How to Stockpile a Year’s Worth of Food

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

If you're concerned about the possibility of a food shortage or natural disaster, you might be wondering how to stockpile a year's worth of food. It's not as hard as you might think, and there are plenty of ways to get started. 

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to take so that you can feel confident that you and your family will have enough food to get by in an emergency. 

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Why You Should Store a Year’s Worth of Food

Would you be able to survive a year without a single trip to the grocery store? Most people probably couldn’t. 

But what if you could store enough food for a year in your home, just in case something happens? It may sound like overkill, but there are some very good reasons why you should store a year’s worth of food.

Saves Time

In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find the time to go grocery shopping on a regular basis. This is especially true if you have a busy work schedule or family commitments. One way to save time is to stockpile a year's worth of food. 

This may seem like a daunting task, but if you plan ahead and create a storage system, it can be surprisingly easy. Plus, it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you have a backup supply of food in case of an emergency. 

Emergency Preparedness

When it comes to emergency preparedness, one of the best things you can do is stockpile a year's worth of food. This may seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down and take it one step at a time, it's definitely achievable. 

Eco-Friendly

Stockpiling food has long been a practice of people who are preparing for emergency situations. But in recent years, it has become increasingly popular among those who are interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

After all, eating food that has been grown locally and stocked in your pantry requires far less energy than transporting food from distant regions. 

What's more, stockpiling food can help to reduce waste, since you are more likely to use up what you have on hand before it goes bad. And if you choose to grow your own food, stockpiling can be an excellent way to ensure that you have a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year. 

In short, stockpiling food is not only good for your emergency preparedness; it's also good for the environment.

Saves Money

The rising cost of food and the uncertain economy have led many people to begin stockpiling food. 

While this may seem like an extreme measure, it can actually save you a lot of money in the long run. By purchasing non-perishable items in bulk, you can avoid the need to make frequent trips to the grocery store. 

This not only saves you time, but it also allows you to take advantage of sales and discounts.

General Tips

No one knows when the next disaster will hit. It might be a tornado, earthquake, fire or flood. And when it does, you'll be prepared if you have a year's worth of food stored up. Here are some tips to help you get started stockpiling your food supply.

Ease into Home Food Preservation

Home food preservation is a great way to stockpile a year's worth of food. But it's important to ease into it. Start with foods that are easy to preserve, like fruits and vegetables. Canning and pickling are great ways to preserve fruits and veggies. 

Then move on to meats and dairy. These take a little more time and effort, but they're definitely doable. dehydrating is also a great way to preserve food for long-term storage.

 And once you get the hang of home food preservation, you'll be able to preserve just about anything.

Don’t Start From Scratch – Start With One Month

Building a stockpile is a gradual process, and it's important not to get overwhelmed. A good place to start is by stockpiling one month's worth of food. This will give you a chance to get used to the process, without having to commit to a long-term goal. 

Once you have a month's worth of food, you can start to slowly add to your stockpile, until you reach the point where you feel comfortable with the amount of food you have on hand. Remember, the goal is to be prepared, not panicked. Start small, and build up gradually.

Buy in Bulk

Purchasing items in bulk can help you to get a discount and also reduce the amount of packaging that you need to throw away. 

When stockpiling a year's worth of food, it is important to focus on non-perishable items such as canned goods, dry pasta, and rice. Once you have a pantry full of these staples, you can begin to add in other bulk items such as frozen fruits and vegetables, meat, and seafood. 

Keep Track of Inventory

Without knowing what you have on hand, it will be difficult to plan your meals and ensure that you have enough to last the entire year. There are a few different ways to keep track of your stockpile. You can use a simple spreadsheet to list each item, its expiration date, and how many you have on hand. 

Or you can invest in an app that will help you keep track of your inventory and even create meal plans based on what you have in stock. Whichever method you choose, make sure to update your inventory regularly so that you can be confident that you have everything you need to sustain your family for a whole year.

Make the Most of Your Storage Space

When it comes to food stockpiling, one of the most important things to keep in mind is storage space. After all, you can only store so much food in your pantry or cupboards. That's why it's important to make the most of your storage space by utilizing all of the available space, including the tops of shelves and cabinets. 

Vertical storage is key when it comes to stockpiling food. Another tip is to organize your stockpile in a way that makes sense for you. For example, create a designated area for canned goods, boxed items, and dry goods. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it and also help to prevent any spills or accidents.

Have a Plan

If you're serious about stockpiling a year's worth of food, the first step is to develop a plan. Decide what kind of foods you want to stockpile, and how much of each type you'll need. 

Consider your family's dietary needs, as well as any medical conditions that might require special foods. Once you have a list of the types and quantities of food you'll need, research where you can purchase them in bulk. You may need to shop at multiple stores to get everything on your list, but it's important to compare prices and find the best deals. 

