Preparing for emergencies and natural disasters is something every family should start doing. Considering the state of the world today, a crisis could happen at any moment. For your peace of mind, you can start taking steps to ensure that when SHTF your family has access to all their basic needs, including food, water and hygiene supplies.
One of the biggest concerns for beginners and even seasoned preppers is how to build and maintain a functional food storage system. While it could take long hours of careful planning and quite a heavy investment (depending on your goals and the size of your family) to materialize, the security a well-stocked survival pantry offers is unparalleled and certainly worth the effort.
Some preppers may argue that growing a food garden instead of stocking up on food is a more worthwhile and sustainable endeavor. [1] After all, fresh produce provides more nutrition than packaged processed foods, and having a garden means having an inexhaustible supply of food. On the other hand, not everyone has the time, means or resources to grow a survival garden.
Even if gardening is not an option for you, it is still possible to fill your survival pantry with healthy and nutritious foods that will last long in storage. All it takes is finding the right products and preparing a suitable storage space. Modern food preservation techniques like freeze-drying now allow fresh produce to be stored long-term with great convenience and without compromising their nutritional quality.
So if you’re planning to start your own survival food pantry, stocking up on freeze-dried organic foods is the way to go. Not only are freeze-dried foods so well-preserved that they can last for years, but their nutritional value when rehydrated also remains similar to their fresh counterparts’. In fact, freeze-dried foods retain about 97% of their original nutrient content. [2]
Starting your own Survival Food Pantry
Building up a well-stocked survival food pantry takes a lot of work and patience. It’s not as simple as buying a month or a year’s worth of food and storing your haul in the basement. If you wish to maintain your survival pantry, you need to learn how to rotate and manage your food storage. Buying loads of extra food without giving it much thought is a waste of money and will only leave you with lots of spoiled food and disappointment.
So start off by setting small, achievable goals. Instead of aiming for a year’s worth of supplies, consider building a two- or three-week supply first to see how it goes. You can always build up from there once you are ready and get the hang of things. Starting small also allows you to use up your supply and replenish only when needed so no food in your pantry goes to waste. [3]
Prepping for every possible disaster scenario can be difficult and overwhelming, especially since you cannot second-guess the future. So instead of stressing yourself with this daunting task, focus on preparing for the most likely ones to occur in your area. This will help you determine just how much food you really need and how large of a space you will need for storage. [4]
A lot of calculations are involved in building a survival pantry. Whether it is a three-week or three-month supply you’re aiming for, you need to calculate the exact amount of food to allocate to each member of your family. But instead of counting the number of servings per person, expert preppers recommend using a calorie calculator.
Figuring out the number of calories each person needs for a day and multiplying that by the number of days you’re planning to store food is a more straightforward and efficient way of determining what you need. Once you have that information, you can then set a budget and create meal plans to make managing your food supply easier.
When setting a budget, make sure you don’t go overboard and beyond your means. There is no need to rush and sacrifice important things just to fill up your survival pantry. Be patient and don’t worry about going slowly. When making a list of foods to buy, also remember to take dietary restrictions (if there’s any) into consideration.
It is highly recommended to go for nutritious and energizing organic foods in a SHTF scenario. Clean and lab-verified organic food will give your body the maximum advantage in emergency situations. To help you figure out how much of each type you should buy, consider creating a meal plan that includes all the foods you are planning to stock up on.
Before going on a trip to the grocery or ordering online, prepare a suitable storage area for your supplies. Meeting storage requirements is the best way to ensure the food in your survival pantry lasts an extended period. Unless otherwise stated, you can maximize the shelf life of survival foods by storing them in a cool, dark place. Make sure your survival food comes in airtight containers. [5]
Besides their nutritional value, you should also consider the storability of your preferred foods. Stock up on shelf-stable foods and buy them in bulk to save money. If you want to add fresh meat and produce in the mix, learn how to preserve them by dehydrating, canning or fermenting them at home or, to save time, purchase them in freeze-dried form.
Essential items to include in your Survival Food Pantry and where to get them
In a survival situation, you need to keep your strength and your wits about you. Being in tip-top shape is a definite advantage because when SHTF, you need to be alert, focused and quick on your feet to survive. Only with regular exercise and proper nutrition can you be in the best condition both physically and mentally.
