Building a Long-Term Food Pantry

We've talked about bug-out bags for quick emergencies, but what if you're facing a longer-term situation where grocery stores aren't readily available?

A well-stocked pantry is a key part of any long-term preparedness plan. Here are some tips on how to build one that will keep your family fed for weeks or even months!

Choosing Your Foods

Focus on non-perishable foods that have a long shelf life. Remember to buy what you and your family enjoy eating.Here are some good options to consider:

• Canned goods: Stock up on canned veggies, fruits, beans, soups, and meats.

• Dried foods: Dried beans, rice, pasta, and lentils are excellent choices.

• Grains: Whole-wheat flour, oats, barley, and other grains can be used to make a variety of meals.

• Protein sources: Canned beans, nuts, seeds, and dried meats are good ways to get protein.

• Healthy fats: Canned fish, olive oil, and nut butters provide healthy fats and calories.

Don't Forget the Extras

• Salt, sugar, and spices: These will help add flavor to your meals and can also be used for preservation.

• Vitamins: A daily multivitamin can help ensure you're getting the nutrients you need.

• Coffee and tea: Maybe not essential for survival, but a little pick-me-up can't hurt!

Storage Tips

• Use airtight containers: This will help keep your food fresh and free from pests.

• Store in a cool, dry place: Heat and moisture can shorten the shelf life of your food.

• Rotate your stock: Use the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to ensure you're always eating the oldest food first.

• Label everything! Write the date you purchased the food on the container so you know what to eat first.

Building Your Pantry Over Time

You don't have to break the bank building your pantry all at once. Start by adding a few extra cans of food to your grocery list each week.

Bulk purchases can be cost-effective, but make sure you have the space to store everything properly and that you'll use it before it expires.

Sunshine Prepper Pantry Chili

Here's another recipe to try!

This chili is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great option for a filling and satisfying meal. It's also incredibly versatile – you can add different ingredients depending on what you have on hand in your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can canned ground beef
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Drain the canned ground beef (Tip: Reserve a tablespoon or two of the canned beef juices for added flavor, if desired). Crumble the ground beef into the pot and cook until heated through.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.

Tips:

• This chili is even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To make this recipe even heartier, you can add a can of cooked and drained black beans or a cup of cooked brown rice.
• No olive oil? No problem! You can substitute any cooking oil you have in your pantry.
• If you don't have fresh onion or garlic, use you substitute freeze-dried or use the spices garlic powder and onion powder.

Remember

A prepper pantry is all about peace of mind. By having a well-stocked pantry, you'll know your family has something to eat no matter what the situation. Stay prepared!

Please check out these other articles I've written for additional information:

• For information about stockpiling foods that don't require heating and a detailed list of first aid supplies:  Building a 72-Hour Home Kit - Part 1
• For information about building a food stockpile:  Building a Food Supply
• For information about first in, first out:  Mastering FIFO

Additional Resources:

•  "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdFJzY9emy8"(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdFJzY9emy8) by Ready.gov: This is a fantastic resource from a trusted government source (.gov) that outlines food storage recommendations, proper storage methods, and even tips for building a balanced pantry.
• "https://valleyfoodstorage.com/blogs/inside-vfs/how-to-store-rice-long-term-shelf-life"(https://valleyfoodstorage.com/blogs/inside-vfs/how-to-store-rice-long-term-shelf-life) by The Spruce Eats: This website offers a great guide on storing specific pantry staples for long-term use. From storing rice to beans and even flour,this resource provides simple steps to ensure your food stays fresh and usable for long periods.
• "https://thepreppingguide.com/about/"(https://thepreppingguide.com/about/) by The Prepping Guide: This website is a wealth of information for anyone interested in preparedness. They have a specific section on food storage with articles on building a pantry, food preservation techniques, and even shelf-life recommendations for various foods.