Camping, Emergency & Long-Term Food & Storage

Consider a Root Cellar or other non-electric cooling/refrigeration methods.
Food Storage Made Easy
EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS:
Power outages, and emergencies that disrupt our routine lives, are unpredictable and can last an hour, a day, a week or more. Foods with a long shelf-life and don't require heat or cooking are ideal for stocking the pantry in case of a power outage. Here are some suggestions:

Water:

The essential element to survival and necessary in every emergency plan and emergency supplies kit. Generally, commercially-sealed/bottled water does not go bad but depends on how it was processed. Water you have "bottled" yourself has a recommended maximum shelf life of 6 months for consumption. Unless water is known to be, or obviously, contaminated, don't throw water away in an emergency situation; it may still be possible to purify through distilling but it can be used for washing, watering edible/medicinal plants and other things. Recommended water storage amounts are at least 1 gallon of [drinking and sanitation] water per day per person for a minimum of 3 days. More is better. Additional water should be considered for Pets and dehydrated foods to re-hydrate. Consider these things when calculating water storage needs. For a less-bland drinking experience, add Essential Oils to the drinking water.


Powdered Milk, Drink Mixes and Beverages


Healthy Energy Drink Alternatives:

Energy drinks are a wonderful thing to have on hand in the pantry, bug out bag, or even a first aid kit. There's a reason everyone from elite athletes to 8-year-old soccer players relies upon energy drinks and electrolyte drinks for vitality, energy, or replenishing nutrients lost while sweating. But commercial energy drinks are not good on the body, especially for those with a low immune system. Stock up on these few ingredients for the same beneficial effects as energy drinks: Good Ol' Coffee, Coconut Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Green Tea, Organic Maple Syrup and Raw Honey. Heare are a few recepies: Coconut Water + Maple Syrup + Lemon Juice Green Tea Coconut Water Cocktail + Apple Cider Vinegar + Apple Juice +Raw Honey Green Tea + Raw Honey + Lemon


Coffee:

Of all the pleasures of camping, sipping a freshly brewed cup of joe around the morning fire is, as the old TV commercial hummed along, the best part of waking up. Watch the Video, Ya'll 1 - Warm the water in the pot. 2 - Add coffee grounds. 3 - Bring to a rolling boil (removes acid) for 2-3 minutes. 4 - Let it sit for 2 minutes. 5 - Add small amount of cold water which drops the grounds to the bottom of the pot. 6 - Let it sit for another minute then drink. Benefits of Coffee & Alternative Sweetners: Coffee, the bitter nectar of life, the breakfast of champions, the fuel that sustains parents everywhere. It really is one of the best parts of life. It does more than warm the soul; there are many health benefits. But the things we add to it may be working against us. Read more.


Home Brewing:

How to Make Dandelion Wine, Step by Step How to Make Moonshine Wine, Liqueur, and Beer Recipes [Not so] Quick Alcoholic Beverages


Canned & Dried Meats


Canned & Dried Fruits & Vegetables

Make Your Own Fruit Leather (Roll-Ups)

Dry Breakfast Cereals


Honey

Raw Honey, stored in a sealed container, can remain stable for decades, even centuries. Commercial Honey last about 2 years. If it crystalizes, just warm it to liquify again. The Greeks had an uncanny ability when it came to healing the body, and the medicinal purposes of many of nature’s wonders and bees were at the top of the list when it came to natural wonders that also contained healing powers. Read more. Read about Beekeeping: The Sweetest Hobby of all, in maintaining a renewable food source.


Peanut Butter (all-natural varieties have a shorter shelf life)


Packaged Mixed Nuts, Granola, Trail Mix


MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)

Civilian MRE Comparison MREs on Amazon.com


Commercial Camping and Long Term Food (usually requires water to rehydrate)

There are a number of commercial Camping and Long Term Food companies. Research and sample to find the one(s) that will suit your needs and tastes. Often, these companies will provide free samples. The point is that a long-term food storage plan should be part of your overall emergency plan. Top 10 Food Storage Companies Comparison Mountain House Products Nutritional Information Commercial Camping and Long Term Food on Amazon Unlike some of my acquaintances who live to eat, I eat to live. I don't care so much about WHAT I eat as THAT I eat. So, I stock up on long-term storage, freeze-dried foods and water storage to re-hydrate them. In my case, I have found that the amount of water recommended to re-hydrate the contents of a commercial long-term storage food product makes more of a soup than a dish so I usually use less water than recommended.


