Long-Term Food Storage for Kids: Why It's Important
In times of natural disasters, power outages or other emergency situations, having a long-term food supply for your family is crucial. This is especially true for families with young children, who are often the most vulnerable in such situations. It is important to plan ahead and store enough food for a prolonged emergency, as it may take days or even weeks for help to arrive.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of long-term food storage for kids and provide tips on how to prepare and store food for emergencies. We will also provide suggestions for kid-friendly meals and shelf-stable foods that can be stored in the pantry, as well as tips for creating a 72-hour child kit.
Advantages of having a Long-Term Food Supply for Kids
In any emergency situation, access to food may be limited. Having a long-term food supply for your family can provide peace of mind and ensure that your children are well-nourished during times of crisis. Here are some advantages of having a long-term food supply for kids:
- Convenience: A long-term food supply allows you to avoid the hassle of going to the grocery store during an emergency.
- Cost-effective: Purchasing food in bulk for long-term storage can save you money in the long run.
- Health and nutrition: By storing nutritious foods for your children, you can ensure that they receive the essential nutrients they need during an emergency.
- Preparedness: Having a long-term food supply for your family can help you feel better prepared for emergency situations and give you peace of mind.
Tips on How to Prepare and Store Food for Long-Term Storage
To ensure that your long-term food supply is effective and safe, it is important to follow these tips on how to prepare and store food for long-term storage.
Recommended food items for long-term storage
- Bulk staples: These include items such as rice, pasta, flour, and sugar. They are easy to store and can provide a base for many meals.
- Canned and dried foods: Canned foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meats can last for several years. Dried foods such as beans, lentils, and jerky can also be stored for long periods of time.
- Vitamin and protein supplements: These can help ensure that your children receive the essential nutrients they need during an emergency.
Suggested quantities of food items to store
It is important to store enough food for your family for several weeks. Here are some suggested quantities of food items to store:
- Grains: 300 pounds per person per year
- Legumes: 60 pounds per person per year
- Dairy: 75 pounds per person per year
- Meat: 75 pounds per person per year
Proper storage of food items
It is important to store your long-term food supply in a clean, dry, and dark place away from moisture and pests. Here are some tips for proper storage:
- Store food items off the floor.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Use oxygen absorbers to prevent spoilage.
- Rotate food items every 6-12 months to ensure freshness.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your long-term food supply is safe and effective.
Building a Long-Term Food Supply for Kids
Having a long-term food supply for kids is essential for emergency preparedness. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have enough food for your family to survive in case of an emergency.
Recommended food items for long-term storage
When building a long-term food supply for kids, it is important to consider the types of food that are best suited for long-term storage. According to fcs.uga.edu, here are some recommended food items for long-term storage:
Bulk staples
- Rice: Rice is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of meals. It is easy to store and can last up to 30 years when stored properly.
- Pasta: Pasta is another versatile food item that can be stored for long periods of time. It is easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Flour: Flour is a staple ingredient in many recipes. It can be used to make bread, pasta, and other baked goods. It is important to store flour in airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests.
Canned and dried foods
- Canned fruits and vegetables: Canned fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and nutrients for your children. They can be stored for several years and are easy to prepare.
- Canned meats: Canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and beef can provide a source of protein for your children. They can be stored for several years and are easy to prepare. According to foodstoragemoms.com, canned meats should be rotated yearly.
- Dried fruits and vegetables: Dried fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and nutrients for your children. They can be stored for several years and are easy to prepare.
Vitamin and protein supplements
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is important for immune system function. It can be stored for several years in the form of supplements. fcs.uga.edu recommends storing vitamin supplements in their original containers.
- Protein powder: Protein powder can be used to supplement meals and provide essential nutrients for your children. It can be stored for several years.
Suggested quantities of food items to store
It is important to store enough food for your family to survive for several weeks in case of an emergency. According to fcs.uga.edu, here are some suggested quantities of food items to store:
- Grains: 300 pounds per person per year
- Legumes: 60 pounds per person per year
- Dairy: 75 pounds per person per year
- Meat: 75 pounds per person per year
Proper storage of food items
Proper storage of food items is essential to ensure that they remain fresh and safe to eat. According to fcs.uga.edu, here are some tips for proper storage:
- Store food items off the floor to prevent moisture and pests.
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent spoilage.
- Use oxygen absorbers to prevent spoilage.
- Rotate food items every 6-12 months to ensure freshness.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your long-term food supply is safe and effective for your children.
Kid-Friendly Meals for Long-Term Food Storage
When it comes to long-term food storage for kids, it can be challenging to find meals that are both nutritious and appealing to children. To make it easier, here are some kid-friendly meals that are suitable for long-term food storage.
Mac ‘n' Cheese
Mac ‘n' cheese is a classic kid-friendly meal that is perfect for long-term food storage. According to NuManna, their organic mac ‘n' cheese is easy to store and contains essential nutrients for children's health. You can also make your own mac ‘n' cheese from scratch using stored pasta, canned cheese, and powdered milk.
Pasta with Marinara
Pasta with marinara is another kid-friendly meal that can be stored for long periods of time. According to NuManna, their organic pasta with marinara is easy to store and provides a good source of nutrients for children. You can also make your own pasta with marinara using stored pasta, canned tomatoes, and dried herbs.
