How to Prepare for Food Shortage In 2023 [Practical Tips]
How to Prepare for Food Shortage In 2023 [Practical Tips]
How to prepare for food shortage! Do you have a stockpile of essential foods ready and waiting for your household to use at a moment’s notice? If not, then you’re at risk of experiencing a crisis if food shortages occur in your area or even all across the globe.
Fortunately, it’s easy to learn how to prepare for food shortages – and we’re here to help with this guideHow to Prepare for Food Shortage In 2023 [Practical Tips] Here’s a look at all you need to know about preparing for food shortages.
Why Should You Prepare for a Food Shortage in 2023
Empty shelves have been a common sight in supermarkets for the past two years. Preparing for a food shortage is more important now than ever.
Every day seemingly brings new alerts about shortages of essential foods. These shortages are typically limited to a few products at a time and tend to resolve quickly. But there’s always a risk of food shortages happening on a global scale.
When the global food supply runs low, you won’t want to be the one standing in long lines at the grocery store only to face empty shelves. It’s much safer to have all the right items already on hand at home just in case something happens to the food supply chain.
You can then keep your household well-nourished and hydrated while waiting for the food shortage to end. So, it’s well worth preparing for supply chain issues by stocking up on emergency food, water, and other supplies.
How to Prepare for Food Shortage in 2023 - A Step by Step Guide
Here's a step by step list for beginners. To prepare for a potential food shortage in 2023, there are certain steps you need to take to have a methodical approach to preparing here. I highly recommend you follow each one of the following steps one- by-one, if you want to have a highly organized prepper supplies panty, then you need to bookmark this page and keep yourself accountable to this list!
Food Supply Audit and Rotation Checklist for Survival Prepping
Inventory Audit:
Take Stock: Write down all the food items you have in your storage.
Categorize: Sort your food items into categories: canned goods, dry goods, freeze-dried, vacuum-sealed, MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat), fresh foods, etc.
Count Quantities: Record the quantities of each food item in each category.
Check Expiration Dates: Write down the expiration date of each item.
Nutrition Value: Note the nutrition value of each food item. Consider how many meals can be made from each item, and if it contains a balanced amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Storage Conditions: Check and note the storage conditions of each item. Does it need to be stored in a cool, dry place? Does it need refrigeration?
Food Rotation and Expiration:
Organize by Expiration Date: Arrange food items based on their expiration dates. Items with nearer expiration dates should be placed in front for easy access.
Implement the FIFO Method: Practice First-In-First-Out (FIFO) method to ensure no item is left expired.
Track Consumption: Keep a record of the items that get used up quickly and those that don't. This can help to adjust your stock for the next time.
Monthly Check: Inspect your food storage monthly, checking for any signs of spoilage or pest activity.
Annual Review: Conduct a thorough review annually, assessing each item's condition and adjusting quantities and variety as per your needs and lessons learned.
Calculate Your Nutritional Requirements
Calculating your nutritional requirements involves a few different steps:
Understand Daily Caloric Intake: The average daily caloric intake for an adult woman is about 2000 calories, and for an adult man is about 2500 calories, according to the USDA Dietary Guidelines. However, these values can vary significantly based on age, sex, weight, height, and physical activity level. There are numerous online calculators available (like the one provided by Mayo Clinic) where you can input your information and get a more accurate daily calorie requirement.
Understand Nutritional Breakdown: Of the total daily calories, the general recommendation is for 45-65% to come from carbohydrates, 10-35% from protein, and 20-35% from fats, according to the Institute of Medicine. This can again be adjusted based on individual needs and dietary restrictions.
Calculate Meal Requirements: Once you understand the individual daily caloric and nutritional requirements, you can calculate the requirements per meal and per snack. For instance, if you're consuming 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, you could allocate about 20-25% of daily calories to each meal and 10-15% to each snack.
Multiply by Number of People: Multiply the per meal and per snack requirements by the number of people in your household.
