What is Natural Short Term Food Storage?
Natural short term food storage is the practice of preparing and storing non-perishable foods that require minimal preparation and can be safely stored at room temperature for a short period of time. This can range from a 72-hour food kit to a 90-day rainy day food supply. The goal is to have a supply of food that can sustain you and your family in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The difference between short-term and long-term food storage
It is important to understand the difference between short-term and long-term food storage. Short-term food storage includes foods with a shelf life of 3-5 years, while long-term storage consists of dry basic staples that can last for 20-30 years.
The benefits of having a natural short term food storage
Having a natural short term food storage has many benefits. First and foremost, it provides peace of mind knowing that you and your family have a supply of food that can sustain you in the event of an emergency or disaster. It also helps you save money by allowing you to buy non-perishable foods in bulk when they are on sale. Additionally, it encourages you to eat healthier by stocking up on nutrient-dense superfoods. Finally, it allows you to be prepared for unexpected events such as power outages, natural disasters, and job loss.
In the following sections, we will cover how to build and manage your natural short term food storage, as well as recommended nutrient-dense superfoods to include.
Building Your Natural Short Term Food Storage
Building a natural short term food storage requires planning, consistency, and rotation of food items to ensure freshness and avoid waste. In this section, we will cover how to build a 72-hour food kit and a 90-day rainy day food supply.
The importance of planning
Before you start building your natural short term food storage, it is important to have a plan in place. You should determine how much food you need based on the number of people in your family and the length of time you want to be prepared for. You also need to consider any special dietary requirements or food allergies. According to the University of Georgia Extension, it is important to make a list of the items you need before you start shopping for your natural short term food storage.
How to build a 72-hour food kit
A 72-hour food kit is a short-term food supply that can sustain you and your family for up to 3 days. It is recommended to have one of these kits for each member of your family. Here are some tips for building your 72-hour food kit:
List of non-perishable foods to include
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham)
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Ready-to-eat canned soups and stews
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Powdered milk or UHT milk
According to Build A Stash, these are some of the recommended non-perishable foods to include in your 72-hour food kit.
Tips for storing your 72-hour food kit
- Store your food kit in a cool, dry place
- Keep it in an easy-to-carry container
- Check expiration dates and rotate your food every six months
- Include a manual can opener and utensils
- Add a gallon of water per person per day to your kit
Creating a 90-day rainy day food supply
A 90-day rainy day food supply is a longer-term food supply that can sustain you and your family for up to 3 months. Here are some tips for building your 90-day food supply:
List of non-perishable foods to include
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham)
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Ready-to-eat canned soups and stews
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Powdered milk or UHT milk
- Rice
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Canned beans
- Canned chili
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- Cooking oil
- Flour
According to Mayflower Trading Company, these are some of the recommended non-perishable foods to include in your 90-day rainy day food supply.
Tips for storing your 90-day food supply
- Store your food in a cool, dry place
- Keep it in airtight containers
- Check expiration dates and rotate your food every six months
- Store your food in a location that is easy to access
- Include cooking supplies (pots, pans, utensils) and a manual can opener
In the next section, we will cover how to manage your natural short term food storage.
Managing Your Natural Short Term Food Storage
Managing your natural short term food storage is just as important as building it. In this section, we will cover tips for managing your food storage, cooking without power, and cleaning sealed cans after a flood.
Tips for managing your food storage
- Check expiration dates regularly. According to the University of Georgia Extension, it is important to inspect canned foods periodically for damage and to discard any cans that are bulging, leaking, or rusted.
- Rotate your food every six months. This ensures that your food stays fresh and minimizes waste. Make sure to use the oldest items first and replace them with new ones.
- Store your food in a cool, dry place. The Provident Prepper recommends storing your food in a location that is not subject to extreme temperatures or moisture.
- Keep an inventory of your food storage. This will help you keep track of what you have and what you need to replace. It is also helpful in case of an emergency.
Cooking without power
In the event of a power outage, it is important to know how to cook your food without electricity. Here are some tips for cooking without power:
- Use a camp stove or portable grill. According to the University of Georgia Extension, these are safe options for cooking indoors as long as they are used in a well-ventilated area.
- Use a solar oven. This is a great option for cooking in sunny weather and can be used to bake, roast, and boil food.
- Use a Dutch oven. This is a great option for cooking over an open flame or coals.
Cleaning sealed cans after a flood
If your natural short term food storage has been exposed to floodwaters, it is important to clean the sealed cans before consuming the food. Here are some tips for cleaning sealed cans after a flood:
- Remove the labels from the cans. According to the University of Georgia Extension, the labels on canned foods can hide dirt and bacteria.
- Wash the cans with warm, soapy water. Make sure to use a brush to scrub any dirt or debris off the cans.
- Rinse the cans with clean water. Make sure to rinse off all soap residue.
