Food Storage for Preparedness
In the last month, I have stepped up my preparedness efforts in a major way. I have always been well prepared. I keep a nice stock of many things. From Food, Water, Medicine, and other items. Below are the major things I am doing now to up my preparedness for my family.
Here is what I did to increase my efforts:
I purchased several more food grade storage containers (doubling what I already had – plus one). I use them to store rice and beans. This allows to me have close to a two-year supply for my family. NOTE: I actively use this food and rotate my stock in these containers.
I more than doubled my supplies of Freeze-Dried food stocks. Previously we had a 30 day supply of full meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To that, I have added #10 cans of supplemental foods that I know my kids like and eat as well as additional fruits and vegetables to add to our food for more balanced meals and to have variety. I’ve also added #10 cans of Freeze-Dried meats, butter, whole eggs, scrambled eggs, and more. Each of these has a shelflife of 10 years or more.
I’ve added canned goods including various beans, vegetables, mushrooms, and soups. For these, I usually go off-brand or store brand for the lowest possible price. As an example, I was able to get Target brand canned beans at $0.49 a can. Also added was canned evaporated and sweetened condensed milk.
I purchased enough powdered whole milk for my youngest son to get through 3 months should he need it. He should be switching to less or no milk soon. We usually make homemade fresh juice as well. Currently, we have enough on hand for about one month but I will be adding to that (we use both fresh and frozen).
Things I am looking into:
Growing more produce and fruit at home. We have some fruit trees (Lemon, Lime) I want to add orange, avocado, and maybe something else. I will be growing potatoes, peppers, zucchini, peas, string beans, broccoli, and tomatoes. I will be trying this through a hydroponic system and potentially an aquaponic system. I usually grow the potatoes in the ground but I am going to attempt to grow them in a big container and increase the amount I produce with each crop.
Since I am lucky enough to live in San Diego, we should be able to produce almost year-round. I will have to let you know in future posts.
I am looking into purchasing a whole or half cow, pig, and goat. I have known about this for a long time but have never done it before. In the end, it is cheaper than buying meat at the store, I know the farm and animal it comes from, and provides me with a reliable meat source should there be supply chain disruptions or spikes in meat prices.
All of these steps combine to provide my immediate family, plus some extended family food for over one year during a major crisis or disruption.
What Are You Doing to Prepare?
I’d love to hear what you’re doing to prepare for yourself or your family. Share in the comments below no matter how small or big the steps you are taking are. What are you stocking? How are you storing them? How do you plan to cook or prepare the meals?