Multiply by Number of Days: Finally, to calculate the total food supply you need to store, multiply the daily requirements by the number of days you aim to prepare for. As you noted, a good starting point is a two-week supply.
Remember, these calculations provide a rough estimate. Actual nutritional needs may vary based on many factors, including stress, cold temperatures, and increased physical activity, which are common in emergency situations. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Emergency meal planning for survival prepping requires a focus on high-calorie, nutritious, non-perishable food items that can be stored for long periods. The following blueprint can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and dietary requirements.
Example Emergency Meal Blueprint:
Breakfast:
Instant Oatmeal: High in fiber and can be easily prepared with hot water.
Powdered Milk: Provides necessary calcium and protein. Just mix with water.
Dried Fruit/Nuts: Good source of quick energy and healthy fats.
Coffee/Tea: Instant versions for comfort and warmth.
Lunch:
Canned Tuna/Chicken: Excellent source of protein.
Crackers: Carbs for energy.
Canned Veggies: Peas, carrots, etc. for fiber and nutrients.
Fruit Cups or Applesauce: For a sweet touch and extra vitamins.
Dinner:
Ready-to-Eat Meals (MREs): A variety of options to choose from, complete with heating packets.
Canned Soup/Stew: Another easy-to-prepare and hearty option.
Instant Rice or Noodles: Carbs for energy.
Snacks:
Protein Bars/Granola Bars: Easy to pack, good source of calories and nutrients.
Trail Mix: High energy, non-perishable, and nutrient-dense.
Beef Jerky: Lightweight, long-lasting source of protein.
Peanut Butter: High in protein and healthy fats, can be eaten with crackers or on its own.
Hydration:
Water: Aim to store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Instant Soup Packets: Provide both hydration and some sustenance.
Cooking and Utensils:
Portable Stove: Necessary for heating water and some food items.
Fuel: Extra canisters/bottles for the stove.
Utensils: A camping set with a plate, bowl, cup, and eating utensils.
Manual Can Opener: Essential for opening canned goods.
Remember to consider dietary restrictions and allergies in your planning. Rotate your food supply to keep it within the food's expiration date, and keep an inventory to track what you have and what you need. Consider learning some simple cooking techniques and recipes that can be made with your stored food to provide variety and boost morale in an emergency situation. And don't forget pet food if you have pets.
Lastly, the importance of storing enough water cannot be overstated. Water is crucial for both hydration and food preparation. In a situation where your water supply might be compromised, having a method to purify water, like a life straw or water purification tablets, is a must.
Armed with your meal blueprint, draw up your shopping list. Keep an eye out for sales or bulk purchase options to economize. Also, remember to restock non-food essentials such as water storage containers, water filters, and first aid kits. Regularly inspect your stockpile and replace any expired or used items.
Nurturing Your Emergency Food Supply: Crucial Steps
Once you have assessed your needs and procured the necessary supplies, your focus should be on maintaining your food reserve. Organize your food supply in a way that aligns with your family's eating habits, ensuring easy access and optimal rotation of your food stocks. Regularly check your stockpile, rotate your inventory by consuming older items first and replacing them with fresh stock.
Stock Up on Food and Supplies
Once you have your emergency food menu planned out, start purchasing the items on your list. Look for sales and buy in bulk to save money. Also, make sure to stock up on other essential items, such as water storage containers, a water filtration system, and medical supplies.
Organize Your Emergency Food Supply
Once you've purchased your emergency food supply, organize it in a way that makes sense for your family. Some people choose to organize their food by meal or by category, such as canned goods or protein sources. Make sure to label your food with the expiration date so you can rotate your stock.
The Best Types of Non-Perishable Foods to Prepare for a Potential Food Shortage in 2023
If you want to preserve foods, the sky is the limit in what you can store. Eggs in lime water, pickled vegetables, chutney, herbcans, and protein-rich soups are all great possibilities.
