Food Storage Alternatives for the Beginning Prepper on a Budget

When giving advice to those who are just getting started in their preparedness efforts, we often forget that changes in lifestyles can have a dramatic effect on the family budget. Fortunately, there are alternatives to breaking the proverbial piggy bank in order to be better prepared.

Food storage is one of the main parts of becoming better prepared. We all have to eat and sufficient food items are going to be a basic requirement. This is where intermediate food storage items can play a vital role in your family’s long term food storage program.

There are many items available that come pre-packaged in serving amounts that will meet the needs of most families. They can be purchased as single items or in multiple units depending upon your budget and your family's needs. They also have shelf lives that range from 6 months to a year. This makes them ideal for an intermediate long term food storage program. All you need is a couple of food grade buckets or storage containers.

Instant mashed potatoes, gravy mixes, cornbread mixes, biscuit mixes, small packages of rice, beans, dried soups or most any type of pasta can be easily stored in a bucket to provide a variety of food items that are easily prepared without a lot of prior preparation. They will also fit into your families current dietary preferences without causing the need for a big change in their diet. Fill a food storage container with a variety of items and  mark a use by date on the outside of the bucket once it’s been filled. Then set it aside till needed or when it becomes necessary to use it in your food rotation before it reaches its expiration date. 

At a later date and when your budget permits, you can expand your long term food storage with additional longer term food storage items.

Got intermediate food storage?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker