Secure your sustenance: Long-term emergency food supply solutions

The Importance of Having a Long-term Emergency Food Supply

Natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies can happen without warning, and it can take days or even weeks for relief efforts to reach affected areas. During this time, access to necessary food and supplies can be limited or non-existent. This is where a long-term emergency food supply can be a lifesaver.

By keeping a supply of non-perishable food on hand, you can ensure that you and your family have access to the necessary nutrients needed to survive a crisis. A long-term emergency food supply can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared for the unexpected.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best long-term emergency food supply brands, nutrition tips for survival situations, long-term food storage tips, and the best emergency food supplies according to Forbes. We will also cover the importance of rotating your emergency food supply to ensure freshness.

The Best Long-term Emergency Food Supply Brands

When it comes to long-term emergency food supply, there are several brands to choose from. Each brand offers unique products with different benefits.

2.1 ReadyWise

ReadyWise is a popular brand that offers high-quality, dehydrated and freeze-dried emergency food in protective containers with a shelf life of up to 25 years. Their survival meals come in a variety of flavors, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. ReadyWise also offers nutritional bars, drinks, and snacks, making it easy to build a well-rounded emergency food supply. Some of the benefits of ReadyWise's emergency food supply include:

  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Simple preparation with just water
  • No added preservatives or MSG
  • Affordable pricing

2.2 My Patriot Supply

My Patriot Supply is another well-known brand that specializes in long-term emergency food storage. Their products have a shelf life of up to 25 years and are made with non-GMO ingredients. My Patriot Supply offers a wide range of options, including gluten-free, organic, and heirloom seed packs. Some benefits of My Patriot Supply's emergency food supply include:

  • Easy to store and stackable containers
  • Simple preparation with just water
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Affordable pricing

2.3 Valley Food Storage

Valley Food Storage is a brand that focuses on clean and simple ingredients for their emergency food supply. Their products can last up to 25 years and are made with high-quality calories to ensure that your family stays healthy and active during an emergency. Valley Food Storage suggests that you occasionally cook with their long-term food storage to ensure the food is fresh. Some benefits of Valley Food Storage's emergency food supply include:

  • Clean and simple ingredients
  • High-quality calories
  • Easy to store and stackable containers
  • Affordable pricing

When choosing a long-term emergency food supply brand, it's important to consider the quality of the products, the cost, and the variety of options available.

Nutrition Tips for Long-term Emergency Food Supply

In an emergency, it's important to maintain a healthy diet to stay strong and energized. Here are some nutrition tips to consider when building your long-term emergency food supply:

3.1 Importance of Nutrition in Emergency Situations

During an emergency, your body may be under stress, and you may need more nutrients to keep your energy levels up. It's important to have a variety of food options that provide essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Having a well-rounded emergency food supply can help ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to maintain strength during a crisis.

3.2 Recommended Nutrition Guidelines for Emergency Food Supply

  • Protein: Look for foods that are high in protein, such as canned meats, peanut butter, and beans.
  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are an important source of energy. Look for foods such as whole-grain crackers, pasta, and rice.
  • Fats: Fats can provide essential nutrients and help you feel full. Look for foods such as nuts, seeds, and oils.

3.3 Examples of Nutritious Long-term Emergency Food Supply Options

  • Canned fruits and vegetables: These are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Whole-grain crackers: These can provide carbohydrates and fiber.
  • Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables: These are lightweight and easy to store, and can provide essential nutrients.
  • Nutritional bars: These can provide a good source of protein and carbohydrates.
  • Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats.

When building your long-term emergency food supply, it's important to consider the nutritional value of the foods you're choosing. Try to include a variety of food options to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and energized.

Tips for Long-term Food Storage

Proper long-term food storage is essential to ensure the freshness and quality of your emergency food supply. Here are some tips for storing your food long-term:

4.1 Store in a Cool, Dry Place

When storing your emergency food supply, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can cause food to spoil or go bad more quickly. Store your food in a basement, closet, or other cool and dry location.

4.2 Use Airtight Containers

Using airtight containers can help keep your food fresh and prevent pests from getting into your supply. Consider using plastic containers with tight-fitting lids or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

4.3 Rotate Your Supply

To ensure the freshness of your emergency food supply, it's important to rotate it regularly. This means using the oldest food in your supply first and replacing it with new food. Consider checking your emergency food supply every six months to a year to ensure that the food is still fresh.

4.4 Short-term Food Storage

In addition to long-term food storage, it's also important to have short-term food storage for day-to-day emergencies. This can include canned goods, dried fruits, and other non-perishable items that you can use on a daily basis.