The best way to get everything that you need from your diet in times of emergency is to fill your survival pantry with highly nutritious foods. Plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, while lean meats are high in protein. Aside from being an alternative energy source, protein is needed by your body to maintain and replace tissues and to function optimally. [6]
Carbohydrates and fats (the healthy kind) are also important nutrients to get because they provide energy. While carbohydrates are the quickest source of energy for your body, fats are the slowest and the most efficient. This is actually why your body stores excess energy from foods in the form of fat. [7][8]
While plant-based foods are the ideal survival foods in terms of nutrition, they unfortunately don’t last long in storage. But thanks to modern innovations such as the freeze-drying method, it is now possible to store fresh produce in your pantry for longer periods. To support optimal nutrition when you need it most, make sure you include these highly nutritious, energy-giving foods in your survival pantry:*
Whole grains
Whole grains refer to the seeds of edible grasses, such as wheat, oats and rice. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, an essential component of a healthy diet. [9] Fiber-rich foods not only support good overall health and wellness, but they are also very filling, which is great for when you need to conserve your food supply. [10]
Whole grains are infinitely better than refined grains because their nutritious outer layers (bran) are not stripped off after harvesting. [11] While their nutrient content varies, whole grains are typically a good source of vitamins A and E, B-complex vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. [12]
If you’re looking for clean, certified organic whole grains to add to your survival pantry, check out these offerings from the Health Ranger Store. Laboratory tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology for your peace of mind, Health Ranger Select Organic Quinoa, Health Ranger Select Organic Tri-color Quinoa and Health Ranger Select Organic Millet come in convenient mega buckets for long-term storage.
We also offer clean, lab-verified Health Ranger Select Freeze-dried Organic Whole Corn in #10 cans. A versatile addition to your survival food stockpile, this product can last up to 15 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place with low humidity.
Healthy fat sources
Healthy fats like omega fatty acids are also called essential fatty acids because your body needs them but cannot produce them on its own. [13][14] Omega fats also provide energy (calories) for your body, so foods that are high in these healthy fats are great additions to your survival food stockpile. [15] Omega-3 fats are abundantly present in fatty fish, but you can also get them from plant-based sources such as organic nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds also contain significant amounts of omega-6s.
To help you get high amounts of plant-based omega fats, the Health Ranger Store is offering Health Ranger Select Organic Black Chia Seeds, a healthy addition to drinks and desserts, and Health Ranger Select Organic Almonds, a perfectly healthy and filling snack. Both products come in mini-buckets and are meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
We also offer Health Ranger Select Organic Brown Flaxseed, which comes in storable mega buckets. One of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, our organic brown flaxseed is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin B6 and essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Protein sources
Protein is essential for building muscle. In times of emergency, you will need strong muscles to perform various physical activities, so getting enough protein from your diet is a must. Lean red meat and poultry are great high-protein sources, but so are beans and other legumes. The latter are also inexpensive and high in fiber, making them incredibly filling and the perfect survival foods to stock up on.
Aside from protein and fiber, beans are a good source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9 and C and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium. [16] Similarly, other legumes such as peas and lentils provide varying amounts of B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc and phosphorous. [17]
The Health Ranger Store offers a wide range of plant-based protein sources for your survival food pantry. Health Ranger Select Organic Adzuki Beans, Health Ranger Select Organic Black Beans, Health Ranger Select Organic Red Lentils, Health Ranger Select Organic Pinto Beans and Health Ranger Select Organic Black-eyed Peas are all lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and come in 10lb mega buckets.
We also offer Health Ranger Select Freeze-dried Organic Peas, which come in #10 cans, and two other excellent non-legume sources of fiber and protein, namely, Health Ranger Select Organic Amaranth, a gluten-free seed with a nutty flavor, and Health Ranger Select Organic Hard Red Wheat Berries, the whole grain form of wheat. Both products also come in long-term storable 10lb mega buckets.
Freeze-dried organic fruits and vegetables
As mentioned above, organic fruits and vegetables are generous sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial phytonutrients. As such, they deserve a place in your survival food pantry. To ensure that they last long in storage, purchase them freeze-dried. You can easily add them to all kinds of recipes, including healthy beverages. To rehydrate, simply soak them in water.
Choose from a wide selection of lab-verified freeze-dried organic fruits and vegetables at the Health Ranger Store. We offer Groovy Bee® Organic Freeze-Dried Cranberry Whole, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Raspberries, Health Ranger Select Organic Freeze Dried Pineapple, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Banana, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Blueberries, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Strawberry Pieces, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Mango Diced and Health Ranger Select Freeze Dried Organic Apple 3/8 Diced, all of which come in sturdy #10 cans.
Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Broccoli and Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Chopped Kale are also carefully packed in long-term storable #10 cans. All of our products are vegan, certified Kosher and organic, and lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Salt and natural sweeteners
Salt and sweeteners are important ingredients for cooking. Without these, food will taste bland or unpleasant and will become simply unenjoyable. But did you know that salt and raw honey, a healthy alternative to regular sugar, have plenty of other uses outside the kitchen?