Other Ways to Prepare for a Potential Food Shortage in 2023
I included links to bulk inexpensive supplies, just add to cart to begin preparing your family for any type of emergency!
Optimally preparing for a potential food shortage in 2023 involves stocking your pantry and cellar with a diverse range of long-lasting, non-perishable foods. These items, comprising both packaged and canned goods, should offer a balance of nutrients, be simple to prepare, and have a prolonged shelf life. Here are the top recommendations:
Bulk 25 lb Rice: A versatile staple, rice can serve as a base for numerous meals. Both white and brown rice offer substantial caloric value and can be stored for years under the right conditions.
Bulk Non-GMO Organic 25lb Dried Beans: Highly nutritious, dried beans are a superb source of protein and fiber. They can be soaked overnight and cooked into soups, stews, or side dishes.
Bulk Low Sugar Instant Oatmeal: Quick to prepare, instant oatmeal offers a hearty, nutrient-rich breakfast option. Plus, many types are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
Canned Goods: Canned beans, vegetables, fruits, and meats all have a place in your emergency food supply. They're ready-to-eat and offer a significant nutritional punch. Canned soups, due to their diversity in ingredients, can also serve as a full meal.
Bulk 4lbs Dried Fruit: Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, and prunes are not only tasty snacks but also rich in dietary fiber and various vitamins. They can also add flavor to oatmeal or baked goods.
Bulk 5 lb Coconut Oil: With its high smoking point and long shelf life, coconut oil is perfect for cooking and baking. It can also serve as a calorie-dense supplement in times of scarcity.
Crackers: An excellent source of quick energy, crackers are suitable for pairing with canned meats or cheeses. Opt for whole-grain varieties for extra fiber.
Granola Bars: These are compact, portable, and loaded with energy. Look for low-sugar options to avoid unnecessary calories.
Bulk 5 lb Nut Butters: Peanut butter or almond butter are protein-rich, filling, and can be spread on crackers or used in cooking. They also have a great shelf life.
Nuts: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews can be eaten as snacks or added to meals for extra nutrition.
Jam: When you crave a sweet touch, jams and preserves can be a real treat. They pair well with crackers or granola bars and can last for years unopened.
Canned Fish: Canned tuna, salmon, and sardines are all excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be used in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.
Powdered Milk: This is a valuable source of calcium and protein. It can be used to make liquid milk or added to hot beverages and baked goods.
Long-lasting Cheeses: Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano can last for months in the proper conditions and can add flavor to a multitude of dishes.
Jerky: Whether it's beef, turkey, or other types, jerky is a high-protein, portable snack. Look for low-sodium versions to keep your salt intake in check.
Bulk 60 lbs Honey: A natural preservative, honey lasts indefinitely and can be used as a natural sweetener in drinks, oatmeal, and baking.
Bulk 50 lbs Organic Whole Grains: Quinoa, barley, and millet are excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. They can serve as a side dish or be mixed into soups or stews.
25 lb Bulk Canned or Dried Lentils: A great source of protein and fiber, lentils can be cooked into soups or stews, or served as a side dish.
Spices and Seasonings: While not nutritious themselves, spices, dried herbs, salt, and pepper can make other foods more palatable and enjoyable, which is crucial during a time of crisis.
Baking Supplies: Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and yeast can all be stored long-term and can allow you to make a variety of baked goods.
Bulk Instant Coffee or Tea: These can provide a comforting and familiar start to the day, and can help maintain morale during challenging times. It can also be used to trade.
Canned or Powdered Soups: These are easy to prepare and provide a comforting meal. Many canned and powdered soups also contain vegetables and proteins, making them a well-rounded food choice.
Protein Powders: These can supplement your protein intake and can be added to beverages, oatmeal, or homemade granola bars. *Don't forget to apply the coupon!
Canned or Bottled Juices: These are a good source of vitamins, especially Vitamin C. Opt for 100% fruit juice options to avoid unnecessary added sugars.
