One of my goals I have is to prepare long-term food storage for my family. I currently have about 6 weeks worth of food but I have some friends that have 3 months worth. Some families even have enough food for a year or more! There are quite a few benefits to having an emergency food storage plan and I want to share with you a few of my personal reasons with you.
Lower Grocery Bill
Using wise food storage techniques can shave a significant amount of money off your grocery bill. You can buy in bulk, divide large purchases of meat with friends, can your own food, and buy items at their rock bottom price.
Health Benefits
Personally, when I have items on hand it’s much easier to prepare meals and I’m less tempted to go out for dinner. When I cook at home I make healthier choices than I would if we ate out. I can easily implement grains, legumes, and spices that have great health benefits I won’t find in processed foods.
Emergency Benefits
It seems there are natural disasters occurring all the time in the US. Having a food storage plan in place would allow your family the resources you need in case of an emergency. I hate to say it but with the way the job market is looking it could be possible that a family would have to live off of their stockpile because of a job loss. An emergency food plan should include a variety of healthy, nutritious foods that can easily be accessed. Hopefully your food storage will remain on your shelves {as you regularly rotate products in and out} and you’ll never have to fully rely on it. I would feel at peace having a security net though just in case!
I know how to stock up on finds from “extreme couponing” trips but I would love any information you have on how to build a food stockpile. Does your family can food that you grow yourself? Do you prepare frozen meals? Have you ever bought in bulk and split it with friends? I’m excited to build my stockpile and I would love any tips you have to share!
About Ashley
I have been building my Food Storage mostly by coupon shopping or really great deals. There are only 3 of us at home down from7. I store because my church has asked us to be prepared. I have at least 4 months stored of everyday foods including a freezer full of meats and frozen products. That does not include the many #10 cans of flour, rice, beans, and pasta we have along with 12 55 gallon barrels of water and bottled water. Thankful we are prepared because my husband lost his job 3 weeks ago and I am secure in being able to go to my storage to prepare meals. I like to cook quantity (a habit from having 5 children) and will freeze leftover meat to be used in another meal later. It just saves time. My daughters are helping me start a small garden because I do not have a green thumb. I encourage my children to also store food because you never know when a day (or week or months) will come when you will need to rely on your food storage.
I’ve tried to grow a few different plants two different years and I’ve given up for the time being. I would love to be able to have a garden but I struggle to keep houseplants alive.
I am curious about this too! Once you get some feedback, maybe you could post a list of basic things that are easy to store, keep longer, or would just be great to keep on hand… I would love to have a couple of months stockpile, I just don’t know how to get started. Thanks Ashley!!
Yes, I would love to! I hope I get a lot of ideas. 🙂
We’re getting ready to move, so we’re doing a “practice run” of eating through our stockpile. I don’t have anything crazy – just a very well stocked pantry and 1/4 of a cow. It’s kind of fun to just plan meals right out of the pantry/fridge. My husband has impressed with my ingenuity!
Oh, I love that. That’s a great idea!
I used to think that storing up emergency food was only for tinfoil hat wearing lunatics, but these days it looks like the only sensible thing to do! The government should work to constantly improve emergency food programs, but American citizens should take it upon themselves to store food and water for their families during an emergency. There’s a good article about how to start your own food storage program very easily here:
http://www.martiallawusa.com/wp/?p=37
Definitely something to take a look at if you are worried about a natural disaster or social upheaval interrupting the food supply.
Problem with most food coupons is that they are for processed foods and junk. I eat fresh or frozen when fresh is not available. I do not eat meat . vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes make up most of my diet. also, store brand organic products are showing up on shelves and the only place to get coupons is from the store itself, and I do that. I shop organic food stores because generally organic food is cheaper there compared to the regular store where the mark-up is ridiculous. I shop Shop rite where this is the exception and they have excellent value and rewards for loyal customers.
Here’s a list of online organic printable coupons! http://embracingbeauty.com/2011/03/22/extreme-couponing-where-to-find-coupons/