Affordable Long Term Food Storage
As the world becomes more unpredictable, many people are looking to secure their future by preparing for emergencies. One of the most crucial aspects of being prepared is having a long-term food storage plan. With the rising cost of living and the uncertainty of the economy, having a plan in place for affordable long term food storage is essential.
In this guide, we will explore various cost-effective options for long term food storage. We will provide you with tips on how to store your food properly and offer some recommended foods for long term storage.
Importance of Long Term Food Storage
Having a long-term food storage plan is essential to your survival in an emergency situation. FEMA recommends having at least a three-day supply of food, while the CDC recommends having at least a 14-day supply of food. However, having a long-term food storage plan in place can help you be prepared for any situation, including natural disasters, pandemics, economic collapse, and other emergencies.
Prepper's Guide to Food Storage
The prepper's guide to food storage is a comprehensive plan that involves storing food for long periods of time. The goal of this plan is to ensure that you have enough food to survive for an extended period, typically up to one year. The prepper's guide to food storage involves purchasing food in bulk, repackaging bulk dry goods, canning and pickling, and freeze-drying.
Now that we've covered the importance of long-term food storage and the prepper's guide to food storage, let's explore some cost-effective options for long term food storage.
Cheap Long Term Food Storage Ideas
Buying and storing food in bulk is a cost-effective way to prepare for emergencies. In this section, we will explore some of the best options for bulk buying, the recommended foods for bulk buying, and the importance of repackaging bulk dry goods.
Buying Food in Bulk
Benefits of Buying in Bulk
Buying food in bulk is a cost-effective way to prepare for an emergency. It can also save you money in the long run by reducing the cost per serving. Bulk buying also reduces packaging, which is better for the environment.
Cost-Effective Options for Bulk Food
Some of the most cost-effective options for bulk food include rice, pasta, beans, lentils, grains, and nuts. These foods are inexpensive, have a long shelf life, and are versatile.
Recommended Foods for Bulk Buying
When buying food in bulk, it's essential to choose foods that have a long shelf life and are easy to store. According to Practical Preppers, some of the recommended foods for bulk buying include:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Beans
- Lentils
- Grains
- Nuts
- Sugar
- Salt
- Honey
Repackaging Bulk Dry Goods
The Importance of Repackaging
When buying food in bulk, it's essential to repackage it to protect it from moisture, oxygen, pests, and sunlight. Repackaging also helps extend the shelf life of the food.
Recommended Storage Options
The recommended storage options for repackaging bulk dry goods include Mylar bags and 5-gallon plastic buckets with oxygen absorbers. These storage options will help protect the food from moisture, oxygen, pests, and sunlight. According to The Art of Manliness, bulk dry goods like beans, rice, and grains are a cost-effective option for long-term food storage, but they are vulnerable to moisture, oxygen, pests, and sunlight. To properly store them, repackaging them in Mylar bags and 5-gallon plastic buckets with oxygen absorbers is recommended.
Canning and Pickling
Benefits of Canning and Pickling
Canning and pickling are great ways to preserve food for long periods of time. This method of food preservation is cost-effective, and the food is easy to store.
Recommended Foods for Canning and Pickling
Foods that are good for canning and pickling include jams, jellies, pickles, and fermented foods. These foods have a long shelf life and are easy to store. According to Practical Preppers, canning and freeze-drying are great preservation methods, with pressure canning being for low acid foods. Jams, jellies, pickles, and fermented foods are good for canning.
Cheap Survival Food Ideas
In this section, we will explore some of the cheapest survival food options that can be bought from regular grocery stores. We will provide you with a list of dry goods, canned goods, cooking supplies, and condiments that can feed two adults on a subsistence diet for up to three months. We will also give you tips on storing the food in various areas of the house.
Dry Goods
Recommended Dry Goods
Dry goods are some of the cheapest survival food options you can buy. According to New Terra Natural Food, some of the recommended dry goods include:
- Rolled oats
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Pasta
- Rice
- Lentils
- Split peas
- Dried beans
- Canned or powdered milk
Storing Dry Goods
When storing dry goods, it's essential to keep them in a dry, cool, and dark place. According to Ready Lifestyle, storing dry goods in food-grade plastic buckets with oxygen absorbers is an effective way to protect them from moisture and air.
Canned Goods
Recommended Canned Goods
Canned goods are another affordable option for survival food. According to Ready Squirrel, some of the recommended canned goods include:
- Canned beans
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, spam)
Storing Canned Goods
When storing canned goods, it's essential to keep them in a cool, dry place. According to Ready Lifestyle, storing canned goods on shelves or in boxes is an effective way to keep them organized and easily accessible.
Cooking Supplies
Recommended Cooking Supplies
Having the right cooking supplies is crucial when it comes to preparing and storing survival food. According to New Terra Natural Food, some of the recommended cooking supplies include:
- A camping stove or outdoor grill
- A pressure cooker
- A Dutch oven
- A cast-iron skillet
- A can opener
- A sharp knife
Condiments
Recommended Condiments
Condiments are an essential part of any survival food plan. They can add flavor to otherwise bland meals and make them more enjoyable. According to New Terra Natural Food, some of the recommended condiments include:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sugar
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Hot sauce
Storing Condiments
When storing condiments, it's essential to keep them in a cool, dry place. According to Ready Lifestyle, storing condiments in airtight containers can help prolong their shelf life.
