if you don't know quite where to start... try this list of basic food storage items and quanitities.
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subject line: back to basics
Back to Basics
WATER
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least two weeks. (14 gallons)
You can store water in pop and juice bottles, but not in milk or Clorox bottles.
Ceramic filter bottles turn dirty water into drinking water.
Store water in the dark to prevent algae growth.
WHEAT AND GRAINS
400 lbs. per person, lasts 20+ years.
Golden 86 is easier to digest.
The cans at the dry pack cannery are ideal for storing grain. If you want to sprout grains, leave out the oxygen absorbing packet and mark it as sprouting wheat.
Two or more grains combined or added to legumes creates a complete protein.
Millet is a complete protein.
Consider allergies and the ability to digest whole grains, you may want to consider storing some rice.
Lasts 3-4 years.
LEGUMES
60 lbs. per person
Beans get hard after about one year but they can be sprouted. The dry pack cannery gives a life span of 6-8 years in the can or pouch. They also have dry refried beans. Canned beans would be convenient.
MILK
16 lbs. per person. Lasts 3-5 years.
Don’t throw out old milk, it can be used to make “chicken” or cheese.
HONEY OR SUGAR
Sugar lasts 20+ years, 60 lbs. per person
Honey is rich in nutrients and has antibiotic properties. It gets hard but can be melted.
(Bee’s wax candles kill germs and purify the air.)
OIL
16 lbs. per person, lasts 8-10 years. (This is not enough.)
Crisco in METAL CANS- large size to buy at warehouse clubs. Grocery store size is in a paper can. It requires no refrigeration. Canola oil does not last long.
Margarine will last about 6 months without refrigeration.
SALT
8 lbs. per person, lasts 20+ years.
Salt is healing, cleansing and preserves meat (you may want to buy extra.)
GARDENS AND FRUIT TREES
Should be counted as part of your food storage.
Seeds need to be stored if you can grow a garden.
Tools for gardening are needed.
Canning supplies.
Storage suggestion, items acquired one month at a time:
§ Water
§ Wheat
§ Milk
§ Oil
§ Honey, sugar
§ Salt
§ Legumes
§ Other needs- toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary products, dish soap, laundry soap, first aid, matches, spices, canning supplies, medicine, cloth diapers, garbage bags, etc.