Bulk No Sugar Added Pasta Sauce: Whether tomato-based or creamy, pasta sauces can be combined with noodles or rice for a simple, filling meal. I recommend using glass jars to store long term.
Shelf-Stable Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives: These can be used for cooking, baking, or drinking, and are a good source of calcium and Vitamin D.
Canned Stews or Chili: These are usually protein-rich and can make for a hearty meal requiring little to no preparation.
Canned or Dried Chickpeas: These are a great source of protein and fiber, and can be used in salads, stews, or to make homemade hummus.
Freeze-Dried Meals: While often used for camping or hiking, these meals are also excellent for emergency food storage. They offer a variety of options from breakfasts to entrees and only require hot water to prepare.*Don't forget to apply the coupon!
Couscous and Bulgur: These grains cook quickly and are high in fiber. They can be used as a base for stews, salads, or served as a side dish.
Canned Olives or Pickles: These can add flavor and variety to meals. They are also a good source of healthy fats (olives) and probiotics (pickles).
Popcorn: A whole grain snack that's light, compact in storage, and can be easily cooked over a fire or stove.
Bulk US Military Grade Ready-to-Eat Meals (MREs): These are fully-cooked, portable meals initially designed for military personnel. Civilian versions are available and offer a quick, complete meal.
Dried Soup Mixes: These are lightweight, easy to store, and simple to prepare. They can provide a comforting hot meal with just the addition of water.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: To ensure your nutritional needs are met, it may be beneficial to include multivitamins or specific supplements based on your dietary requirements. (Be sure to store in an insulated space to ensure they do not melt or spoil)
Bulk Pure Non-GMO Dried Seaweed: Lightweight and rich in iodine, fiber, and several other nutrients, dried seaweed can be eaten as a snack or added to soups or stews.
Bulk Gluten-FreeTrail Mix: These mixtures of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes chocolate are calorie-dense and can provide a quick energy boost.
Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise can add flavor to meals and have a long shelf-life, particularly in individual sachets.
Remember, variety is the key. Ensuring you have different types of foods will keep meals interesting and improve morale during a food shortage. It's also important to rotate your supplies, consuming older stock first and replacing it with new purchases to maintain freshness and nutrition.
Storage Tips for Long Term Food Storage
It's essential that your stockpile of food is properly stored and maintained, you want it to be fresh in an emergency situation. While freezer foods are not non-perishable, they can still be a great addition to your stockpile if rotated out regularly. It's also important to regularly rotate out your non-perishables in your food storage areas.
To keep your food fresh and ready to feed your family, start by labeling everything with the purchase date. Then, create a spreadsheet to track the purchase date, ideal use-by date, and location of each item in your home.
Store your pantry items off the ground in a cool, dry location. If you're using a cellar, make sure all of your food is on sturdy shelves. Freeze all of your perishable goods for both regular and emergency use.
Check your list every month to identify items that need to be rotated out.
Use these items in your normal food supply and replace them during your next trip to the store.
By following this methodical approach, you'll avoid having to replace your entire stockpile at once, keeping your costs manageable while still staying prepared for any emergency. Additionally, your efforts will help reduce food waste over time.
Idea: Start a garden
A well-kept garden is a gift that keeps on giving, helping you prepare for a food shortage by ensuring you have enough fresh food to support your family. You can either set up your garden (learn how to get started from scratch here!) on your land or grab a spot in the local community garden.
Either way, you’ll want to create a bountiful gardening plan that allows you to harvest fruits, veggies, and herbs year-round. Plus, make sure to properly collect and save all your seeds to create a truly self-sustainable garden space.
By addressing these three areas, you’ll be ready to weather any upcoming food shortages that arise. You can then quit worrying about how potential supply chain disruptions might prevent your family from eating healthy foods.
