up little storage space. Good options include:

Dried beans and lentils which store for years
Whole grains like white rice, quinoa, oats that provide carbohydrates
Dried fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals
Jerky for protein and B vitamins

The key is making sure to stock whole food ingredients that provide balanced nutrition to supplement daily caloric intake if needed.

Nut Butters and Fruit Spreads

Nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter are calorie and nutrient-dense. They provide protein, healthy fats, and vitamins that boost energy. These spreads store for months after opening. Fruit jams and preserves also store well after opening and provide an energy boost from natural sugars. Such nutritious spreads help supplement meals and snacks in an emergency.

Assessing Pre-Packaged Emergency Food Supply Kits

Many companies sell pre-packaged emergency food kits with 30-90 days worth of meals. When evaluating these kits consider:

Nutritional content - do they provide complete, balanced nutrition?
Ingredient quality - are they made with whole foods?
Taste - do meals seem appetizing for ongoing eating?
Cost per meal/day - calculate to assess value

Pre-packaged kits provide convenience, but may be expensive or lack ingredient diversity for long-term nutrition. Supplementing with canned goods and shelf-stable ingredients allows customization of taste and diet.

The key is stockpiling a variety of non-perishable foods that meet all nutritional needs - carbs, protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats. Prioritize less processed, whole food ingredients with long shelf lives for the best emergency food supply.

Determining How Much To Stockpile

When building your survival food supply, a good rule of thumb is to have enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member 3 days. This is the minimum recommended by FEMA.

Stockpiling for 72 Hours

To prepare for a 72 hour emergency, here is what you need per person:

1 gallon of water per day
2,000 calories of food per day
First aid supplies
Flashlights, battery powered radio
Extra batteries

Canned goods, powdered milk, cereal, granola bars, and trail mix are good options for a 3 day food supply. Make sure to store foods that your family already eats and enjoys.

1-Month Supply Considerations

For longer term disasters, aim to have a 30 day supply of food and water. Build up your reserves with:

Canned meats, fruits, vegetables
Dried beans, lentils, rice
Peanut butter and jelly
Comfort foods like cookies, candy
Powdered milk and eggs
Emergency food kits with freeze dried meals

Rotate and eat the perishable foods first. Refill as needed so nothing expires before you can use it.

Planning for a 3-6 Month Supply

To withstand a long emergency lasting months, have at least a 90 day supply and ideally 180 days of food for your family. Focus on nutrient dense foods:

Freeze dried fruits, vegetables, meats
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
Superfood powders and smoothies
Sprouting seeds
Vitamin and mineral supplements

Make sure to store cooking fuel, a camp stove, and cooking pots. Learn recipes to make meals with your food storage ingredients.

Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply

The Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply provides breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks. With over 20,000 calories per person, it meets the minimum for a 1 month supply. Easy to prepare meals include pancakes, vegetable stew, pasta alfredo, and more. It's a convenient starter kit for disaster readiness.

Storing Your Survival Food Properly

Follow these best practices for organizing your stockpile, tracking expiration dates, and optimizing shelf life through proper storage.

Using a Food Rotation System

Use the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method to cycle older food to the front and integrate new items to the back of storage. This ensures you are consuming the oldest food first before it expires.

Label food containers with purchase dates
Shelve new items behind existing inventory
When taking food out for use, take from the front
Do a full inventory check 1-2 times per year

Monitoring for Expiration Dates

Check food packages for expiry and replace items as needed, donating unopened foods to food banks annually.

Designate a place to note expiration dates
Mark your calendar for reminder checks
Inspect all packaging seals for integrity
If expired, safely dispose of opened containers

Proper Storage Conditions

Store foods in a cool, dry area away from light, heat, moisture and pests to maximize shelf life.

Ideal conditions are 60-70°F and below 40% humidity. Consider investing in quality storage containers, oxygen absorbers, desiccants, or mylar bags for long-term storage.

Maximizing Shelf Life of Your 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

Special considerations for storing long-term food supplies to ensure they remain viable and safe for consumption.

Use heavy-duty buckets with gasket sealed lids
Add oxygen absorbers to remove oxygen
Store in basement or root cellar area if possible
Inspect containers annually for any damage

Following proper storage methods for your survival food storage will ensure it remains fresh and safe to eat when you need it most. Investing in quality containers and using a rotation system are vital best practices.

Building Your Stockpile Affordably

Building an emergency food stockpile can seem expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down over time. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

Leveraging Coupons and Rewards Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs at stores that sell survival supplies. This can earn you discounts or free items.
Check online sites and apps for digital coupons you can load to your store loyalty card.
Cut out coupons from newspaper circulars for non-perishable foods and supplies.

Buying Foods in Bulk

Purchase larger bags of basics like rice, beans, oats. The cost per meal goes down significantly.
Split bulk purchases with friends to save money.
Shop at warehouse stores for giant packs of canned goods and other non-perishables.

Creating a Budget Plan

Decide how much to set aside from each paycheck towards prepping supplies.
Make adjustments as needed, but stick to your monthly budget.
Spread costs over time by buying a few key items each month.

Finding Deals on Survival Food Kits

Sign up for email lists from top brands to receive promotions and sale alerts.
Buy kits on sale around holidays like Black Friday, Labor Day.
Check manufacturer websites for clearance or discounted overstock kits.

By following these tips, you can build an affordable long-term emergency food supply over time without breaking the bank upfront.

Essential Next Steps

Now that you know the basics of stockpiling survival food, use these resources to continue learning and get your emergency supply in place.

Take Stock of What You Already Have

Conduct an inventory of any existing emergency food items and check their expiration dates. Go through your pantry and make a list of canned goods, freeze-dried foods, MREs, and other non-perishables that could be part of your emergency food supply. Check expiration or best by dates and set reminders to rotate stock.

Download Food Storage Calculators

Use mobile apps like Preparedness Planner and web calculators like the ReadyWise Food Storage Calculator to determine ideal emergency food supplies based on your household size and disaster scenarios. Enter details like ages, calorie needs, and length of emergency to get supply recommendations.

Start Small and Be Consistent

Begin building your survival food storage by putting together a 1-week supply as a starter emergency kit. From there, add a few extra cans, pouches or buckets to your stockpile each month. Small, steady steps make prepping more manageable.

Incorporating ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply

ReadyWise offers freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients in cans, pouches and buckets with long 25-year shelf lives. Their food kits have balanced nutrition and only need water for quick preparation. ReadyWise products are an easy way to build up your reserves over time.