When it comes to preparing for emergencies or simply ensuring you have enough supplies on hand, knowing how much food to store is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan a six-month food supply for one person.
Daily Caloric Needs
First, let’s establish the daily caloric intake. On average, an adult needs about 2,000 calories per day to maintain their energy levels. This can vary based on age, gender, and activity level, but 2,000 calories is a good baseline.
Total Caloric Needs for Six Months
To calculate the total caloric needs for six months, multiply the daily caloric intake by the number of days in six months (approximately 180 days):
2,000 calories/day×180 days=360,000 calories
Types of Food to Store
A balanced diet is essential, even in an emergency. Insure that the foods you store are the same foods you would eat making sure to practice FIFO, First In, First Out. Here are the main categories of food you should consider:
Grains and Legumes
Grains: Rice, pasta, oats, and quinoa are excellent sources of carbohydrates and have a long shelf life. Aim for about 300-400 pounds of grains.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas provide protein and fiber. Store around 60 pounds of legumes.
Proteins
Canned Meats: Tuna, chicken, and beef are good options. You’ll need about 180 cans or 720 pouches for six months.
Powdered Milk: A great source of protein and calcium. Store around 16 pounds.
Fruits and Vegetables
Canned or Dehydrated: These are essential for vitamins and minerals. Aim for a variety of options to ensure nutritional balance.
Fats and Oils
Cooking Oils: Olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil are necessary for cooking and energy. Store about 2.5 gallons.
Nuts and Seeds: These are great for snacking and adding to meals.
Sugars and Sweeteners
Sugar and Honey: Store around 60 pounds of sugar and a jars of honey for sweetening and preserving food.
Honey has an incredibly long shelf life, even if it has crystalized in the jar.
Miscellaneous
Salt and Spices: Essential for flavor and preserving food. Store around 8 pounds of salt and a variety of spices. More salt is better as you can use it to preserve food
Vinegar: Vinegar is used to pickle preserves increasing the shelf life of fresh produce.
Water: Don’t forget to store water! Aim for at least one gallon per person per day, which totals 180 gallons for six months.
Keep in mind, these suggestions are for one person for six months. Additional family members require additional prepping for. Make it a family project to encourage everyone in the house to be on-board with everyday prepping. Preparing a six-month food supply requires careful planning and consideration of your dietary needs. Increasing your food readiness can be simplified by buying extra of what you already eat and practice "none is one. two is one." By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a well-rounded and sufficient food supply to sustain you through any emergency.
Feel free to share your thoughts or any additional tips you might have! #FoodStorage #EmergencyPreparedness #Prepping
Stay Safe. Stay Aware. Stay Prepared.
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