How To Start a Survival Food Garden
Starting a survival food garden is a great idea, as it provides a sustainable source of fresh, nutritious food. For beginners, it might seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, you can definitely get started. Here are the steps to establish your own survival food garden:
1. Decide What to Grow
The first step is deciding what crops to grow in your survival garden. Think about what vegetables and herbs your family enjoys eating. Consider foods with high yields and nutritional value like potatoes, tomatoes, beans, peppers, kale, and zucchini. Also, consider growing herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint that can be used for flavoring.
2. Choose the Right Location
Most vegetables and herbs need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Pick a spot in your yard that gets adequate sunlight. The location should also have access to water and be protected from strong winds or potential damage from pets or wildlife.
3. Prepare the Soil
Good soil is crucial for a successful garden. You might need to enrich your soil with organic matter or compost to provide necessary nutrients for plant growth. Also, consider testing your soil to understand its pH and nutrient levels better. This can guide you on the amendments needed for optimum plant growth.
4. Plan Your Garden
Plan your garden considering the space each plant requires to grow. Some plants, like squash and cucumbers, need more space, while others, like carrots and radishes, can be grown quite close together. It's a good idea to draw out your garden plan before you start planting. Remember to rotate your crops each year to prevent soil nutrient depletion and disease buildup.
5. Start Planting
Some plants can be directly sown into your garden (like beans, peas, and carrots), while others might need to be started indoors or bought as seedlings (like tomatoes and peppers). Follow the instructions on your seed packets for best results.
6. Water and Care for Your Plants
Regular watering is critical, especially in the early stages of plant growth. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause roots to rot. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Companion planting can be a good strategy to deter pests naturally.
7. Harvest and Store Your Crops
Harvest your crops at peak ripeness for the best flavor and nutritional content. Research the best ways to store your crops to ensure you can enjoy them throughout the winter. For instance, potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place, while tomatoes can be canned.
8. Save Seeds for Next Year
Many plants produce seeds that you can save to plant the following year. This reduces costs and helps ensure you always have a source of food available.
9. Learn and Improve
Gardening is a learning process. Don’t be discouraged if everything doesn’t go perfectly the first year. Learn from what works and what doesn’t, and make improvements for next year.
Raise Chickens or Other Animals
Besides a vegetable garden, raising your own animals is a great way to prepare for a food shortage. You don’t need a lot of room to add two or three chickens, rabbits, ducks, or quail. Small animals like these are incredibly productive!
Chickens and ducks will provide you with an almost endless supply of eggs and meat. Add butchering to your list of skills to learn to be even more prepare.
Skip the High Prices and Avoid a Food Shortage in 2023 by Planting Your Very Own Garden
For true household sustainability, you definitely need to grow your own food in a garden. When properly maintained, a garden can provide your family with fresh produce nearly year-round.
You don’t need a lot of room either. It’s possible to get large harvests from a small garden patch in your yard or at a local community gardening space. Use this fantastic guide to help you maximize your crops – it tells you exactly what to plant and when:
Unless you already have a green thumb, you’ll want to start with easy-to-grow crops, like:
Herbs can also help your household stay well-nourished through a food shortage. They’re chockful of flavor and nutrients, making them a great addition to your emergency rations.
If you have room in your yard, consider planting fruit and nut trees wherever possible. Although they can take a few years to produce meaningful harvests, they’ll be an investment in the future.
Year-Round Garden Planning
For the best yields, try your hand at square-foot gardening. To do that effectively, create a plan for your garden throughout every season. That way, you’ll have harvestable produce coming your way all the time.
Start your garden plans by focusing on the warm and cool season crops you’ll grow in the spring and summer. Weeks before the first frost ends, start your seeds indoors to create strong seedlings for the spring growing season.
Starting a Survival Garden For Beginners:
A well-kept garden is a gift that keeps on giving, helping you prepare for a food shortage by ensuring you have enough fresh food to support your family. You can either set up your garden (learn how to get started from scratch here!) on your land or grab a spot in the local community garden.