4.5 Cooking with Long-term Food Storage

To ensure that your emergency food supply is fresh and delicious, it's a good idea to occasionally cook with your long-term food storage. This can help you rotate your supply and ensure that the food is still edible. Consider using recipes that incorporate items from your emergency food supply.

By following these tips for long-term food storage, you can ensure that your emergency food supply is fresh and ready to use when you need it most.

How Much Long-term Emergency Food Supply Do You Need?

Knowing how much long-term emergency food supply you need can be difficult. It's important to consider factors such as the size of your family, the length of the emergency, and your individual dietary needs. Here are some tips to help you determine how much long-term emergency food supply you need:

5.1 Determine the Length of the Emergency

The length of the emergency will play a big role in how much long-term emergency food supply you need. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for emergencies. However, for longer emergencies, you may need a supply that can last up to two weeks or more.

5.2 Consider the Size of Your Family

The size of your family will also play a role in how much long-term emergency food supply you need. Consider the number of people in your household and their individual dietary needs. Children, pregnant women, and people with special dietary needs may require more food than others.

5.3 Calculate the Calories Needed

To determine how much long-term emergency food supply you need, calculate the number of calories you will need per day. The average adult needs around 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day. Multiply this by the number of people in your household and the number of days you want your food supply to last.

5.4 Consider Additional Factors

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are other factors to consider when determining how much long-term emergency food supply you need. These include:

  • Your location: If you live in an area with frequent natural disasters, you may need a larger supply of emergency food.
  • Your storage space: Consider the amount of space you have available for storing your emergency food supply.
  • Your budget: Emergency food can be expensive, so consider your budget when determining how much you can afford to spend.

By considering these factors, you can determine how much long-term emergency food supply you need to ensure that you and your family are prepared for any emergency.

Where to Find Long-term Emergency Food Supply

Finding long-term emergency food supply can be challenging, especially during times of high demand. Here are some places to look for emergency food supply:

6.1 Online Retailers

Online retailers such as ReadyWise, My Patriot Supply, and Valley Food Storage offer a wide variety of long-term emergency food supply options. These retailers offer everything from freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to complete meal kits that can last up to 25 years.

6.2 Local Grocery Stores

Local grocery stores can be a good source of short-term emergency food supply items such as canned goods and non-perishable snacks. While these items may not last as long as freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, they can be a good option for day-to-day emergencies.

6.3 Emergency Preparedness Stores

Emergency preparedness stores specialize in emergency supplies and often carry a variety of long-term emergency food supply options. These stores may also offer advice on how to build your emergency food supply and other emergency preparedness tips.

6.4 Farm Supply Stores

Farm supply stores may carry long-term emergency food supply items such as grains and beans in bulk. These items can be stored long-term and used to create a variety of meals.

6.5 Home Food Preservation

In addition to purchasing emergency food supply, you can also consider preserving your own food at home. Canning, dehydrating, and freezing food can all be used to create your own long-term emergency food supply.

By considering these options, you can find the long-term emergency food supply that meets your needs and budget. Remember to always check the shelf life and storage requirements of any emergency food supply items you purchase to ensure that they are fresh and ready to use when you need them.

Are You Prepared with Long-term Emergency Food Supply?

Long-term emergency food supply is a critical component of any emergency preparedness plan. By having an adequate supply of emergency food, you can ensure that you and your family are prepared for any emergency. Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Long-term emergency food supply can last up to 25 years and includes a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated foods.
  • Proper storage is essential to ensure the freshness and quality of your emergency food supply.
  • Determine how much long-term emergency food supply you need by considering the length of the emergency, the size of your family, and your individual dietary needs.
  • Finding long-term emergency food supply can be challenging, but there are many options available including online retailers, local grocery stores, and emergency preparedness stores.
  • In addition to purchasing emergency food supply, you can also consider preserving your own food at home.

Don't wait until it's too late to prepare for an emergency. Take action today to ensure that you and your family have the long-term emergency food supply you need to stay safe and healthy during a crisis.

Thank you for reading this article. For more information on emergency preparedness, check out our other great content.

Q & A

Q. Who should consider buying long-term emergency food supply?

A. Anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters.

Q. What is the shelf life of long-term emergency food supply?

A. Long-term emergency food supply can last up to 25 years when stored properly.

Q. How much long-term emergency food supply do I need?

A. Determine the length of the emergency, the size of your family, and your individual dietary needs to calculate how much you need.

Q. What are some common foods found in long-term emergency food supply?

A. Freeze-dried and dehydrated fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains are common options.

Q. How should I store my long-term emergency food supply?

A. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Q. What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

A. Look for long-term emergency food supply options that cater to your specific needs.

Q. Isn't long-term emergency food supply expensive?

A. While it can be costly, investing in emergency food supply is a worthwhile expense for ensuring your safety during an emergency.