Introduction
Imagine a sudden power outage lasting for days, a severe storm isolating your neighborhood, or even an unexpected job loss impacting your ability to afford groceries. These aren’t far-fetched scenarios; they’re realities faced by many. In such circumstances, access to safe and reliable food becomes paramount. That’s where survival food comes in – shelf-stable, nutritious food designed to sustain you and your family during emergencies.
This article is your guide to navigating the world of emergency food, showing you how to build a robust survival food supply without breaking the bank. Finding survival food deals isn’t just about saving money; it’s about ensuring that everyone has access to this essential resource, regardless of their budget. Planning and smart shopping are the keys to achieving this goal.
Understanding Your Survival Food Needs
Before you start searching for survival food deals, it’s crucial to assess your individual and family needs. Failing to plan is planning to fail, so take a step back and think about these key factors.
First, consider the number of people who will be relying on your survival food supply. A single individual’s needs will differ significantly from those of a family of five with varying ages and activity levels.
Dietary requirements and preferences are equally important. Do you or any family members have allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)? Ensure your survival food choices accommodate these requirements to avoid health complications during a crisis.
Next, evaluate your storage space. Living in an apartment with limited storage will necessitate different choices compared to someone with a large basement or pantry. Opt for compact and space-saving options if storage is a constraint.
Finally, consider the potential emergency scenarios most likely to affect your area. A coastal region prone to hurricanes will require different preparations than an inland area susceptible to earthquakes or blizzards. Tailoring your survival food supply to the specific risks in your region will ensure you are well-prepared.
Calculating caloric requirements is a vital step. As a general guideline, aim for around two thousand calories per person per day. This can vary depending on age, sex, activity level, and overall health. For example, children and highly active individuals may require more calories. Once you’ve estimated the daily caloric needs for each member of your household, multiply that by the number of days you want your survival food supply to last.
Creating a survival food inventory is an excellent way to track what you have, what you need, and expiration dates. A simple spreadsheet or even a notebook can be used to document the types of food, quantities, purchase dates, and expiration dates. Regularly rotating your stock is crucial to prevent food from expiring. Use the “first in, first out” (FIFO) method, consuming the oldest items first and replenishing them with newer ones. This ensures that your survival food supply remains fresh and usable.
Common Types of Survival Foods and Their Typical Costs
Several categories of survival foods are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, shelf life, and nutritional value.
Canned goods are a popular choice due to their long shelf life, wide availability, and relatively low cost. Canned beans, vegetables, fruits, and meats can provide essential nutrients and calories. However, canned goods can be heavy and bulky, requiring significant storage space. Expect to pay, for example, around one dollar to three dollars per can for basic staples like beans or vegetables.
Dried foods offer a lighter and more compact alternative. Dried beans, lentils, rice, pasta, and dried fruits can be stored for extended periods and rehydrated when needed. However, dried foods require access to water for reconstitution, which may be a challenge in certain emergency situations. Dried beans can be purchased for approximately one dollar to three dollars per pound, making them a cost-effective option.
Freeze-dried meals represent the most convenient and longest-lasting option. These meals are dehydrated and sealed in airtight pouches, offering a shelf life of up to twenty-five years or more. Freeze-dried meals are easy to prepare – simply add water – and often provide a nutritionally complete meal. However, they are the most expensive option, with individual pouches costing several dollars, and buckets containing multiple servings ranging from one hundred dollars to several hundred dollars.
Emergency food rations or bars are ultra-compact and pre-portioned, providing a concentrated source of calories and nutrients. They require no water for preparation and are ideal for situations where space and weight are critical. However, emergency food rations can be bland and may not be suitable for long-term reliance. Expect to pay around five dollars to fifteen dollars per ration, depending on the brand and caloric content.
Where to Find the Best Survival Food Deals
Finding survival food deals requires a strategic approach and a willingness to explore different options.