A versatile preparedness item, salt can also be used to make a saline solution, fight weeds, clean your teeth, knock rust off your survival equipment and much more. [18] Raw honey, on the other hand, can be used to make cough syrup, dress wounds, condition your hair and moisturize your skin, among other uses. [19]
The Health Ranger Store offers healthier alternatives to refined salt and sugar. Mined from ancient sea salt deposits located deep inside the Himalayan Mountains, Health Ranger Select Fine Ground Pink Himalayan Salt contains a full spectrum of electrolytes and trace minerals that are usually stripped away from regular table salt.
Health Ranger Select Organic Maple Sugar Powder is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of the sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum). Made from 100% pure organic maple syrup, it is the perfect alternative to regular sugar and artificial sweeteners. Use it as a sugar replacement when baking and to sweeten your teas, coffees, shakes, smoothies and other beverages.
Health Ranger Select Organic Coconut Palm Sugar is another healthy sugar alternative that you can store in your survival pantry. Extracted from the bark and fruits of tropical coconut palms, it is a common alternative to brown sugar and boasts a low glycemic index. This product comes in storable #10 cans.
Instant coffee and dry milk powder
When SHTF, it wouldn’t hurt to have other types of beverages to drink besides water. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, stock up on instant coffee instead of fresh coffee. Because of its low moisture content, instant coffee will last longer in storage, typically around two or more years depending on how it was processed and how well it was packaged. [20]
Coffee and milk go well together. And even if you don’t like milk with your cup of joe, there are still benefits to having powdered milk in your pantry. Aside from being shelf-stable and not needing refrigeration, milk powder contains a wealth of essential nutrients and is easy to incorporate into various recipes.
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of milk in the morning with Health Ranger Select Fair Trade Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee and Health Ranger Select Organic Non-Fat Milk Powder. Our premium instant coffee is processed using organic coffee beans and is carefully freeze-dried to preserve optimal taste, aroma and nutrient content.
Versatile and highly nutritious, our organic non-fat milk powder is sourced from healthy cows that are ethically raised without the use of GMOs, bovine growth hormones, antibiotics or synthetic substances. Our high-quality lab-verified milk powder can easily increase your daily intake of calcium, potassium, protein and other nutrients in any situation.
Health Ranger Select Fair Trade Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee and Health Ranger Select Organic Non-Fat Milk Powder are extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and come in easy-to-store #10 cans.
Dietary supplements
Dietary supplements are designed to help you meet your daily nutritional needs. Despite an adequate food supply, some people fail to get sufficient amounts of certain nutrients from their diet. If you or a family member has this problem, then having a supply of dietary supplements in your survival pantry might come in handy when SHTF.
To help you maintain optimal nutrition, the Health Ranger Store proudly offers clean, lab-verified chlorella and spirulina in tablet and powder forms. One of the world's most nutritionally complete superfoods, spirulina is a microscopic freshwater alga that contains more iron than raw spinach and more protein than beef, poultry and fish.
Choose from three different spirulina products for your survival stockpile: Health Ranger Select Spirulina 500mg Tablets, Health Ranger Select Spirulina Powder and Hawaiian Spirulina Cold Pressed 500mg Tablets are all lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and are sold in #10 cans for long-term storage.
Often referred to as “Nature’s Perfect Food” due to its well-balanced ratio of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, chlorella is a unicellular microalga that can help you boost your nutrient intake. Chlorella, in its natural form, has a tough cell wall that makes it difficult to digest, which is why we have created a "thin cell wall" chlorella to help you enjoy chlorella’s nutritional benefits with ease.
Choose from three different chlorella products for your survival stockpile: Health Ranger Select Clean Chlorella™ Tablets, Health Ranger Select Organic Clean Chlorella Powder and Health Ranger Select Clean Chlorella™ Powder are all extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and also come in #10 cans.
The Health Ranger Store also offers the Health Ranger Select Ranger Bucket Set - Organic Emergency Storable Food Supply, the WORLD’S FIRST emergency food supply that's certified organic and laboratory verified. Our buckets contain a carefully curated selection of highly nutritious survival foods that includes whole grains, healthy fat and protein sources, and/or pink Himalayan salt and organic coconut sugar.
The contents of our Ranger Bucket Set can be stored up to 10-15 years, depending on storage conditions. Keep the bucket in a dark, cool, low-humidity location and its contents will last for an extended duration. You can check out what other long-term storable supplies we have for your survival pantry at this link: Health Ranger Store’s Emergency Survival Foods.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://thesurvivalgardener.com
[3] https://homesteadingfamily.com
[4] https://www.therevolutionblog.com
[5] https://www.idyllicpursuit.com
[6] https://www.msdmanuals.com
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[9] https://www.news-medical.net
[10] https://www.tandfonline.com
[11] https://health.clevelandclinic.org
[12] https://www.mayoclinic.org
[13] https://www.medparkhospital.com
[14] https://www.mountsinai.org
[15] https://www.healthline.com
[16] https://beaninstitute.com
[17] https://diabetesjournals.org
[18] https://www.survivalfrog.com