Pancakes
Pancakes are a simple yet satisfying meal that can be stored for long periods of time. According to NuManna, their organic pancake mix is easy to store and provides a good source of nutrients for children. You can also make your own pancake mix using stored flour, powdered milk, and powdered eggs.
Other Kid-Friendly Meals
In addition to the meals listed above, there are many other kid-friendly meals that are suitable for long-term food storage. According to beprepared.com, here are some other kid-friendly food storage favorites:
- Mountain House meals: Mountain House meals come in a variety of flavors and are easy to prepare. They are a great option for picky eaters.
- Provident Pantry Scrambled Egg Mix: Scrambled eggs are a classic breakfast food that kids love. Provident Pantry Scrambled Egg Mix is easy to store and can be used to make scrambled eggs or other egg-based dishes.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Freeze-dried strawberries are a healthy and tasty snack that kids love. They can be eaten on their own or added to other meals for extra flavor.
By incorporating these kid-friendly meals into your long-term food storage plan, you can ensure that your children have access to nutritious and appealing meals in case of an emergency.
Storing and Rotating Your Long-Term Food Supply
Storing and rotating your long-term food supply is essential to ensure that your food remains fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing and rotating your long-term food supply.
Storing Your Long-Term Food Supply
When storing your long-term food supply, it is important to consider the following:
Storage Location
- Store food items off the floor to prevent moisture and pests.
- Store food in clean, dry, dark places away from moisture.
- Store food in a location that is easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Storage Containers
- Use airtight containers to prevent spoilage.
- Use oxygen absorbers to prevent spoilage.
- Label containers with the contents and date of storage.
Storage Temperature
- Store food at a consistent temperature between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid storing food in areas that are subject to extreme temperature changes.
Rotating Your Long-Term Food Supply
Rotating your long-term food supply is important to ensure that your food remains fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for rotating your long-term food supply:
- Rotate food items every 6-12 months to ensure freshness.
- Use the oldest food items first.
- Keep an inventory of your long-term food supply and update it regularly.
- Donate extra supplies to your local food pantry before they expire.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your long-term food supply is stored and rotated properly, and that your family has access to safe and nutritious food in case of an emergency.
Emergency Kits for Kids
In addition to storing long-term food supplies, it is important to have emergency kits for your children. Here are some items to consider when creating an emergency kit for your child.
Essential Items for an Emergency Kit for Kids
Food and Water
- Water: One gallon of water per day per person is recommended. www.fcs.uga.edu suggests storing at least a three-day supply of water.
- Non-perishable food: Store non-perishable food items that your child likes and are easy to prepare. See section 3 for some kid-friendly meal ideas.
Hygiene Products
- Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer can be used to keep hands clean when soap and water are not available.
- Toilet paper: Store at least one roll of toilet paper per person.
- Soap and shampoo: Pack soap and shampoo in travel-size containers.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste in a travel-size container.
- Diapers and wipes: Pack enough diapers and wipes for at least three days.
Comfort Items
- Blanket: Pack a blanket for warmth and comfort.
- Stuffed animal or toy: Pack a stuffed animal or toy to provide comfort and entertainment for your child.
- Family pictures: Pack family pictures to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Medications
- Prescription medication: Pack at least a three-day supply of prescription medication.
- Over-the-counter medication: Pack over-the-counter medication such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and fever reducers.
Additional Items for an Emergency Kit for Kids
In addition to the items listed above, there are many other items that can be included in an emergency kit for kids. According to www.foodstoragemoms.com, here are some additional items to consider:
- First aid supplies: Pack a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes.
- Games and books: Pack games and books to provide entertainment for your child.
- N-95 masks: Pack N-95 masks in case of a disease outbreak or other airborne emergency.
Final Thoughts
By creating an emergency kit for your child that includes essential items such as food, water, hygiene products, comfort items, and medication, you can help ensure that your child is prepared in case of an emergency. It is important to update your child's emergency kit regularly to ensure that all items are up-to-date and in good condition.
Be Prepared for Emergencies with Long-Term Food Storage for Kids
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your family is prepared for emergencies with long-term food storage for kids. Remember to store a variety of kid-friendly meals that are easy to prepare and contain essential nutrients for children's health. It is also important to create emergency kits for your children that include essential items such as food, water, hygiene products, comfort items, and medication.
Thank you for reading our article on long-term food storage for kids. Check out our website for more great content on emergency preparedness and family safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs long-term food storage for kids?
Anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies and ensure their children have access to safe and nutritious food.
What are some good kid-friendly meals for long-term food storage?
NuManna suggests mac ‘n' cheese, pasta with marinara, and pancakes. See section 3 for more ideas.
How long can you store food for in long-term food storage?
Food can be stored for up to 25 years in long-term food storage when stored properly. www.fcs.uga.edu
What should I do with expired food in my long-term food storage?
Rotate food items every 6-12 months and donate extra supplies to your local food pantry before they expire.
How can I ensure that my child's long-term food supply stays fresh?
Store food in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers and rotate food items every 6-12 months to ensure freshness.
What should I include in my child's emergency kit?
Essential items include food, water, hygiene products, comfort items, and medication. See section 5 for more ideas.
