Long Term Food Storage: Should You Start Planning?

Are you prepared for the unexpected? In a world where unforeseen events can disrupt our daily lives, long term food storage for survival becomes a critical consideration.

Imagine having the peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your loved ones have a reliable source of food, even in the face of emergencies or natural disasters. Long term food storage isn’t just a mere precaution — it’s a proactive step towards self-sufficiency and resilience.

Discover the secrets of stockpiling and preserving nourishing meals that can sustain you through challenging times and unlock the key to survival in an unpredictable world. Don’t wait for disaster to strike — start thinking about long term food storage, where preparation meets survival, and ensure your future is well-fed and secure.

long term food storage

What is Long Term Food Storage?

Long term food storage refers to preserving and storing food supplies for an extended period, typically several days to upwards of several months (or possibly longer). It ensures an adequate food supply for you and your family during emergencies, natural disasters, or other situations when access to fresh food may be limited or unavailable.

Related Article: CBRN Gas Mask — A Key to Survival for You & Your Family

Long term food storage aims to maintain the nutritional value, taste, and safety of food items over an extended period. The primary goal is to prevent spoilage, degradation, and the growth of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses.

In a time when there are food shortages, there may also be a shortage of medication (even over-the-counter varieties), where a simple, common illness could be fatal if untreated. That’s a crazy scenario to envision, right? But it’s not out of the realm of reality if things in the nation go downhill or disaster strikes.

There are several methods and techniques commonly used for long term food storage:

Canning

This involves heat-processing food in jars or cans to kill microorganisms, creating a vacuum seal that prevents spoilage. Canned foods can have a shelf life of several years or more.

Dehydrating

Removing moisture from food items helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Dehydrated foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and jerky, can be stored for months to years and often retain their nutritional value.

Freezing

Freezing food items significantly slows down the spoilage process. While freezing doesn’t technically provide indefinite storage, it can preserve food for many months.

Vacuum Sealing

Using special equipment, air is removed from containers or bags, creating an airtight seal that helps prevent spoilage. Vacuum-sealed foods, such as grains, beans, and powdered items, can have an extended shelf life.

Oxygen Absorbers

These small packets or sachets are added to food containers to absorb oxygen, reducing the chance of spoilage and the growth of bacteria or fungi.

Mylar Bags & Food-Grade Buckets

This particular method is commonly used for storing bulk quantities of food. The food is often packed in airtight, moisture-resistant Mylar bags and then placed in sturdy, food-grade plastic buckets for additional protection.

Special Consideration:

It’s important to rotate and regularly check stored food items to ensure they remain safe and edible. Factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure can affect the shelf life of stored food, so proper storage conditions should be maintained.

Why Should You Have Long Term Food Storage?

I’m going to paint a very dark and unimaginable scenario, but one that could happen today if things start falling apart in our country. While wars are being waged, natural disasters are happening frequently, and the potential for an economic collapse, things could take a turn for the worse quite quickly, which is why you should consider some long term food storage.

Now, let’s set the stage for some sort of scenario where long term food storage would be a necessity as food supplies are basically nonexistent, and you’re forced to find even the smallest scraps to eat and feed your family.

Imagine a world thrown into chaos, where disaster strikes and the comfortable rhythm of daily life shatters. Streets once bustling with activity are now barren, and resources become scarce. As hunger gnaws at empty stomachs, panic and desperation take hold. Without an adequate food supply, the once-unthinkable becomes a grim reality. Weakness consumes the body, clouding judgment and impairing the ability to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

In such dire circumstances, the absence of sustenance amplifies the already overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty. With every passing moment, the absence of food deepens the despair and erodes the hope for survival. To face a disaster unprepared, without some sort of long term food storage, you’re exposing your family to the harsh and unforgiving reality of hunger. The consequences of overlooking the importance of food in times of crisis are dire, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive emergency preparedness and long term food storage.

long term food storage

Having painted such a grim scenario, let’s dive a little deeper into how long term food storage can be beneficial in many different scenarios.

Emergency Preparedness

Long term food storage ensures you have an adequate food supply during emergencies such as natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, winter storms, etc.), power outages, or other unforeseen events. It provides a sense of security and self-reliance, allowing you to sustain yourself and your family until normal food sources become available again.

Food Shortages

In certain situations, food shortages can occur due to disruptions in transportation, distribution, or agricultural production. Having long term food storage can help you navigate through these periods of scarcity and maintain proper nutrition.

Financial Stability

Long term food storage can help mitigate the impact of rising food prices. By buying and storing food when it’s less expensive, you can potentially save money in the long run and reduce your dependence on fluctuating food markets.

Convenience & Timesaving

Having a well-stocked pantry or long term food storage can save you time and effort in grocery shopping and meal planning. It provides you with readily available ingredients for cooking and reduces the need for frequent trips to the store if a disaster were to happen.