Tips for Buying and Storing Affordable Long Term Food
In this section, we will provide you with some practical tips for buying and storing affordable long-term food. These tips will help you save money and ensure that your food supply is well-preserved for emergencies.
Buy Food in Bulk
Buying food in bulk is one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare for emergencies. As we discussed in section 3, some of the cheapest and most versatile foods include rice, pasta, beans, lentils, grains, and nuts. You can buy these foods in bulk from grocery stores or online retailers.
Repackage Bulk Dry Goods
When buying food in bulk, it's essential to repackage it to protect it from moisture, oxygen, pests, and sunlight. According to The Art of Manliness, the recommended storage options for repackaging bulk dry goods include Mylar bags and 5-gallon plastic buckets with oxygen absorbers.
Store Food Properly
Storing food properly is crucial when it comes to long-term food storage. According to Ready Lifestyle, here are some tips for storing food properly:
- Store food in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Keep food away from moisture, oxygen, pests, and sunlight.
- Use food-grade plastic buckets and Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
- Label all containers with the contents and the date.
Rotate Your Food Supply
Rotating your food supply is essential to ensure that you always have fresh food on hand. According to Practical Preppers, it's recommended to rotate your food supply every six months to a year. This means using the oldest food in your supply and replacing it with fresh food.
Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own food is another cost-effective way to prepare for emergencies. According to New Terra Natural Food, some of the easiest and most nutritious vegetables to grow include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored some of the best affordable long-term food storage options. By buying food in bulk, repackaging bulk dry goods, storing food properly, rotating your food supply, and growing your own food, you can ensure that you're well-prepared for emergencies while saving money.
Recommended Products for Affordable Long Term Food Storage
In this section, we will provide you with some recommended products for affordable long-term food storage. These products will help you properly store your food supply and protect it from moisture, oxygen, pests, and sunlight.
1. Gamma Seal Lids
Gamma Seal Lids are an excellent option for sealing 5-gallon plastic buckets. According to Ready Lifestyle, Gamma Seal Lids are easy to use and provide an airtight seal that protects your food from moisture and pests. They are also reusable and come in a variety of colors.
2. Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are another popular option for long-term food storage. According to The Art of Manliness, Mylar bags are made of a durable polyester film that provides an excellent barrier against moisture, oxygen, and pests. They are also easy to seal with a hot iron and can be used with oxygen absorbers for added protection.
3. Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers are an essential component of long-term food storage. According to Practical Preppers, oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from the packaging, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. They come in various sizes and can be used with Mylar bags, plastic buckets, and other storage containers.
4. Food-Grade Plastic Buckets
Food-grade plastic buckets are an excellent option for storing dry goods like rice, beans, and pasta. According to Ready Lifestyle, food-grade plastic buckets are made of high-density polyethylene and are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and rough handling. They also come with tight-fitting lids that provide an excellent seal against moisture and pests.
5. Pressure Canner
A pressure canner is an essential tool for preserving low-acid foods like meat, vegetables, and soups. According to Practical Preppers, pressure canning is an effective way to kill bacteria and prevent spoilage. It involves heating the food to a high temperature and pressure, which destroys any bacteria or other harmful microorganisms.
Conclusion
In this section, we have provided you with some recommended products for affordable long-term food storage. By using Gamma Seal Lids, Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, food-grade plastic buckets, and a pressure canner, you can ensure that your food supply is well-preserved and protected from the elements.
Start Preparing Your Affordable Long Term Food Supply Today
In this article, we have provided you with some of the best affordable long-term food storage options. By following our tips for buying and storing food properly, you can ensure that you're well-prepared for emergencies while saving money.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
And if you're interested in learning more about survival and preparedness, be sure to check out our other great content!
Remember, the key to surviving an emergency is preparation. Start preparing your affordable long-term food supply today and rest easy knowing that you and your family are well-protected.
FAQs
Q.Who can benefit from affordable long term food storage?
A.Everyone can benefit from affordable long term food storage, as emergencies can happen to anyone at any time.
Q.What are some affordable long term food storage options?
A.Some affordable long term food storage options include rice, pasta, beans, canned goods, and freeze-dried foods.
Q.How do I properly store food for long term storage?
A.Properly storing food for long term storage involves repackaging bulk dry goods, using airtight containers, and storing food in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Q.What is the shelf life of affordable long term food storage?
A.The shelf life of affordable long term food storage varies depending on the type of food and storage method. Some foods can last up to 20+ years.
Q.How can I save money on affordable long term food storage?
A.You can save money on affordable long term food storage by buying food in bulk, repackaging bulk dry goods, and growing your own food.
Q.What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
A.If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, consider storing foods that meet your needs. Consult with a nutritionist or doctor if you have concerns.
Looking for emergency food supplies that you can rely on? Look no further than My Patriot Supply. Click now to stock up on high-quality, long-lasting food storage options that will keep you and your family prepared for anything that comes your way. Don't wait until it's too late - act now and ensure your family's safety and security with My Patriot Supply.
