How much food should I store per person.
When we think of our day-to-day lives, we often take food accessibility for granted. But what happens when circumstances change drastically, and our normal food supply is compromised. Imagine situations like natural disasters, pandemics, or economic downturns. These are times when having a stockpile of food can make a world of difference. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider how much food one should store per person, and what factors influence this decision. This article begins a series dedicated to understanding and planning for food storage to help you stay prepared in any situation.
Understanding the Need for Food Storage
Food, as we all know, is one of the primary survival necessities. Without it, we cannot function optimally, and our health will deteriorate over time. However, the concept of food storage goes beyond just survival. It’s about emergency preparedness, reducing stress during difficult times, and maintaining a balanced diet even when regular food supplies are unavailable or disrupted.
There are several reasons why people might need to store food. Some live in areas prone to natural disasters, where food supplies can be cut off abruptly. Others may want to be prepared for potential economic downturns or global crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted food supply chains worldwide. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 48% of Americans lack emergency supplies for use in the event of a disaster. This highlights the importance of being prepared, and food storage plays a vital role in this preparedness.
Factors to Consider When Stockpiling Food
When it comes to storing food, every household will have unique needs based on several factors. These factors include the number of people in the household, individual dietary needs or restrictions, and the expected duration of the emergency. For example, a family of four will need to store more food than a single individual. Similarly, if someone in the house is diabetic, the type and quantity of food stored will need to reflect their dietary requirements.
Another crucial factor is variety. While it might seem convenient to stockpile a single type of food, it’s essential to have a variety for balanced nutrition. Relying solely on canned beans, for example, won’t provide all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Additionally, consider the shelf life of different foods and the storage conditions. Not all foods last the same amount of time, and some require specific storage conditions to prevent spoilage. According to a report by the National Center for Home Food Preservation, foods stored at temperatures above 85°F (29°C) may lose their nutritional value twice as fast as foods stored at cooler temperatures.
In the next part of this series, we will delve into the recommended food items to store, focusing on non-perishable items, and discuss their benefits in terms of nutrition, shelf life, and ease of preparation. We will also talk about the importance of storing water and methods for water purification.
Stay tuned, as we take a deeper dive into how you can effectively plan your food storage and be well-prepared for any situation. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and a well-stocked pantry can provide both comfort and security during uncertain times.
Recommended Food Items to Store
Picking up where we left off, let’s get into the heart of food storage: what kind of foods should you actually stockpile. The answer isn’t complicated, but it does require a little forethought. The goal isn’t just to have food—it’s to have the right food that keeps you healthy, energized, and, let’s be honest, sane during stressful times.
The backbone of any emergency food supply is non-perishable goods. These are items that can sit on your shelf for months (or even years. ) and still be safe and nutritious to eat. Some staples you should consider include:
- Grains: Think rice, pasta, oats, and flour. These provide carbohydrates, which are essential for energy.
A 25-pound bag of rice, for example, can provide over 200 servings and lasts for years if stored properly.
- Canned goods: Canned vegetables, beans, fruits, meats, and soups are lifesavers. They’re not only long-lasting but also don’t require refrigeration.
- Proteins: Besides canned meats (like tuna or chicken), dried beans, lentils, and nut butters are excellent sources of protein. Don’t forget powdered eggs and protein bars for variety.
- Dairy alternatives: Powdered milk, evaporated milk, or shelf-stable plant-based milks can keep your calcium intake up.
- Fats: Vegetable oils, ghee, or shelf-stable butter alternatives provide necessary calories and help with meal preparation.
- Comfort foods: Chocolate, coffee, tea, and spices may seem non-essential, but they can do wonders for morale and add flavor to otherwise bland meals.
When choosing foods, also think about ease of preparation. If the power goes out, you may not have access to your stove or microwave. Focus on items that require minimal cooking or can be eaten straight from the package.
Don’t Forget Water.
Just as crucial as food is water. The CDC recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation needs. For a two-week supply for a family of four, that’s a whopping 56 gallons. If that sounds like a lot, consider supplementing with water purification tablets or filters in case you need to collect and purify water from other sources.
Why Nutrition and Shelf Life Matter
You might be wondering: can I just buy a bunch of bulk ramen and call it a day. While it might be tempting (and cheap. ), surviving on a single food source can lead to malnutrition, especially during stressful times when your body needs to be at its best.
For example, Vitamin C—a key nutrient for immune health—isn’t found in many shelf-stable foods. Canned fruits or vitamin supplements can help bridge this gap. Similarly, whole grains are preferable to refined ones because they offer more fiber and nutrients.
Shelf life is another biggie. Dry foods like rice, beans, and pasta can last for years when stored in airtight containers in cool, dark places. Canned goods typically have a shelf life of 1-5 years, but always check expiration dates and rotate your stock regularly.
The Numbers: Food Storage by the Stats
Let’s look at some telling statistics that highlight just how essential food storage can be:
- According to FEMA, only about 39% of Americans say they have a household emergency plan that includes food and water supplies for at least three days.
- The Red Cross recommends storing at least a two-week supply of non-perishable food per person, which equates to about 42 meals per person.
- After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, an estimated 8. 1 million homes lost power, leaving many families without access to food for several days. Households with emergency food storage fared significantly better and experienced less stress during the recovery period.
- In a 2020 survey from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, nearly 40% of respondents admitted they would run out of food in less than four days if supply chains were disrupted.
What does this mean for your family. Simply put, having even a modest stockpile can make a tremendous difference—not just in survival, but in comfort and peace of mind.