Either way, you’ll want to create a bountiful gardening plan that allows you to harvest fruits, veggies, and herbs year-round. Plus, make sure to properly collect and save all your seeds to create a truly self-sustainable garden space.
By addressing these three areas, you’ll be ready to weather any upcoming food shortages that arise. You can then quit worrying about how potential supply chain disruptions might prevent your family from eating healthy foods.
How To Start a Survival Food Garden
Starting a survival food garden is a great idea, as it provides a sustainable source of fresh, nutritious food. For beginners, it might seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, you can definitely get started. Here are the steps to establish your own survival food garden:
1. Decide What to Grow
The first step is deciding what crops to grow in your survival garden. Think about what vegetables and herbs your family enjoys eating. Consider foods with high yields and nutritional value like potatoes, tomatoes, beans, peppers, kale, and zucchini. Also, consider growing herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint that can be used for flavoring.
2. Choose the Right Location
Most vegetables and herbs need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Pick a spot in your yard that gets adequate sunlight. The location should also have access to water and be protected from strong winds or potential damage from pets or wildlife.
3. Prepare the Soil
Good soil is crucial for a successful garden. You might need to enrich your soil with organic matter or compost to provide necessary nutrients for plant growth. Also, consider testing your soil to understand its pH and nutrient levels better. This can guide you on the amendments needed for optimum plant growth.
4. Plan Your Garden
Plan your garden considering the space each plant requires to grow. Some plants, like squash and cucumbers, need more space, while others, like carrots and radishes, can be grown quite close together. It's a good idea to draw out your garden plan before you start planting. Remember to rotate your crops each year to prevent soil nutrient depletion and disease buildup.
5. Start Planting
Some plants can be directly sown into your garden (like beans, peas, and carrots), while others might need to be started indoors or bought as seedlings (like tomatoes and peppers). Follow the instructions on your seed packets for best results.
6. Water and Care for Your Plants
Regular watering is critical, especially in the early stages of plant growth. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause roots to rot. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Companion planting can be a good strategy to deter pests naturally.
7. Harvest and Store Your Crops
Harvest your crops at peak ripeness for the best flavor and nutritional content. Research the best ways to store your crops to ensure you can enjoy them throughout the winter. For instance, potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place, while tomatoes can be canned.
8. Save Seeds for Next Year
Many plants produce seeds that you can save to plant the following year. This reduces costs and helps ensure you always have a source of food available.
9. Learn and Improve
Gardening is a learning process. Don’t be discouraged if everything doesn’t go perfectly the first year. Learn from what works and what doesn’t, and make improvements for next year.
Raise Chickens or Other Animals
Besides a vegetable garden, raising your own animals is a great way to prepare for a food shortage. You don’t need a lot of room to add two or three chickens, rabbits, ducks, or quail. Small animals like these are incredibly productive!
Chickens and ducks will provide you with an almost endless supply of eggs and meat. Add butchering to your list of skills to learn to be even more prepare.
How to Prepare for Food Shortage in 2023 With Warm Season Seeds
Depending on your climate, springtime plants you might want to grow include:
Check your local almanac to see when to put the seedlings in the ground. Then, water them as needed to keep the plants growing strong through the end of the harvest.
How to Prepare for Food Shortage With Cool Season Seeds
As the end of summer nears, start your seeds indoors once again, but this time for your cool season crops, like:
Carrots
Radishes
Turnips
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Lettuce
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
After the summer heat tempers, you can start putting these plants in the ground. As with the springtime, always check the almanac for the ideal planting dates for your area.
Keep in mind that you can replant new carrot, parsnip, and radish seedlings as you harvest each row. Also, clip your lettuce at the base instead of pulling it up to keep the crops growing all season long.
Through each season, create a plan for all your harvests. You may need to keep pulling out the instant pot, pressure cooker, and other canning gear to create a large enough food supply to withstand a food shortage.
It’s well worth the time and effort it takes to build up your cellar shelves enough to get your household through whatever food shortage comes your way.
