Whether you want an emergency food supply for unforeseen circumstances like blackouts, civil unrest, or natural disasters or simply to keep grocery trips to a minimum, building a DIY emergency food supply kit may be easier than you think!
Focusing on natural, organic, non-GMO foods that provide quality and nutritional value, our long-term food bundle or individual bulk food items will ensure that you and your loved ones are well prepared in the healthiest way possible.
The hardest part of starting an emergency food supply is knowing what foods to buy and whether they will be good quality and packed with healthy nutrition. But we've done the hard work for you!
Keep reading to learn more about our long-term food supply bundle, or discover our top foods for building your own emergency food supply bundle that focuses on your health and proper nutrition. Not like some survival food starter kits that are processed, bland, preservative-stuffed, and expensive ;-)
We'll also share 8 strategies for building a DIY emergency food supply. So let's start!
OUR CURATED NATURAL FOOD SUPPLY BUNDLE
Offer your family the ultimate food security with our meticulously curated "Pantry Provisions" long-term food supply bundle, designed to offer comprehensive and balanced nourishment.
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Featuring an array of shelf-stable foods, our long-term, or emergency food supply bundle includes high-protein staples such as lentils and beans, a diverse selection of whole grains, and nutrient-dense additions like chia seeds. It also includes quick-prep items like instant potato flakes and rolled oats, alongside versatile ingredients such as sundried tomatoes and popcorn.
With these ingredients, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded diet rich in macronutrients and essential vitamins, which is crucial for optimal body function and overall wellness.
You Will Taste the Difference of 100% Whole Foods—No Freeze-Drying, No Additives, Just Pure Ingredients!
All items are chosen for their extended shelf life, ensuring that your food remains fresh and nutritious until you're ready to replenish. This makes the bundle an ideal solution for both long-term food storage and emergency preparedness.
This bundle is enough to feed 1 person 2,500 calories for 300+ days or a family of 4 for 3 months!
BUILD YOUR OWN DIY EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY BUNDLE
Prefer to build your own emergency food supply bundle according to your needs and foods you love? Then build your own with the below grains, legumes, and other options!
WHEAT
Why it’s good: Wheat is highly versatile and can be ground into flour to make bread, pasta, and other foods. It’s packed with calories, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a staple for long-term sustenance.
Storage life: When stored properly in air-tight containers, wheat can last up to 30 years.
Shop a variety of 1 to 50 lbs wheat berries here!
WHITE RICE
Why it’s good: White rice is affordable, easy to store, and provides a dense source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with other foods.
Storage life: White rice can last 25-30 years when stored in a cool, dry place.
Shop a variety of 1 to 50 lbs. white and brown rice here!
OATS
Why it’s good: Oats are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients like iron and magnesium. They are filling, easy to prepare, and versatile for breakfast or baking.
Storage life: When stored properly in sealed containers, oats can last up to 30 years.
Shop for all kinds of oat products and bulk sizes here!
DRIED CORN
Why it’s good: Popcorn kernels are versatile and can be used for snacking or ground into cornmeal for baking and cooking. Corn is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, making it a great energy source.
Storage life: When stored in a cool, dry environment, popcorn kernels can last up to 10-15 years, making them an excellent addition to your emergency food supply.
Potato Flakes
Why they’re good: Potato flakes are easy to prepare by simply adding water, providing a quick, filling meal. They are rich in carbohydrates and can serve as a substitute for fresh potatoes. Use them to make delicious mashed potatoes, as a thickening agent in soups, casseroles, pot pies and more.
Storage life: When sealed in oxygen-free containers, potato flakes can last up to 10-15 years.
Get 4 or 40 pounds of potato flakes here!
Beans and Legumes
Why they’re good: Beans and legumes (such as lentils, black beans, and chickpeas) are rich in protein, which will be essential for optimal body function, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a plant-based protein source, making them an excellent option for a balanced diet.
Storage life: Dried beans can last 10+ years when stored in air-tight containers with oxygen absorbers.
Buy a variety of bulk beans and lentils here!
Milk Powder
Why it’s good: Milk powder is a great source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins. It’s perfect for recipes, baking, or as a beverage when fresh milk is unavailable.
Storage life: Non-fat milk powder can last up to 20 years when stored properly.
Get up to 20 lbs. of organic plant milk powder here!
Coconut Oil
Why it’s good: Coconut oil is a versatile fat source that’s excellent for cooking, baking, and frying. It contains healthy fats and has a long shelf life compared to other oils.
Storage life: Unrefined coconut oil can last up to 5 years, while refined coconut oil up to 3 years, depending on storage conditions
Dried Fruit
Why it’s good: Dried fruit offers natural sweetness and provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They’re great for snacks and adding to meals like oatmeal or baked goods.
Storage life: When stored in a cool, dry place, dried fruits can last up to 1-5 years, depending on the type.
You can get a variety of dried fruits here!
Baking Powder and Soda
Why they’re good: If you want to make baked goods with your milled berries or flour, both baking powder and baking soda will be essential. Baking soda is also useful for cleaning and deodorizing.
Storage life: Baking powder has a shelf life of 1-2 years, while baking soda can last indefinitely if stored properly.
Buy baking soda and baking powder here!
Dried Onion and Garlic
Why they’re good: Dried onion and garlic granules add flavor to meals and are packed with antioxidants and nutrients. They take up little space and are essential for making bland emergency meals more enjoyable.
Storage life: Both dried onion and garlic granules can last 3-4 years when stored properly.