MAKE YOUR OWN LONG TERM FOODS:

	Freeze-Dried Eggs: My favorite breakfast includes eggs but, in a camping situation, they can be a space-consuming and messy situation. Several commercial freeze-dried egg options (above) are available but are costly. While a bit time-consuming, DIY Freeze-Dried Eggs Can be a Cheaper alternative. Just add water and heat. Egg Safety: When eggs come directly from the nest to the table, it's unlikely a bad one will be found. But many eggs, purchased by the dozen in the local grocery store, are already weeks old before they hit the shelf. Some egg cartons have sell-by dates on them. Both the USDA and Egg Safety Center agree that eggs are usually good for several weeks past the stamped date but should not be regarded as an indication the eggs are safe to use. A simple test, in a bowl of water, will indicate the freshness of an egg. Cook an Egg in Campfire Ashes: When a cooking pot or pan is unavailable in the wild, the ashes of a campfire will do just fine to cook an egg that may have been found in a nest. With a knife or rock, carefully peck a hole (1/4 - 1/2 inch) in one end of the egg shell. If you want to spice up the taste, add salt, pepper or herbs in the hole and stir the inside with a small stick or shake the egg with your thumb over the hole. Place the egg (hole up) on hot camp fire ashes (NOT coals). No need to pack ashes completely around the egg. The egg will cook from the bottom up so when the egg in the hole has turned white (about 40 minutes for a standard chicken egg), it's ready to eat after letting it cool.    [Video]
	Hardtack: A hard cracker made from flour, salt, and water will last for years and through temperature extremes. Once taken on long sea voyages and carried by soldiers on long military campaigns it was called things like sea biscuit and sheet iron. Here's how to make your own. - Form a dough by mixing, in a bowl, 3 cups of white [unbleached] flour, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 cup of water. - Evenly spread the dough, no more than half an inch thick, onto a cookie sheet. - Use a knife to cut the dough into squares and a common nail or toothpick to make holes in each square. - Bake each side for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool & store (in ziplock bags).
	Pemmican: Among all of the food preservation methods that are so popular with preppers, there is one little known method that stands out. It is by no means unheard of, but it isn't nearly as popular as it used to be. I'm referring to the process of making pemmican. It's a mixture of tallow (a rendered form of fat), dried meat, and sometimes dried berries, mixed together and cut into bars. A caloric rich food, it can be used as a key component in prepared meals or eaten raw. Depending upon the exact ingredients and method of preparation, the expected shelf life can be anywhere from half a year to 5 years.    [Recipe 1]    [Recipe 2] - CONTENTS: 6 Pounds of low fat red meat, 2 pounds of meat fat (tallow) and 1/3 cup of blueberries. - Dry and shred (in a blender) the meat and blueberries into a near-powder. - Boil the tallow down into a liquid and mix in the shredded meat/blueberries. - Spoon mixture into ziplock bags. Press the mixture while sealing to remove as much air as possible. Cool & store.


BABY FORMULA (DIY):

Reliance on commercial baby formula goes against the principals of self-reliance. Additionally, with the increasing use of soy, chemicals, GMO and inflammatory ingredients in commercial/processed foods, it could be a risk to your child's health and immune system. Research other products and methods where you are in control of your family's nutritional needs. [Homemade Baby Formula 1]    [Homemade Baby Formula 2]


FOODS THAT SHOULD NOT BE STORED LONG TERM:

There are many foods that store well for a very long time, under the right conditions, however there are foods that do NOT store well for long term (1 year or more) storage. Do your research before considering a long term food storage plan.


ORGANIZING:

It is not enough to just collect food and stick it away somewhere until it's needed. Knowing where and what it is, and when it will expire, is essential. A little planning ahead of time will save a lot of space and organizational problems in the future. 1 - LABEL each item and/or container to clearly identify its contents and expiration date*. 2 - INVENTORY (notebook (preferred) or computer) food as it is being labeled. Record how many of that item are available, their expiration date(s)* and the location where it is stored. As items are used/removed from storage, mark that item off the inventory list so it is current with what is actually available. 3 - CATEGORIZE food items (such as wheat, rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, etc.) during the storage process so that they are easier to find. 4 - FIRST-ON-FIRST-OFF is a method to help use the food when it is needed. Foods with the nearest expiration date* should be the first used and placed at the front of the shelf while items with the furtherist expiration date* should go to the back of the shelf. Organizing Emergency Preps Click Here for More Tips


