Researching, Planning and Purchasing your year supply of food is possibly the most overwhelming task yet! Some confusion arises with the long term food storage versus the 3-month supply. The 3-month supply are items/food you normally eat. However, the longer-term items are basic food items. like grains and beans, that have very low moisture content. These low moisture content (about 10% or less) can be stored for many years, as many as 30+ years! These would sustain life by lasting a longer time. However, a portion of your longer-term food supply can be rotated into your shorter 3-month supply food, just make sure and replace what you took out.
Food - New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-LifeEstimates (In Years)
Wheat - 30+
White rice - 30+
Corn - 30+
Sugar - 30+
Pinto beans - 30
Rolled oats - 30
Pasta - 30
Potato flakes - 30
Apple slices - 30
Non-fat powdered milk - 20
Dehydrated carrots - 20
REMEMBER- Don't get yourself overwhelmed and purchase an entire years worth of food if this means you will be going in debt! Slowly build this supply of food just as you do anything else. Buy a bucket of wheat here, some extra pasta there and your supply will grow. Make yourself a written goal, this is crucial in any adventure. Since an entire years worth of food can feel so overwhelming take advantage of the many tools out there created.
THIS FOOD STORAGE CALCULATOR is designed to help give you an idea of how much grains, beans and legumes you should store depending on the amount of people.
This SITE from the USDA gives food saftey and inspection guides and tips.
This SITE helps give you with packaging recommendations.
