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Food Storage Basics

Food storage just isn’t for your grandma anymore. Number 10 cans are all the rage. In fact, I highly recommend the having a good stash…. And to stock up them first and foremost. They super important. What are the things that really matter in food storage? Flour. Sugar. Yeast. Powdered milk. Canned chicken. But when it really counts, and you need to feed your family, what are the things you’ll really need?

I like to use the BUY 1 now, and BUY 1 for later. Focus on one extra meal per week or whatever you can afford, and work your way up to 1 extra week of meals. Then add more to have 1 month of meals for your family. Then 3 months, and so on. Little by little, progress is made and soon you’ll have a security of being able to feed your family in time of need. Whether it’s a job loss, another pandemic, or a food shortage, having a food storage is very important. If 2020 has taught me any thing, it’s to be prepared for what may come your way. Don’t be fearful. Be smart. And don’t forget to have plenty of toilet paper. Hahaha… but seriously.

Here’s a link to a great place to start on Food Storage Basics.

What should you have in your food storage?

  • Food (3 month and then 1 year supply)
  • Water supply
  • Financial reserves
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When tackling a big project like this, it’s easy to shop off a list. When you hit up the grocery store each week, grab the ingredients to make one of your favorite meals. And if you have a list of 15 pantry friendly meals, and have 10 meals of each recipe within 3-6 months, or however fast your can buy the extra items without going crazy, then you would have 150 meals ready in case you need them. So need to feel overwhelmed.

Ask yourself these questions:
What recipe(s) does your family love that can be stored on the shelf for a year? Here’s some meals my family loves…

  • Hawaiian haystacks
  • Spaghetti & Breadsticks
  • Cincinatti Chili
  • Ham fried rice
  • Mexican Braised Beef
  • Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
  • Red Curry Lentils
  • Quinoa Hash
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Ramen (don’t knock it….. it’s comfort food)
  • Cupcakes
  • Pancakes
  • Oatmeal
  • Granola Bars/Protein Bars/ Protein Powder
  • Crack Chili & Biscuits
  • Clam Chowder & Cornbread
  • Tacos

Modern Day Food Storage

After experiencing a pandemic, shut down, and earthquake IN THE SAME WEEK, (thanks 2020) I knew I needed to re-evaluate my food storage needs and wants for my family of 6. We are BIG eaters. I managed to not go to the grocery store for some time. Which is really great, but there were some things I ran out of VERY quickly. And things I’d wished I’d had more of, that weren’t necessarily a NEED but a comfort. And in times of crazy pandemic, a little bit of comfort goes a long way.

72 Hour Kits

Do you have a 72 hour kit? Just in case you need to leave your home, here’s some great ideas of what to have readily available to grab and go.

Family Approved Food Storage Recipes