Food storage can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to store a month’s worth per person. That’s 2000 calories per person per day. Luckily we have options for helping us reach that goal
Grocery Stores
The food from grocery stores can be stored in its original packaging on a shelf, allowing you to rotate your supplies easily. However, the food in your refrigerator or freezer will need to have a backup generator ready to go if the power goes out.
Survival Food Companies
Survival food companies commonly dehydrated or freeze-dried their products and package them in sealed protective containers that you can store for years; some are even stackable.
Our Gardens
Food from our gardens or orchards can be stored in a variety of ways:
In canning jars. Canning is an important, safe method for preserving and storing food. The canning process involves placing foods in jars or similar containers and heating them to a temperature that destroys micro-organisms. During this heating process, air is driven out of the jar. As it cools, a vacuum seal is formed. There are two safe ways of canning food, the boiling water bath method, and the pressure canner method.
In a root cellar. Storing food in a root cellar is done by paying close attention to your crop varieties, your timing for harvest, and the best storage conditions for each type of fruit or vegetable. Generally, you’ll have food that stores well in a cold, damp environment and food that needs slightly warmer, drier conditions.
In a spring house. If you have a spring or stream on your property, a springhouse could be used to store some foods. It is made from a small building, usually of a single room, constructed over a spring to keep food and liquids cool. The water from the spring or stream maintains a constant cool temperature inside the spring house throughout the year. Food that would otherwise spoil, such as meat, fruit, or dairy products, could be kept there to increase your food storage.
In seed form. While storing food as seeds will not provide you with food right away, It can be a lifesaver during a long-term disaster lasting months or years.
No matter where you get your food, you can increase the lifespan of some of it by storing it in vacuum-sealed bags or mylar bags.
Timothy French 