I’ve said this before and I’m sure I’ll say it again and again. If there’s anything that the last two years (starting with 2020) have taught us, it’s to have a little stockpile for an emergency.
I used to think that the emergency I should prep for is an earthquake or some other natural disaster. A worldwide pandemic was not something I considered.
We really have no idea what the future holds, if there is a natural disaster headed our way, another pandemic, or whatever else there could be, so having some things on hand is smart. You don’t want to try and stockpile during an emergency (toilet paper hoarders I’m looking at you. . .)
There’s so much you could have on hand, and I’d start with 72-hour kits if you don’t already have those for your family.
What’s next?
Every family should have 3 months’ supply of food for their family in the event of an emergency.
But what the heck do you buy?
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite things to have on hand. This list is NOT long-term storage, that’s a topic for another day.
One thing to note: this is my own opinion. I have no background in anything besides being a mom. What I recommend are things I believe would be best for my own family. Since this food isn’t long-term storage, I typically buy things that I know my family will eat so that I don’t waste food.
When I do my weekly grocery shopping, I will take things out of my 3-month supply (or what should be my 3-month supply) and then replace it with what I buy from the store that week.
So, buy things that you are able to rotate and use. My 3-month supply of food is just an extension of my pantry.
If you see a good deal on soup, before you buy it, think: “will my family eat this? Do we like it? Will it get used before it goes bad?”
It isn’t a good deal if it just sits on the shelf.
What I buy for my 3-month food storage
Pantry Items
- Peanut Butter
- Nutella
- Jam
- Pancake Mix
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Cereal
- Flour
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Powdered Milk
- Sports Drinks
- Honey
- Mac ‘n Cheese
- Rice
- Salt
- Syrup
- Ketchup
- Ranch Dressing
- Canned Beans (black, pinto, chili . . . whatever your family will eat)
- Vegetable Oil
- Olive Oil
- Applesauce
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Corn Starch
- Cake Mix
- Boxed Dinners
- Fruit Cups
- Granola Bars
- Chocolate Milk Mix
- Hot Chocolate
- Fruit Snacks
- Canned Soup
- Tuna
- Popcorn
- Crackers
- Chips
- Salsa
- Peanuts
- Seasonings
- Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Instant Potatoes
- Chicken Broth
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Food
A good practice is to have a list of recipes/meals your family likes to eat. Break those recipes down into individual items. Make lists for every meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Remember drinks too. Buy enough items for each recipe for a 3-month supply. It makes it easy and simple when you’re just starting out.
When you take things out of your 3-month supply, write it down. I have a piece of paper taped to the inside of my door on my storage room where I write things down when I take them out. Then, when I do my weekly shopping, I’ll add those items to my grocery list and replenish my stock.
Frozen
- Ground Beef
- Chicken
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Pepper and onion mix
- Hashbrowns
- Popsicles
- Strawberries
- Bananas
Non-Food Items
- Paper plates
- Plastic silverware
- Napkins
- Paper towels
- Garbage Bags
- Bleach
- Laundry Soap
- Fabric Softener
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Dish Soap
- Hand Soap
- Dishwasher soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand warmers
- Toilet paper
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Medication
- Supplements
- Batteries
- Water
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorant
How to get started
With all the things you could and need to stock up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take a quick breather, grab a pen and some paper and start jotting down a plan. Like I said, if you’re just starting out, get your 72-hour kits together. Once you’re ready to get started on your 3-month supply, start getting enough for 1 day, 1 week and then 1 month. Slowly work your way up to 3-month. Do what you can financially.
It’s important to just start. But remember, buy things your family already uses and likes.
Thanks for being here!
I appreciate you being here, in this space with me. It means the world to me.
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I’ve got a printable I made to keep all your important information in one place, ready to grab if needed. You can find it here.