* EXPIRATION DATES:

Canned Food Shelf Life: Read This Before You Throw It Out: In normal times, it's difficult to argue taking the risk of making yourself sick if the upside will only amount to a couple of dollars saved. But what about when times are not normal? Would you be so quick to toss your "expired" can of green beans if calories were as scarce as water in a desert? Canned foods can last up to 30+ years if stored properly. Canned meat 4-30 years, followed by canned vegetables 3-8 years, canned beans 3-6 years, canned fish 3-6 years, canned rice 2-6 years, canned broth 3-5 years, canned soups 2-4 years, and lastly canned fruits which only last around 1-2 years. However, their shelf life can be stretched even further if you store them correctly. Here is a great resource to help you figure out how long products can actually last without refrigeration. Foods That Never Expire


FOOD DIVERSIFICATION PLANNING:
In additional to a long term food storage program, a renewable food sources program should be part of your overall Emergency Plan. Look for current and future Posts in this Blog for ideas like growing, recognizing and gathering wild edible plants, raising livestock, gardening with open-pollinated or heirloom plants , hunting, canning, dehydration and more.

CALCULATING QUANTITY PER PERSON:
According to Matthew Stein's book, When Disaster Strikes, the average adult needs between 2000-3000 calories a day. The book describes how that calculates to actual food amounts. Here are other Food Supply Guidelines for Emergency Preparedness

DETERMINING NUMBER OF PORTIONS is a bit perplexing when calculating the amount of food available divided by the number of people who will be relying on the emergency food supply. There are many things to consider including the age, size and weight of the individuals and the weight and calories of the food. As a general rule, "portions" are calculated by the number of calories needed per average person per the type of "food group". 2500 calories per day (+/-), per person is an overall average. To research this further, please google.

HOW MUCH SHOULD MY STOCKPILE CONTAIN? Depending on the resource, the suggested amount of food and water to stockpile for an emergency is several days to several months. A "predictable duration of an emergency" was mentioned in the previous section. How is it possible to predict an emergency and how long it will last to determine how much supplies I should stockpile? The accuracy of such a prediciton is near impossible but there are ways to come close. Click here for the P4T Risk Analysis Matrix and Sample [MS Excel] Spreadsheet.

FOOD ALTERNATIVES:
Gardening: For those who do not have a farm nor the back yard to plant a garden, joining a Farm Share (CSA) or Garden Sharing arrangement are good alternatives.
Raising Lifestock
Bugs/Insects
Wild Edible Plants
Hunting, Fishing and Trapping
Aquaponics and Hydroponics
Pet Food as Survival Food

FOOD PRESERVATION METHODS:
Long-Term preservation of surplus foods is essential for preparing for a food shortage event. Research is highly recommended for proper food preparation and storage and it's important to know and record/label the shelf life of the foods prepared using these techniques.
Salting (Sea Salt - about 4 gallons of sediment-free sea water boils down to about 1 pound of sea salt)
Smoking Meat for Long Term Storage
Aging & Curing Meat
Preserve Meat For Long Term The Old Fashioned Way
Dehydrating: There's almost no easier way to preserve food than dehydrating. Used for thousands of years to help food last without refrigeration, drying is one of the fastest and least expensive ways to save food. It can also lighten the weight of foods made for camping and backpacking—saving your back and your wallet. If electricity is not available, dehydrating (under plastic or glass), using the sun, is an option. If the farm/garden scene is not for you, purchasing a food dehydrator may be more appealing with foods from the grocery store.
Dashboard Dehydrator: This is likely not something to do with a brand new car but in a survival situation, you do what you have to do. The enclosed interior of a vehicle gets pretty toasty, even in cool outside temperatures, when the sun is bearing down on it. On sunny days, placing pre-dehydrated food on the dashboard under the windshield will dehydrate meat and vegetables. Cut the food into small pieces no more than 1/4" thick and raise it off the dashboard to allow air to circulate above and below the food. Ventilation is needed during the process so crack the windows a bit but fill the open windows space with screen or some type of mesh material to keep bugs out. Generally, meats will dehydrate in 6-8 hours and fruits/vegetables sooner.

Keeping Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fresher Longer

Canning: If electricity is not available, canning can still be accomplished as long as there is sanitation, a source of high heat and proper containers.
Keep Foods from Spoiling

HEALTHIER EATING:
Sugar vs Honey vs Coconut Sugar

FOOD TO STOCKPILE BEFORE A CRISIS

NO REFRIGERATION: Plan with foods that do not need refrigeration or consider these options.

