Building an Affordable Short-term Food Supply for Preppers
In uncertain times, it's important to have a plan in place for emergencies, and that includes having a reliable food supply. As a prepper, you're probably already aware of the importance of having a food stockpile, but you might be wondering how to build one without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are many affordable short-term food storage options for preppers that won't put a dent in your wallet.
In this article, we'll discuss the different types of short-term food storage, as well as cheap survival food ideas to help you build a prepper food supply from items found in supermarkets. We'll also provide tips for optimizing storage space, monitoring inventory, and more.
Let's get started by discussing the different types of short-term food storage.
Building a Short-term Food Supply
Building a short-term food supply is an essential part of emergency preparedness, whether you're preparing for a natural disaster or a personal crisis. Having enough food to last for a few days or weeks can help you and your family stay safe and healthy until help arrives or the situation resolves itself. In this section, we'll discuss the different types of short-term food storage and provide tips for building a short-term food supply.
Building a 72-hour Emergency Food Kit
A 72-hour emergency food kit is a great place to start when building a short-term food supply. This kit should contain enough food and water to last for three days, which is the minimum amount of time that emergency responders suggest you should be prepared for. According to Build a Stash, here are some tips for assembling a 72-hour emergency food kit:
- Choose foods that are non-perishable and easy to prepare. Some good options include canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix.
- Include a manual can opener. You'll need this to open canned goods.
- Store your food in a waterproof container. This will protect it from water damage and pests.
- Rotate your food every six months. This will ensure that it stays fresh and doesn't go to waste.
Storing Emergency Food at Home
Storing emergency food at home is another important part of building a short-term food supply. This will give you a longer-term solution for emergency preparedness, and it will also help you save money on groceries by buying in bulk. According to Backdoor Survival, here are some tips for storing emergency food at home:
- Choose a cool, dry, and dark location. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent spoilage.
- Label and date all of your food. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it expires.
- Store your food in airtight containers. This will prevent pests and moisture from getting in.
- Rotate your food every six months. This will ensure that it stays fresh and doesn't go to waste.
Creating a 90-day Rainy Day Food Supply
A 90-day rainy day food supply is a more long-term solution for emergency preparedness. This will give you a three-month supply of food, which is enough time for most emergency situations to resolve themselves. According to New Terra Natural Food, here are some tips for creating a 90-day rainy day food supply:
- Choose foods that are non-perishable and easy to prepare. Some good options include canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and fish, rice, pasta, beans, and peanut butter.
- Buy in bulk. This will help you save money and ensure that you have enough food to last for three months.
- Store your food in a cool, dry, and dark location. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent spoilage.
- Label and date all of your food. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it expires.
- Rotate your food every six months. This will ensure that it stays fresh and doesn't go to waste.
Cheap Survival Food Ideas
When building a short-term food supply, it's important to keep costs in mind. Fortunately, there are many cheap survival food ideas that can help you build a prepper food supply from items found in supermarkets. In this section, we'll discuss some of the best cheap survival food ideas, as well as tips for storing and preparing them.
Dry Goods
Dry goods are an excellent option for cheap survival food. They are often sold in bulk and have a long shelf life, making them perfect for emergency preparedness. According to New Terra Natural Food, some good dry goods to include in your prepper food supply are:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Beans
- Lentils
- Oatmeal
Canned Goods
Canned goods are another great option for cheap survival food. They are easy to store and have a long shelf life, and they require no preparation other than opening the can. According to Build a Stash, some good canned goods to include in your prepper food supply are:
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meats and fish
- Canned soups and stews
Cooking Supplies and Condiments
Cooking supplies and condiments are often overlooked when building a prepper food supply, but they are essential for making meals that are both tasty and nutritious. According to New Terra Natural Food, some good cooking supplies and condiments to include in your prepper food supply are:
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil
- Flour
- Sugar
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Hot sauce
Storing and Preparing Cheap Survival Food
Storing and preparing cheap survival food is just as important as choosing the right foods. Here are some tips for storing and preparing cheap survival food:
- Store your food in a cool, dry, and dark location. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent spoilage.
- Label and date all of your food. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it expires.
- Rotate your food every six months. This will ensure that it stays fresh and doesn't go to waste.
- Learn to cook with your prepper food supply. Practice making meals with your prepper food supply so that you know how to use it in an emergency.
