When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a food supply is essential. Depending on the type of supply you choose, it may need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Shelf life varies greatly, with emergency foods lasting anywhere from five to 30 years. Many companies offer supplies that will last for different periods of time, ranging from three months to a year.
Some are even guaranteed to stay “fresh” for 25 years or more. If you're preparing for a possible evacuation, it's important to consider how much food you want to store. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends storing 1 gallon per day for each person and creating a two-week supply if possible. Don't forget to store additional water if you have pets.
For affordable storage, especially if you have a large home or want a complete, long-lasting reservation, buy what you can in bulk. When planning your emergency food supply, consider the need to refrigerate leftover canned food. Freeze-dried foods have the longest shelf life, while canned and vacuum-sealed foods won't last as long. Valley Food Storage is a long-term food supply company that prides itself on clean, non-GMO ingredients and high-quality calories.
If you're looking for an affordable option, Augason Farms Lunch & Dinner Emergency Food Supply is a solid option, with slightly fewer servings at a reduced price. Consider storing zip-lock plastic bags for storing food or freezing food in your emergency supplies. The federal government recommends having a basic emergency supply kit that includes enough food and water for each member of your household for at least three days. But you can be much safer in a crisis if you go beyond the 72-hour minimum.
Once you reach that goal, move the goals to a week or two. Keep it up until you've reached your final goal. When it comes to survival food kits, most are designed to deliver around 1,500 to 1,700 calories per day. However, those from Valley Food Storage offer 2,667 calories a day.
Whatever your choice, make sure that at least one well-balanced meal can be eaten every day. We'll show you how to organize a 25-year food supply that won't perish when everything else goes south. For more ideas on what to include on your wholesale shopping list and how to prepare for an emergency in 10 steps, see “10 Foods That Can Be Preserved for Years” and “20 Things That Are Really Worth Accumulating” respectively. Having an emergency food supply is essential for any kind of disaster preparedness plan.
Whether you want to prepare for a potential emergency or want to go on an outdoor adventure, there are several survival food companies with a kit to meet your needs.