Online retailers offer a vast selection of survival foods, often at competitive prices. Amazon, for example, carries a wide range of brands and products. However, it’s essential to compare prices carefully and read customer reviews before making a purchase. Specialty survival food websites, such as ReadyWise and Augason Farms, offer complete emergency food kits and individual items. These websites often run sales and promotions, providing opportunities to save money. Big box stores like Walmart and Costco also carry survival food items, often at discounted prices. However, the selection may be limited compared to specialized retailers.
Local grocery stores can also be a source of survival food deals. Check the clearance sections for discounted canned goods, dried foods, and other items nearing their expiration dates. Take advantage of bulk buying options to save money on staples like rice, pasta, and beans. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions on canned goods and other non-perishable items.
Discount stores, such as dollar stores and discount grocery chains, offer surprisingly affordable options for building a basic survival food supply. Stock up on canned goods, pasta, rice, and other staples at deeply discounted prices.
Government surplus or military surplus stores may offer MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and other emergency food rations at reduced prices. However, it’s essential to carefully inspect the condition and expiration dates of these items before purchasing them.
Consider DIY options to further reduce costs. Home canning and preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats can be a cost-effective way to build a long-term food supply. Dehydrating fruits and vegetables is another affordable option, requiring only a food dehydrator and a source of electricity. Making pemmican or jerky – traditional forms of dried meat – can provide a nutritious and shelf-stable source of protein.
Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Survival Food
Several strategies can help you maximize your budget when purchasing survival food.
Buying in bulk is almost always the most cost effective strategy. When possible, purchase larger quantities of staples like rice, pasta, beans, and canned goods to reduce the per-unit cost.
Comparing prices across different retailers is crucial. Use online tools or spreadsheets to track prices from various sources, identifying the best deals available.
Signing up for newsletters from online retailers and survival food companies will ensure you receive alerts about sales, promotions, and exclusive discounts.
Always search for coupons and promo codes before completing an online purchase. Many websites offer coupon codes that can save you a significant amount of money.
Take advantage of seasonal sales and discounts, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season clearance events. These are prime opportunities to stock up on survival food at discounted prices.
Joining a food co-op or buying club allows you to pool resources with other individuals or families, purchasing in bulk and splitting the costs.
Consider purchasing items with shorter shelf lives, provided you plan to consume them within a reasonable timeframe. These items may be discounted as they approach their “best by” dates.
Prioritize essential nutrients when selecting survival food. Focus on foods that provide the most calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals for the price.
Building a Budget-Friendly Survival Food Plan
Creating a survival food plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.
For instance, a survival food plan for one person for a two week period could consist of around fourteen cans of beans or vegetables, seven pounds of rice or pasta, a few jars of peanut butter, and a supply of dried fruit and nuts. This offers a substantial amount of calories and nutrients for a reasonable cost.
Remember you don’t have to buy everything all at once. Gradually accumulating your survival food supply over time is a more manageable approach. Start with a few essential items each month and gradually expand your inventory as your budget allows.
Important Considerations
Quality versus quantity is an important aspect to be addressed. While saving money is important, don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of price. Choose reputable brands and products that meet your nutritional needs.
Pay close attention to shelf life and storage requirements. Choose foods with long shelf lives and store them properly in a cool, dry place to maximize their longevity.
Taste and palatability should be taken into account. Choose foods that you and your family will actually enjoy eating in an emergency. This will make the experience less stressful and more sustainable.
Prioritize nutritional value. Choose foods that provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals to maintain your health and energy levels during a crisis.
Conclusion
Having a survival food supply is an essential aspect of emergency preparedness. By understanding your needs, exploring different options, and employing smart shopping strategies, you can build a robust survival food supply without breaking the bank. Affordable survival food deals are out there – it just takes a little planning and effort to find them. Don’t delay – start building your emergency food stock today. Preparedness is not just about surviving; it’s about investing in your safety and peace of mind.
