As we’ve said before, preparing can be a daunting and sometimes, overwhelming task. They key is to start small and gradually increase our supply of items; and to remain focused so as not to get distracted and completely focus on one area over another.
Here is a list of everyday food items that many of us use. These items are relatively inexpensive, take up little space, and can be easily found. These are also items that will be subject inflation and “supply and demand” issues; and if the supply is disrupted, will quickly become scarce.
- Peanut Butter
- Rice and Pastas
- Oil, Butter, Lard, Shortening (Crisco), Fats
- Salt, Sugar, Pepper, Seasonings, Bullion
- Canned Goods: Soups, Sauces, Fruits, Vegetables
- Flour, Cornmeal, Oatmeal, Other Grains and Cereals
- Meats and Cheese depending on storage capacity and ability to keep equipment running
- Anything else you find you or your family eating on a regular basis IMPORTANT
On option to consider is Dehydrated and Freezdried foods, particularly meats, vegetables, and fruits. Food items prepared and stored in this way have long shelf-lives while retaining their nutritional value. Butter, cheese, and meat can also be found canned (yes canned, more popular in Europe and Southern Asian regions)
You may have noticed that I don’t have MRE’s listed, that’s done on purpose. The skinny is that MRE’s are not appropriate for children, they are too fortified and too hard on their digestive systems to process. Now that’s not to say they aren’t good to have around, they are. When their expense is coupled with their limited dispersability (no children) they really can’t stand up to the other things listed above. You’ll get more bang for your buck with everyday items.
As a last note, for those that may be doubting the true need to have food stored I leave a link to a recent article about 40,000 people showing up at a Colorado farm for free vegetables.
-Mike