ENEMIES OF FOOD are Heat, Air, Moisture and Light. Emergency, long-term food items should (ideally) be vacuum-packed and stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Reducing or eliminating these enemies, helps maintain, or increases, the shelf life of the food.

TIPS:
• "They" say that raw eggs (in the shell) can last up to 12 months when their shells are coated in a thin layer of Mineral Oil. Research further before trying. There is more to it than just dipping eggs in mineral oil.
• With all food preparation activities, cultivate safe food handling practices and research further before trying.

STARTING MY STASH ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET: I buy the bulk "emergency foods" when the money is available but I started out, and continue to increase, my stash with non-perishables (dried pasta, rice, beans, peas, oatmeal, dry breakfast cereals, powdered milk, etc.) a little bit with each visit to the grocery store. Because of my living quarters, it helps that these kinds of foods weigh less and compact easily to use very little storage space.

ALSO CONSIDER:
• Survivability - Is emergency food in a location, and packaged, to withstand a significant environmental disaster? Locate close to the center, and lower, areas of the dwelling and package so glass doesn't break or water doesn't leak in.
  
• Portability - If necessary to bug out, can the emergency food be moved and relocated easily and quickly? Storage in reasonably-sized (based on weight), easily-transportable containers (like milk crates) should be light enough for one person to carry. Dehydrated foods weigh less and compact better to get more in small spaces.
  
• Shelf Life vs. Life Sustaining - Food can be eaten well (years) beyond the shelf life. While it may not look or taste its best, proper cooking and preparation of expired foods can still sustain life. Labeling food and water with "use by" dates can help with developing a recycle plan to use what is near end of shelf life and replenish with new. Reviewing the food stash before each grocery store visit can help with your recycling plan.
  
• Cooking - Heating and cooking foods helps with hydrating, mixing and decontamination was well as providing a sense of comfort. Under adverse conditions, the normal heating/cooking methods may not be available so applying alternative cooking methods may be necessary.
  
• Contamination - Caution and cleanliness is paramount when it comes to food storage and preparation. Not only can food spoil in storage but, handled and prepared improperly, can cause illness or death to those who eat it. Additionally, if a nuclear event is part of the emergency situation, it will be helpful if preventive measures, specific to a nuclear event, are built into the emergency food plan.
  
• Food and water can always be used for bartering. Having more than necessary may help acquire other necessities. Planning for more food and water could mean medicine, tools and even developing cooperative friendships.
  
• Pets - If you have them, include them in the equation.

DEFENSE:
When the food runs out, those who have not prepared will be searching for those who have. So, preparing for a food shortage not only means stockpiling an emergency supply of food but, also, protecting what you have stockpiled with a personal defense strategy.

STOCKPILING -VS- HOARDING:
There are many interpretations about the difference between the two words Stockpiling and Hoarding and a fine line that separates one from the other. Here are the ones that appeal to me: Hoarding is the accumulation of things, I may, or may not, need, or use, in my lifetime, or use before it expires (food for example); things that I have spent more money on than I should have and take up premium space in my house (or garage). Stockpiling is the accumulation of things, I would normally use anyway, in preparation for likely shortages during likely emergencies; looking ahead and stocking up on what I know, or think, I will need within a reasonable period of time (predictable duration of an emergency). Given these two descriptions, I conclude that Hoarding is not a good thing and Stockpiling is a prudent and responsible thing.

When the pioneers began their trek west, they took supplies, tools, food, clothing and animals; all the things they felt they would need to make the journey and sustain them long enough to settle in to their final destination (homestead). There they built their homes and raised crops and grew their herds for food and clothing. Back then, they didn't have the luxury of local grocery stores to just hop in the buggy and go pickup a gallon of milk so, in preparation for lean times and inclement weather (winter, mostly), they preserved and stored (stockpiled) food. Most likely, hoarding was rare. But today, with food and other goods so conveniently close to home, stocking up seems unnecessary. However, crap does happen, so just how much stocking up should we do?

SEE ALSO:
Making 132 meals for $42 for a family of 6
No Fishing Gear? No Problem
When the Food Runs Out - Living off the Land
Off-Grid Refrigeration Ideas
Must-Know Rules for Picking Edible & Medicinal Plants
Replenishable Water and Food Sources
Emergency Cooking and Heating
Cooking with Solar Ovens
Rocket Stoves