- Invest in a camping stove or other cooking equipment. This will allow you to cook your prepper food supply even if you don't have access to electricity or gas.
Ready-made Food Kits
Ready-made food kits are a convenient option for preppers who don't have the time or inclination to assemble their own food supply. These kits contain a variety of pre-packaged meals and snacks that are designed to last for a certain period of time. In this section, we'll discuss the different types of ready-made food kits and provide tips for choosing and using them.
Types of Ready-made Food Kits
There are many different types of ready-made food kits available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common types of ready-made food kits:
- Emergency food kits. These kits are designed to provide a short-term supply of food in case of an emergency. They typically contain a variety of non-perishable foods, such as canned goods and freeze-dried meals, as well as water and other essentials. According to Build a Stash, these kits are a good option for short-term emergencies, such as power outages or natural disasters.
- Survival food kits. These kits are designed to provide a longer-term supply of food in case of a disaster or other catastrophic event. They typically contain a variety of non-perishable foods, as well as cooking equipment and other essentials. According to Backdoor Survival, these kits are a good option for preppers who want to be prepared for a long-term emergency.
- Backpacking food kits. These kits are designed for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals. They typically contain freeze-dried or dehydrated foods that can be rehydrated with water. According to Primal Survivor, these kits are a good option for hikers who want to minimize the weight of their pack.
Choosing a Ready-made Food Kit
When choosing a ready-made food kit, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Quality. Look for kits that contain high-quality, nutritious foods. According to Backdoor Survival, it's important to choose kits that contain foods that are both tasty and healthy.
- Variety. Choose kits that contain a variety of foods, so you don't get bored eating the same thing every day. According to Primal Survivor, variety is important for morale and to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.
- Shelf life. Check the expiration dates on the foods in the kit to make sure they will last long enough. According to Build a Stash, it's important to choose kits with a shelf life of at least one year.
- Portability. If you need a kit for hiking or other outdoor activities, choose one that is lightweight and easy to carry. According to Primal Survivor, backpacking food kits should be lightweight and compact.
Using a Ready-made Food Kit
Using a ready-made food kit is easy, but there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some tips:
- Read the instructions. Make sure you understand how to prepare the foods in the kit before you need to use them. According to Backdoor Survival, it's important to practice preparing the foods in your kit before you need to use them in an emergency.
- Rotate your stock. If you have a ready-made food kit that has an expiration date, make sure you rotate the stock regularly so that nothing goes to waste. According to Build a Stash, it's important to use the oldest items in your kit first and replace them with fresh items.
- Supplement with other foods. Ready-made food kits are designed to provide a certain number of calories per day, but they may not contain all the nutrients you need. Consider supplementing with fresh fruits and vegetables, or other foods that you have on hand. According to Primal Survivor, it's important to supplement with fresh foods to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.
Ready-made food kits can be a convenient and easy way to build a prepper food supply, but they are not a perfect solution. Be sure to choose a kit that meets your needs and supplement it with other foods as necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building an affordable short-term food storage supply for preppers is an important step towards being prepared for emergencies. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can start building your own food supply today.
We've covered a lot of ground in this article, from the importance of planning and consistency to the different types of foods to store and the best ways to store them. We've also discussed the benefits of ready-made food kits and the importance of supplementing your food supply with fresh foods.
Remember, building a food supply is just one aspect of emergency preparedness. Be sure to check out Build a Stash, Backdoor Survival, The Provident Prepper, New Terra Natural Food, and Primal Survivor for more great content on emergency preparedness.
Thank you for reading, and stay safe out there!
Q & A
Q. Who needs affordable short term food storage options?
A. Anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies or disasters.
Q. What are some affordable short term food storage options?
A. Canned goods, dried beans, rice, and pasta are all affordable options.
Q. How long do short term food storage options last?
A. Short term food storage options can last anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the type of food and how it is stored.
Q. What if I don't have a lot of storage space?
A. There are many creative solutions for storing emergency food supplies, such as using shelves, small storage spaces, and even suitcases. Check out The Provident Prepper for more ideas.
Q. How can I save money on short term food storage?
A. Buy food in bulk, look for sales and discounts, and choose foods that are already part of your regular diet to avoid waste.
Q. What if I have special dietary needs?
A. There are many affordable short term food storage options available for people with special dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan diets. Look for specialty stores or online retailers that offer these types of foods.