Don’t Forget Seed Saving
When food shortages occur, seed shortages usually follow.
To avoid getting stuck without seeds to grow next season, get in the habit of letting a few plants go to seed each season. You can also trade your seeds with neighbors to vary your crop types and build a large collection of seeds.
Good seed-saving practices to follow on your ‘how to prepare for food shortage’ journey include:
Only have the strongest plants in your garden go to seed each season
Let each type of plant fully complete the seed production process
Harvest the seeds by hand and then let them dry fully before storing
Store all your seeds in clean, dry glass containers with tight-fitting lids
Label each seed jar and place them in a cool, dry location for later use
Plan to use your seeds across the next few seasons to keep them viable. Replace them as needed each growing season, so you maintain a robust collection of many different types of fruit and vegetable seeds.
Start with your emergency kit to ensure you have grab-and-go goodness on hand no matter what food shortage situations come your way. To begin, get a plastic tub to store your food and other items.
The tub should fit in your vehicle just in case you need to evacuate. Then, fill it with all the right items and store it in an easily accessible location that’s protected from the elements.
Key Items to Include in Your Kit
For a family of four, you will need:
How to Assemble an Emergency Kit
At least three days’ worth of food for each person, including protein bars, fruit cans, and canned foods
Enough clean drinking water to last each person three days or more
Manual can opener
Soap and hand sanitizer
Plastic utensils
Paper plates
Food preparation tools
Emergency blankets
Dust masks
Garbage bags
Hand-crank radio
Whistles
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Cellphone and portable chargers
Pet food and water
Put a roll of high-density painter’s plastic and duct tape in your kit just in case you need to shelter in place. Also, remember to purchase water purification tablets for your kit, just in case your water gets contaminated.
In addition, put together a first aid kit with:
Bandages
Gauze
Tape
Alcohol pads
Antibiotic ointment
Instant cold compresses
Tweezers
Thermometer.
Beyond that, don’t forget to include:
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Anti-inflammatories
Antihistamines
If anyone in your household takes prescription medication, include that as well.
How to Calculate a Day’s Worth of Food and Water
Look at the nutritional info on your foods to figure out how much to include for each member of your household. To properly sustain each person, you’ll want to pack about 2,000 calories of food per day.
How much food is that? For each day of the food shortage, you might want to pack each person:
One can of chili – 550 calories
One sleeve of crackers – 480 calories
One shelf-stable complete meal – 300 calories
Two tablespoons of peanut butter – 190 calories
One cup of canned fruit cocktail in syrup – 140 calories
Two protein bars – 380 calories
All these foods add up to 2,040 calories for the day. But you can mix and match whatever food items work for your household best.
Although you could reduce the calorie allowance for kids, it’s not advised. Also, remember to put formula, baby foods, and snacks for infants and toddlers in your kit if you have little ones. Overall, buy food that your kids will like to help reduce their stress about the situation.
The water should be used primarily for drinking, but it might be helpful for washing up in a pinch.
Do you have pets in the house? Pack up their daily food allowance as well along with one gallon of water per pet. Learning how to prepare for food shortage includes caring for the animals in your care.
Emergency Kit Storage Tips
With the exception of canned goods, put as much of the food as possible in sealable bags. Do the same for your other supplies that could get damaged by flooding water and dust exposure.
Then, put it all in your plastic storage bin. You’ll want to place the food storage and supply bin near the front door or in the garage, so it’s easy to access in the event of an
Causes of Global Food Shortages
You’re not likely to see food shortages coming soon enough to adequately prepare your household for the bare supermarket shelves. By the time you get notice of an impending food shortage, it’s likely that everyone else in your area is on the same page.
The reason for the relatively short notice is due to the main causes of these shortages, including:
Crop damage
Natural disaster
War and other conflicts
These issues can all disrupt the supply chain without warning, leaving households scrambling for a solution. This is why is so important to learn how to prepare for food shortage.