- Sanitize the cans with a mixture of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. According to the University of Georgia Extension, this will kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present on the cans.
- Dry the cans thoroughly. Make sure to dry the cans completely before storing them.
In the next section, we will cover recommended nutrient-dense superfoods to include in your natural short term food storage.
Nutrient-Dense Superfoods for Natural Short Term Food Storage
When building your natural short term food storage, it is important to choose nutrient-dense superfoods that will provide you with the energy and nutrients you need to stay healthy during an emergency. In this section, we will cover some of the recommended nutrient-dense superfoods to include in your natural short term food storage.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Canned fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are also easy to store and can be used in a variety of meals. According to the Mayflower Trading Company, some of the recommended canned fruits and vegetables for natural short term food storage include:
- Canned peaches
- Canned pears
- Canned green beans
- Canned carrots
- Canned sweet potatoes
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an important source of carbohydrates and fiber. They are also easy to store and can be used in a variety of meals. According to Ready.gov, some of the recommended whole grains for natural short term food storage include:
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat pasta
- Oats
Protein Sources
Protein is an important nutrient that is essential for building and repairing tissues. It is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system. According to Build A Stash, some of the recommended protein sources for natural short term food storage include:
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham)
- Peanut butter
- Nuts
- Beans
- Lentils
Superfoods
Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to Z Natural Foods, some of the recommended superfoods for natural short term food storage include:
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Spirulina
- Wheatgrass powder
- Maca powder
Incorporating these nutrient-dense superfoods into your natural short term food storage will help ensure that you have the energy and nutrients you need to stay healthy during an emergency.
In the next section, we will cover some of the benefits of having a home food pantry.
Benefits of Having a Home Food Pantry
Having a home food pantry is an essential part of being prepared for emergencies. In this section, we will cover some of the benefits of having a home food pantry.
It Provides Peace of Mind
One of the biggest benefits of having a home food pantry is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you have a supply of food on hand can help alleviate anxiety and stress during an emergency.
It Saves Money
Having a home food pantry can also save you money in the long run. By buying food in bulk and storing it properly, you can take advantage of sales and discounts and avoid having to buy food at higher prices during an emergency.
It Helps You Eat Healthier
When you have a home food pantry, you have more control over what you eat. By choosing nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed foods, you can improve your overall health and well-being. According to Ready.gov, it is recommended to store foods that are high in nutrients and do not require refrigeration.
It Provides a Sense of Independence
Having a home food pantry also provides a sense of independence. Instead of relying on others for food during an emergency, you can take care of yourself and your family. According to Build A Stash, having a home food pantry can help you be more self-reliant and prepared for emergencies.
It Helps You Be a Good Neighbor
Finally, having a home food pantry can also help you be a good neighbor. In the event of an emergency, you may be able to help others who do not have access to food by sharing your supplies. According to Z Natural Foods, having a home food pantry can help you be a valuable member of your community during times of crisis.
In the final section, we will summarize the key points of this article and provide some final thoughts on natural short term food storage.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have covered the importance of natural short term food storage and provided guidance on how to build a nutrient-dense food supply for emergencies. We have also discussed the benefits of having a home food pantry and how it can provide peace of mind, save money, and help you be more self-reliant.
Remember to choose nutrient-dense superfoods that will provide you with the energy and nutrients you need to stay healthy during an emergency. According to Z Natural Foods, the American Red Cross, and FEMA, it is recommended to store long-term food supplies with nutrient-dense superfoods.
Consider incorporating canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein sources, and superfoods into your natural short term food storage. According to The Provident Prepper, short-term food storage includes foods with a shelf life of 3-5 years, while long-term storage consists of dry basic staples that can last for 20-30 years.
Don't forget to check expiration dates and inspect canned foods periodically for damage. Proper storage conditions are critical to extending the life and quality of food storage. Building a family's food security can be achieved by keeping the pantry well-stocked with short-term and long-term food storage. According to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, it is important to manage food storage, cook without power, and clean sealed cans after a flood.
Thank you for reading our article on natural short term food storage. Be sure to check out our other great content on survival and emergency preparedness.
Stay safe and be prepared!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should have natural short term food storage?
Everyone should have natural short term food storage for emergencies.
What are the benefits of natural short term food storage?
Natural short term food storage provides peace of mind, saves money, and helps you eat healthier.
How do I store natural short term food properly?
Store natural short term food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Who can benefit from having a home food pantry?
Anyone can benefit from having a home food pantry, especially during emergencies.
What are some nutrient-dense superfoods for natural short term food storage?
Canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein sources, and superfoods are nutrient-dense options.
How often should I inspect my natural short term food storage?
Inspect your natural short term food storage periodically, and check the expiration dates on all food items.
What if I don't have enough space for natural short term food storage?
Consider storing natural short term food in a designated area, such as a closet, or under a bed and use space-saving containers.
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