Wrapping Up This Section
As you can see, food storage isn’t just about piling up cans or filling your cupboards with random items. It’s a thoughtful process that takes into account nutrition, variety, shelf life, and even the mental comfort of your family. Taking the time now to build a well-rounded emergency food stash can pay off immensely when life throws the unexpected your way.
In the next part of our series, we’ll get into some fun facts about food storage and preparedness, spotlight a leading expert in the field, and tackle your most common questions. So stay with us—being prepared is a journey, and you’re well on your way.
Transitioning from our deep dive into what foods to store and why, we now move on to some fun facts about food storage and a spotlight on a leading expert in the field.
Fun Facts About Food Storage
- Longest stored edible food: A 2,000-year-old Chinese soup was found in a sealed bronze cooking pot in a tomb. Archaeologists claim it’s still liquid.
- Oldest stored food: Honey found in Egyptian tombs is over 3,000 years old, yet still safe to eat.
- Emergency rations: The U. Army developed the first ready-to-eat meals (MREs) in 1981.
- Underground storage: Ancient Persians used ice houses, known as yakhchals, to store food and ice in the desert.
- First canned food: The first canned food was patented by a French confectioner in 1810.
- Food for space: Astronauts’ food is freeze-dried, vacuum-sealed, and specially packaged for a zero-gravity environment.
- Historic food storage: Ancient Romans stored wine, olive oil, and grain in large pottery jars called amphoras.
- Supply chain reliance: The average American meal travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate.
- Shelf-life champ: White rice, when stored properly, can last up to 30 years.
- Survival food: Some survivalists swear by canned Spam, which can last up to five years.
Author Spotlight: Daisy Luther
Our author spotlight shines on Daisy Luther, a prolific writer and blogger in the emergency preparedness community. Daisy runs “The Organic Prepper,” a blog dedicated to teaching people how to prepare for various survival scenarios, including food shortages. Her site offers practical advice on how to start a food stockpile, what foods to prioritize, and how to rotate your supplies to avoid waste.
Daisy’s expertise is gleaned from her own experiences. She began her journey into emergency preparedness when she was a single mom living in a small apartment. Through trial and error and a lot of research, she learned how to create a robust food supply on a tight budget. Daisy has also written several books on the topic, combining her personal experience with well-researched advice.
One of her most popular books, “The Pantry Primer: A Prepper’s Guide to Whole Food on a Half-Price Budget,” emphasizes the importance of having an emergency food supply and provides a step-by-step guide to building one. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to start or improve their own food storage.
In our next article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about food storage. So, stay tuned. We’ll continue to provide you with practical, dependable, and interesting information about food storage.
Part 4:
FAQ Section: 10 Common Questions About Food Storage
- How much food should I store per person.
The general rule of thumb is to store at least a two-week supply of non-perishable food per person. However, this can vary depending on dietary needs, individual caloric requirements, and the expected duration of the emergency.
- What is the shelf life of canned goods.
Most canned goods have a shelf life of 1 to 5 years. Always check the “Best by” date on the can and rotate your stock to use up older items first.
- Can I store food in my garage or basement.
Ideally, food should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. While garages and basements can sometimes meet these conditions, be mindful of temperature fluctuations, humidity, and potential pest problems.
- Is bottled water the only option for water storage.
Not at all. You can store water in food-grade water storage containers, and consider investing in water purification tablets or personal water filters for added security.
- Can I just stock up on my family’s favorite foods.
While it’s essential to store foods your family enjoys, make sure you maintain a balanced diet. Variety is key to meeting nutritional needs.
- How do I store food on a tight budget.
Start small, and buy a few extra items each time you go grocery shopping. Look for sales and bulk discounts. Daisy Luther’s book “The Pantry Primer” offers extensive advice on this topic.
- Do I need to rotate my food stockpile.
Yes, rotation helps prevent waste and ensures you’re consuming food within its shelf life.
The common practice is “First In, First Out” – use older items before newer ones.
- What if I have special dietary needs.
Stock foods that align with your dietary needs. There are gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sodium emergency food options available.
- What are some high-calorie foods to store.
Nut butters, whole wheat crackers, trail mix, granola, canned meats, and canned fruits packed in syrup are all calorie-dense food storage options.
- Should I store cooking equipment too.
Absolutely. A portable stove, fuel, a can opener, and some basic utensils can make meal preparation much easier during emergencies.
A verse from the New King James Version of the Bible, Proverbs 27:12, rings true for our topic at hand: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished. ” This wisdom neatly ties into the concept of emergency food storage. A wise person sees potential dangers and prepares for them, while those who overlook such precautions may suffer consequences. This is precisely why having a well-stocked pantry can make a significant difference during challenging times.
Strong Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, food storage is a critical aspect of emergency preparedness. Not only does it provide a safety net during uncertain times, but it also gives us peace of mind knowing that we can sustain ourselves and our loved ones in a crisis. Remember, the goal is not to hoard food but to thoughtfully prepare and maintain a versatile food supply that caters to your family’s needs and preferences.
As we’ve explored throughout this series, each family’s food storage will look different based on various factors, including dietary needs, personal preferences, and budget. However, the core principles remain the same: prioritize nutrition, variety, and longevity when selecting foods for storage. And don’t forget about water, an equally (if not more) vital resource.
We’ve also highlighted Daisy Luther’s work and her valuable contributions to the field of emergency preparedness. For further learning and practical advice, consider visiting her website, The Organic Prepper, or reading her book, “The Pantry Primer. “
Thank you for joining us on this journey into food storage. We hope you’ve found this series informative and useful. Remember, preparedness is a journey, not a destination, so keep learning, planning, and, most importantly, taking action.