Gradual food shortages may also occur due to the impact of climate change on the farming and fishing industries. Labor shortages can greatly impact food production, transport, and sales activities. An economic downturn can even leave communities struggling to get the resources needed to properly stock supermarkets with all the essentials.
Sometimes, the hint of an impending food shortage causes products to disappear from shelves for an extended period of time. This happened with toilet paper in 2020 due to supply chain issues caused by the pandemic. The results could be devastating if pantry staples, like flour, sugar, and yeast, got hoarded on a global scale and for even longer than the toilet paper shortages.
Preparation Is Key to Avoiding a Food Crisis
Now that you know how to prepare for food shortage, it’s time to get started. You simply cannot predict when a shortage will arise, after all, so it’s best to get prepared early.
As climate change, global conflicts, and the like continue to happen, the risk of communities falling short on food will always remain. So, keep your supplies well maintained with regular inspections and rotations as well. Your efforts will help ensure that your household has everything it needs to stay self-sustainable through any crisis.
Even before the invasion, food prices were already at record highs. As of February 2022, year-over-year food prices were up 20%, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.The war further increased year-over-year prices another 40% in March.The compounding issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as climate-related crop failures, are expected to reverse global trends in reducing hunger and malnutrition.
Some regions, such as East Africa and Madagascar, were already experiencing drought and famine due to agricultural system failures and climate change,and the price increases are expected to make the situation worse. Even Global North countries that usually have secure food supplies, such as the UK and US, are beginning to experience the direct impacts of cost inflation due to food insecurity. Some analysts described the price increases as the worst since the 2007–2008 world food price crisis.Though initial international responses to the food crisis suggested that some suppliers or harvests may alleviate global shortages and price increases (e.g. a proposed influx of grain from India), as of June 2022 no international efforts have been effective at alleviating prices.
Cause of Food Shortage in 2023: Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the President of the African Union, Macky Sall, to discuss grain deliveries from Russia and Ukraine to Africa, 3 June 2022
From 2 Feb to 1 April, Russia banned the export of ammonium nitrate (AN) to guarantee supplies for domestic farmers following the spike in global fertilizer prices, which were impacted by rising costs for natural gas. This conflict will affect most of the economies, however, the most affected economies are in Europe and Africa. It is advisable for these economies to explore and find alternative food supply chain partners and solutions in North America, South America, the Middle East, Australasia, and some regions of Asia and Africa that have been less affected by this conflict.
Wheat prices surged to their highest prices since 2008 in response to the 2022 attacks.Ukraine accounted for 10% of global wheat exports. At the time of the invasion, Ukraine was the fourth-largest exporter of corn and wheat, and the world's largest exporter of sunflower oil, with Russia and Ukraine together responsible for 27% of the world's wheat exports and 53% of the world's sunflowers and seeds. The head of the World Food Programme, David Beasley, warned in March that the war in Ukraine could take the global food crisis to "levels beyond anything we've seen before".
A potential disruption to global wheat supplies could exacerbate the ongoing hunger crisis in Yemen, Afghanistanand East Africa. The American Bakers Association president warned that the price of anything made with grain would begin rising as all the grain markets are interrelated. The chief agricultural economist for Wells Fargo stated that Ukraine will likely be severely limited in their ability to plant crops in spring 2022 and lose an agricultural year, while an embargo on Russian crops would create more inflation of food prices. Recovering crop production capabilities may take years even after fighting has stopped.
Surging wheat prices resulting from the conflict have strained African countries such as Egypt, which are highly dependent upon Russian and Ukrainian wheat exports, and have provoked fears of social unrest. At least 25 African countries import a third of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine, and 15 of them import more than half from those two countries.On 24 February, the Chinese government announced that it would drop all restrictions on Russian wheat as part of an agreement that had been reached earlier in February;the South China Morning Post called this a potential "lifeline" for the Russian economy.
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