The world we live in is anything but predictable. Natural disasters, global pandemics, or any other crisis can strike anytime, anywhere. These sudden situations can cut off our access to food supplies, leaving us stranded without any source of sustenance. Therefore, it’s imperative to have a stockpile of survival food that can sustain you and your loved ones through these challenging times.
What are Survival Foods?
Survival foods are non-perishable, long-lasting, and easily portable sources of nutrition that can sustain you during emergencies. These foods are usually non-cooked and require minimal preparation.
Examples of survival foods include canned foods (fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish), MREs (meals ready to eat), dried foods (pasta, beans, rice), nuts and seeds, and granola bars.
What Should be Considered While Selecting Survival Foods?
When selecting survival foods, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:
- Nutritious Value: Stock up on foods that provide a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with vitamins and minerals.
- Shelf Life: Opt for foods that have an extended shelf life and require minimum storage space. Canned food or dried foods are the best options here.
- Storage Conditions: Ensure that the storage conditions are dry and cool to protect the food from bacteria and mold.
How Much Food Should be Stocked?
While it’s important to have enough survival food to last through several days or even weeks, it’s equally important not to go overboard. Stocking up on excess food can lead to wastage, which is not ideal in a crisis situation.
A good rule of thumb is to have enough food to sustain each person for at least three days. In addition, ensure that you have a varied mix of foods to prevent monotony.
How to Prepare Survival Foods?
Survival foods require minimum preparation and can be eaten straight out of the package. However, some foods like canned vegetables or meats can be cooked or added to recipes for a tasty meal.
It’s important to have a source of heat or a camp stove that can be used during emergencies to cook or heat food.
In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic collapses, having access to food can mean the difference between life and death. This is why being prepared with survival foods is essential. These foods are long-lasting and non-perishable, making them ideal for emergency situations. In this blog post, we will discuss the types of survival foods you should have on hand to ensure sustenance during crisis situations.
Dried Foods
One of the most important survival foods to have on hand is dried foods. These include dried fruits, vegetables, and meats. Dried foods can last for several years without refrigeration, making them perfect for emergency situations. You can also easily store them in airtight containers, which will help to prevent moisture from damaging them. Keep a mix of these foods on hand, and you will always have a source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Canned Foods
Another essential survival food is canned foods. Canned foods have a long shelf life and are easy to store. You can stockpile canned vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups to ensure that you have access to these basic food groups. Make sure you have a variety of canned goods in your storage, including items that are low in sodium and sugar, and high in nutrients.
Grains and Legumes
Grains and legumes make up the foundation of your survival food stockpile. They are versatile, easy to store, and provide essential nutrients such as carbohydrates and protein. Stock up on rice, barley, quinoa, beans, lentils, and other grains and legumes. They can be cooked in various ways, and there are many recipes available for creating delicious and nutritious meals using these basic ingredients.
Jerky and Nuts
Jerky and nuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. They are also easy to store and transport, making them ideal for emergency situations. Make sure you have a supply of beef, turkey, or other protein-based jerky on hand. Also, consider packing away nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and walnuts. These foods are energy-dense and will keep you nourished and healthy in times of need.
Multivitamins and Supplements
Finally, it’s important to consider the role of multivitamins and supplements in your survival food stockpile. When fresh fruits and vegetables are not available, it can be challenging to get all the nutrients your body needs. Adding multivitamins and supplements to your survival food supply can help to ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs to function optimally.
Conclusion:
Survival foods are a vital component of emergency preparedness. They provide the sustenance needed to survive through challenging times, ensuring that you and your loved ones stay fed and nourished.
When selecting survival foods, ensure that you keep in mind factors like shelf life, nutritious value, and storage conditions. It’s also important not to go overboard and stock up on excess food, which can lead to unnecessary wastage.
Finally, invest in a good source of heat or a camp stove to enable cooking or heating of food. By following these guidelines, you can have a stockpile of survival foods that can see you through any crisis situation.
Being prepared with survival foods is essential for ensuring sustenance in crisis situations. Dried foods, canned foods, grains and legumes, jerky and nuts, and multivitamins and supplements are all essential components of a comprehensive survival food stockpile. By having these items on hand, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you can survive and even thrive during an emergency situation. Stock up on these survival foods today, and be prepared for whatever the future may bring.