Self-Sufficiency & Self-Reliance

Long term food storage encourages self-sufficiency, allowing you to rely on your own resources and provisions during challenging times. It promotes a sense of preparedness and independence, empowering you to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Peace of Mind & Hope

Knowing that you have a supply of food to rely on in times of need can bring peace of mind and reduce anxiety. It provides a sense of control and preparedness, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of life during emergencies or uncertain situations.

While long term food storage is valuable, it’s essential to maintain a balance and not solely rely on stored food. Regularly consuming and replenishing stored items through a rotation system ensures that the food remains fresh, nutritious, and safe to eat.

Additionally, a well-rounded emergency preparedness plan should include other essentials like water, medical supplies, and communication tools.

long term food storage

A Simple Solution for Your Long Term Food Storage

In today’s uncertain world, being prepared for emergencies is more important than ever. Augason Farms, a trusted name in emergency food supplies and long term food storage, presents their Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply. This comprehensive solution ensures your nutritional needs are met during times of crisis. Best of all, it has a shelf life of up to 25 years. The only thing you need to do is add water and cook.

This all-inclusive kit combines convenience, longevity, and nutrition, providing you with a month’s worth of carefully selected meals that are easy to prepare and packed with essential nutrients.

Additionally, this long term food storage option comes with a 30-day meal planner to ensure you know what to eat each day to ensure you have food for the full 30 days. If you prefer to stretch your rations out further, they also include a 45-day meal plan that lowers your daily calories to get more meals out of their pre-made long term food supply bucket.

It should also be noted that the long term food storage bucket can be split in half between two people and supply enough food for two weeks or split among a family of four and last one week.

Below are some highlights of their long term food storage bucket.

A Month’s Worth of Nourishment

Augason Farms understands the importance of sustenance during emergencies, and their 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply delivers just that. With this comprehensive long term food storage kit, you can enjoy a varied selection of meals designed to meet your nutritional requirements for an entire month. Each package contains a balanced assortment of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and beverages, providing you with the sustenance needed to stay nourished and energized during challenging times.

I have tried the food contained in this long term food storage kit, and, unlike many other brands out there, this is something you can actually eat without trying to prevent it from coming back up or having you run to the bathroom.

Key benefits with the Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply:

  • 1,854 calories per day
  • 47g of protein per day
  • 307 total servings per bucket

If you saw my previous article on the other Augason Farms Emergency Food Bucket, it was lower in protein, so I really like the fact that this long term food storage solution has more protein in it to help support lean muscle mass. Obviously, being in the fitness industry, that is a major nutritional concern. The last thing you want to do is lose lean muscle mass in a crisis where it can mess up your metabolism along with your strength.

Long Shelf Life and Quality Assurance

The Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply is specially designed for long term storage. The food items are packaged in durable, airtight, and moisture-resistant pouches, preserving their quality and flavor for up to 25 years. Augason Farms’ commitment to quality assurance ensures that every meal included in this kit undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee safety and reliability when you need it most. With Augason Farms, you can have confidence that your long term food storage kit will be fresh, delicious, and ready to consume whenever the situation calls for it.

Easy Preparation & Convenience

Time and resources are often limited during emergencies, making convenience a crucial factor. Augason Farms has taken this into account with their 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply. The meals are designed to be easily prepared with minimal effort. Many of the options only require water and simple cooking methods like boiling or rehydration. With straightforward instructions, you can quickly and effortlessly enjoy a hot meal that satisfies both your hunger and your need for comfort.

Quality and Nutritional Value

Augason Farms prides itself on providing nutritionally balanced meals. The 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply is no exception, with each meal carefully formulated to ensure a proper blend of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, these meals are crafted to provide the sustenance your body requires, helping you maintain strength and well-being during times of adversity.

In an ever-changing world, preparedness is paramount. The Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply offers peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable source of nourishment during emergencies or challenging situations. With its long shelf life, nutritional value, and ease of preparation, this comprehensive kit is a testament to Augason Farms’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Invest in your well-being and embrace the reassurance that comes from being prepared. A great long term food storage option that takes the guesswork out of things along with the added convenience, the Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply helps you take a proactive step towards safeguarding yourself and your loved ones in uncertain times.

If you were looking to purchase the Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply and would like to support our website, we have worked with them to get you a deal on their products. Please feel free to use our links provided below, as well as our discount code to be used on their website.

  • Click here to purchase from Amazon
  • Click here to purchase from the Augason Farms website and use code WEIKFITNESS at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Full Disclosure: Augason Farms supplied me with an Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply. They did not pay me to do this article, nor did they have any say in what I wrote about the topic or their product. I simply wanted to get one of their buckets to try the food and ensure it’s something I feel comfortable recommending to you, rather than opening my own supply that I purchased. That said, I’ve purchased several of their other products and have tried them, as mentioned in this article.


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Matt Weik

Matt Weik, BS, CPT, CSCS, CSN, is the Owner and Head Keyboard Banger of Weik Fitness. He is a well-respected, prolific writer with a global following and a self-proclaimed fitness and supplement nerd. Matt’s content has been featured on thousands of websites, 100+ magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.