Figuring Out How Much (and What Kinds of) Food to Store 

How much and what kind of food should you store in your stockpile? This is a question many people have, and the answer can be tricky. Obviously, you need to stock up on foods that will last a long time and won't go bad. But you also need to think about what kinds of food your family likes to eat. 

Here’s how to figure out what you should be storing.

1. Set Realistic Goals

While it may be tempting to try to store enough food for an entire year, this is often not realistic or necessary. If you live in an area with a long growing season, you may only need to store a few months' worth of food.

On the other hand, if you live in an area with a short growing season or are unable to grow your own food, you may need to store enough for a year or more. Once you have set a realistic goal, you can start working on building your stockpile.

2. Figure Out What and How Much Your Family Needs

When it comes to stockpiling food, there are a few factors you'll need to take into account in order to ensure that your family's needs are met. First, consider the seasons and how they might impact the types of foods your family will need. 

For example, you'll likely want to have a supply of warm, comforting foods on hand during the colder months. Alternatively, lighter fare might be more appealing during the hot summer months. 

Additionally, think about the ages of your family members and any special dietary needs they might have. For example, growing children will likely need more calories than adults, and someone with diabetes might require special consideration when it comes to carbohydrates. 

Finally, take into account your family's favorite recipes and make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients on hand. By taking the time to figure out what your family needs, you can ensure that your food stockpile will be up to the task when needed most.

3. Decide How Much Storage Space You Want to Use

Start by taking inventory of your pantry and cupboards. How much food do you usually have on hand? How long would it last if you had to ration it? 

Once you have a good idea of your average consumption, you can begin to build up your food stockpile. A general rule of thumb is to aim for three months' worth of non-perishable food items. But remember, this is just a starting point – you may want to adjust upward or downward based on your specific needs.

And don't forget to include water in your calculations!

4. What Does Your Current Inventory Look Like?

Before you can begin stockpiling food, you need to take inventory of what you already have. Check your pantry, cabinets, and fridge for non-perishable items that can be stored long-term.

Make note of how much you have of each item, as well as the expiration date. This will help you figure out how much additional food you need to buy, and what kinds of items should be a priority.

Once you have a good idea of your current inventory, you can start planning for your stockpile. 

5. Will You Be Going Store Bought, Homegrown, or Both? 

When it comes to stockpiling food, there are three main options: store-bought, homegrown, or both. Store-bought food is typically more expensive than homegrown food, but it is also easier to acquire and requires less effort to maintain.

Homegrown food, on the other hand, is often cheaper and fresher than store-bought food, but it can be more difficult to grow in large quantities. 

6. Which Foods Last the Best?

When stocking up on food for a long-term emergency, it is important to choose items that will have a long shelf life. Canned goods, dried beans, and rice are all good choices. Other non-perishable items such as peanut butter, pasta, and cereal can also be stored for a long time. 

For the best results, store food in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or basement. Avoid exposure to sunlight or excessive heat, as this can cause food to spoil more quickly. By carefully selecting foods that have a long shelf life, you can create a stockpile that will last for months or even years.

7. Where to Store Your Food Stockpile

A food stockpile is a great way to ensure that you always have some emergency supplies on hand. But where should you store your stockpile? There are a few different options to consider. 

For perishable items, such as meat and dairy, the fridge or freezer is the best option. 

Non-perishable items can be stored in containers in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or root cellar. 

If you have more space, you could also keep items in cupboards or outbuildings. And if you really want to be prepared, you could even invest in an extra fridge or freezer for storing your stockpile. Just be sure to label everything clearly so that you can easily find what you need in an emergency.

Some other options? You could purchase an extra refrigerator or store food in your basement or attic. Just make sure you store your food in a location that is easy to access (even in an emergency) and that it won’t be in a compromised position in terms of the elements.

After all, it would be absolutely devastating to spend all the time and money to build a stockpile – only to have a flood or pests destroy your entire inventory.

Maintaining the Stockpile

While it is important to have a stockpile of food, it is equally important to maintain the stockpile. 

The best way to do this is to rotate the inventory. This means that the oldest items are used first and new items are added to the back of the shelf. This helps to ensure that the food is fresh and does not expire. 

Additionally, it is important to keep the stockpile clean and organized. Expired items should be discarded and new items should be clearly labeled. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your food stockpile will be ready for anything.

Final Thoughts

The average American only has 3 days of food in their home. You should stockpile at least a year's worth of food to survive an emergency. 

The best way to stockpile food is to buy it in bulk and store it properly.  There are many different types of food you can stockpile, but the most important thing is to have a variety of foods that will meet your nutritional needs. It's also important to have a plan for how you will use your food stockpile in case of an emergency. 

Having a food stockpile is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency. By following these tips, you can make sure that your stockpile meets your family's needs.

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