Buy organic onion granules and granulated garlic here
Salt and Spices
Why they’re good: Salt is essential for preserving food, seasoning, and maintaining electrolyte balance. Spices add flavor to meals, making food more palatable during stressful times.
Storage life: Salt has an indefinite shelf life, while spices can last up to 4 years if stored in airtight containers.
8 STRATEGIES TO BUILD AN EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY
ASSESS YOUR FAMILY'S NEEDS
------When building your emergency food supply, evaluate what your family eats daily. Emergency situations are stressful, so it's best to stick with familiar foods you enjoy.
Make a list of essential dietary needs, including any allergies, intolerances, or preferences within your household. For example, if someone is gluten-free or vegetarian, tailor your supplies to reflect that.
Dietary considerations: Account for any dietary restrictions or special needs (e.g., low sodium, diabetic-friendly options).
Variety and morale: Consider including comfort foods like chocolate, tea, or snacks to maintain morale during stressful times.
MEET CALORIE REQUIREMENTS
------Calories are crucial in emergencies, as they provide the energy needed to maintain health and strength. The USDA recommends an average of 2,000-2,500 calories per person per day, but this varies based on activity level, age, and weight.
Example: A 150-pound man may need around 2,360 calories if inactive, and 3,176 calories if very active. A 125-pound woman would need about 1900 calories if inactive and 2600 calories if very active. Using wheat as an example, 300 lbs of wheat equals 456,000 calories, which can provide approximately 1,249 calories per day for one person over a year.
Scale based on household size: Calculate the number of calories needed for your entire family, then plan your food storage accordingly. Aim for a minimum of 10,000 calories per day for a family of four.
SPEND YOUR MONEY WISELY
------While prepackaged emergency food kits such as MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) or freeze-dried meals are convenient, they tend to be expensive. A DIY approach to building your emergency food supply can be much more cost-effective.
Buy in bulk: Purchase grains, beans, and other staples in bulk from warehouse clubs or specialty stores. These often offer better prices per pound.
Shop with friends: If the quantity seems overwhelming, consider buying bulk supplies with friends or neighbors and splitting the cost.
Build gradually: You don't have to purchase everything at once. Buy a few extra items as your budget allows, and slowly build your supply.
ENSURE PROPER NUTRITION
------Surviving on just calories isn't enough. Your body also needs a balance of essential vitamins and minerals to avoid malnutrition, which can lead to serious health issues like confusion, weakness, heart problems, and immune deficiencies. Focus on storing nutrient-dense foods that provide well-rounded nutrition.
Basic staples: Foods like wheat, white rice, pasta, dried beans, oats, and powdered milk cover most essential vitamins and minerals, except for Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) and Vitamin C.
Vitamin supplements: Include a Vitamin C supplement to prevent deficiencies like scurvy. Consider adding a multivitamin to ensure you're meeting all dietary requirements.
OPTIMIZE YOUR STORAGE SPACE
------Space can be a limiting factor, especially if you live in a small home or apartment. Get creative with your storage solutions.
Maximize unused spaces: Utilize areas like under beds, high closet shelves, or beneath dressers and sofas. These spaces are often underutilized and can store sealed containers of non-perishable foods.
Organize by priority: Keep your most frequently used items within easy reach, while long-term storage items can be placed in more out-of-the-way locations.
FOOD STORAGE CONDITIONS
------The lifespan of your emergency food supply depends largely on the conditions in which it's stored.
Temperature: Aim for a cool, consistent temperature (around 50-70°F).
Moisture: Ensure your storage space is dry to prevent mold or spoilage.
Light and oxygen: Light and oxygen can cause food to deteriorate more quickly, so store food in opaque, airtight containers.
Pests: Use rodent- and insect-proof containers to protect your supply.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTAINERS
------The type of container you use for storing food is crucial in extending its shelf life. Depending on your storage duration, you have several options.
Mylar bags: These are excellent for long-term storage (up to 25 years) when used with oxygen absorbers. They protect food from light, moisture, and oxygen.
Vacuum seal bags: These are great for medium-term storage (up to a few years) but do not require oxygen absorbers.
Buckets: Food-safe buckets, often used with Mylar bags inside, provide an extra layer of protection from pests and physical damage.
USE THE FIFO METHOD
------To prevent food waste, implement the FIFO (first in first out) method. Mark each item's purchase or expiration date, and use the oldest items first. This ensures that your supply is always fresh and nothing spoils before it can be used.
Labeling: Use a sharpie or colored labels to make tracking dates easier.
Rotation: Every few months, check your supplies and rotate items, consuming those that are nearing their expiration date and replacing them with new stock.
healthy, organic food for your family
These foods provide a well-rounded emergency food supply because they are calorie-dense, nutrient-rich, organic, easy to store, and versatile in usage. When combined, they offer essential macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and vitamins that are crucial for maintaining energy and health during emergencies.
By following these strategies, you can build a robust emergency food supply that will sustain you and your family in times of need. Proper planning, smart spending, and mindful storage will not only save you money but also ensure that your supply is well-stocked and ready for anything!
At Country Life Foods, we believe in quality and sustainability. You won’t find any ingredients you can't pronounce—just wholesome food that tastes great!
We’re super picky about where our ingredients come from. We partner with trusted suppliers who share our dedication to quality. Our rigorous quality control measures ensure that every product meets our high standards. Many of our items are also certified organic and non-GMO, making them a safe choice for you and your family.
Buy our long-term food supply bundle here or shop for all your pantry essentials here!
