The foundation of every long-term survival plan includes shelter, food and water. It is never too early or too late to stop thinking about it, and just start stocking up. If something happens, you can only survive so long without food. Americans take for granted that they can simply go to the store whenever they are running low on something, but what if this isn’t possible? What if the shelves are empty? What if the air is contaminated, and you can’t go outside? No one can predict the future, but everyone can prepare for it.
How Much Food Should You Store?
Well, there certainly is no limit to how much you should store. As long as you keep products rotated, and use any before they expire, you can just keep adding to your pantry. You will find that most survival foods that you store in food buckets, have an incredibly long shelf life, so you don’t have to worry about eating anything you buy in the next year.
Experts suggest that you need two week’s worth of food, as a minimum amount. The great thing about stocking your survival stash is that you can simply keep adding to it. Start out with a three-day supply of food, increase to a week, two weeks and a year. If you buy one thing like food, a storage bucket first-aid supplies, water, etc., every paycheck, it will add up. It’s easier to buy one thing at a time than it is to splurge all at one time and hope that you have enough. If you have pets, don’t forget to stock up on their food when you see sales, but keep an eye on expiration dates.
Why do You Need so Much?
Well, let’s say that your area is hit with a brutal winter storm. You may remember when Washington DC saw 30 inches in 1995 and the entire city of Philadelphia had to shut down for a week once. Even if you could get to the store somehow on your snowmobile, the shelves won’t be stocked because trucks can’t get through.
Keep in mind that you may want to help your elderly neighbor next door, or maybe your daughter has friends over who get stranded at your place. You could have extra mouths to feed. It’s also important to note that food prices continue to go up. The cost of living in general continues to go up. Doesn’t it make sense to stock up now and store food while it’s more affordable? Plus, if there is a disaster and resources are limited, prices are often dictated by supply and demand.
Not to mention, if prices go up because there is a shortage, disaster or both, there is a good chance that you are not working either. If banks are closed, you can’t withdrawal money and if the power is out, ATM machines won’t work. There is always a scenario that you need to prepare for now, because it may be too late tomorrow.