The ultimate guide to starting your own Survival and Preparedness Food Pantry

The ultimate guide to starting your own Survival and Preparedness Food Pantry

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.

To help you build your emergency food supply, here are some useful tips from experienced preppers:

Set 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]

Prepare for likely scenarios

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 a space you will need for storage. [4]

Set a budget and plan meals 


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 how much you need. Once you have that information, you can then set a budget and create meal plans to make managing your food supply easier.

Consider dietary restrictions

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.

Prioritize nutrition

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.

Secure an appropriate storage area

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]

Buy shelf-stable food in bulk

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. 

High-nutrition foods 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 emergencies 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 and legumes are high in protein. Aside from being an alternative energy source, protein is needed by your body to maintain and repair 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 why your body stores excess energy from foods in the form of fat. [7][8]

While fresh 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 to 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, these products come in convenient mega buckets or #10 cans – ready for long-term storage.

Healthy Fat Sources

Healthy fats like omega fatty acids are also called essential fatty acids because your body needs these nutrients 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, along with fiber, energy-supporting B vitamins and essential minerals. 

To help you get high amounts of healthy, plant-based omega fats, the Health Ranger Store is offering:

These perfectly healthy and filling survival pantry additions come in storable mini- and mega buckets and are meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.

For preppers in search of smart bundles, our NEW Health Ranger Select Super Seeds and Nuts Pack. This bundle includes excellent sources of plant-based omega fats, such as Organic Brown Flaxseed, Organic Black Chia Seeds, Organic Almonds and Organic Cashews, all packaged in 3 long-term storable mega buckets for your storage convenience. All products in our mega buckets are clean, nutrient-dense and lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

Protein Sources

Protein is essential for building muscles. In times of emergencies, 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 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]

For those looking to stock up on high-protein sources long-term, choose from the wide selection of shelf-stable emergency food options available at the Health Ranger Store:

Lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology, these emergency protein sources are all lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and come in easy-to-store 10-lb mega buckets or #10 cans.

For legume lovers, the Health Ranger Store’s NEW Health Ranger Select Legumes Lovers Pack (6 Buckets) is a great addition to your emergency food stockpile. Made with ultra-clean, high-quality organic ingredients, this nutritious and flavorful mix offers the combined benefits of three of the most nutrient-dense legumes available, namely, Organic Black-Eyed Peas, Organic Dark Red Kidney Beans and Organic Adzuki Beans. This protein-packed 30-Day Food Supply for 1 Adult is non-GMO, non-China, certified Kosher and organic, and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

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 also 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 fulfill your nutritional needs. To rehydrate, simply soak them in water.

The Health Ranger Store offers a wide selection of lab-verified freeze-dried organic fruits that come in sturdy #10 cans for easy long-term storage:

All the abovementioned Freeze-Dried Organic Fruit products are 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 them, 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 more. [18] Raw honey, meanwhile, can be used to make cough syrup, dress wounds, condition your hair and moisturize your skin, among other uses. [19]

For lab-verified clean products that are versatile, nutrient-dense and storage-ready, the Health Ranger Store’s got you covered: 

·      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 – made from 100% pure organic maple syrup; the perfect alternative to regular sugar and artificial sweeteners; comes in storable #10 cans.   

·      Health Ranger Select Organic Coconut Palm Sugar – extracted from the bark and fruits of tropical coconut palms; 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.

·      Health Ranger Select Fair Trade Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee - processed using organic coffee beans; carefully freeze-dried to preserve optimal taste, aroma and nutrient content

·      Health Ranger Select Organic Non-Fat Milk Powder - sourced from healthy cows ethically raised without GMOs, bovine growth hormones, antibiotics or synthetic substances; provides calcium, potassium, protein and other nutrients in any situation.

These versatile and highly nutritious products are extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and come in long-term storable #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: 

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: 

All Health Ranger Store Spirulina and Chlorella products are extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology and come in #10 cans.

If you’re looking for the ultimate survival food bundle, the Health Ranger Store also offers Health Ranger Select Ranger Bucket Set – 23-Day Organic Emergency Food Supply for 1 Adult, the WORLD’S FIRST emergency food supply that's certified organic and laboratory verified. This 23-Day Emergency Food Supply for 1 Adult combines clean, fiber-rich organic whole grains like Organic Long Grain Brown Rice, Organic Rolled Oats and Organic Millet with healthy plant-based fat sources such as Organic Brown Flaxseed, Organic Almonds and Organic Cashew, and high-protein sources such as Organic Red Lentils and Organic Black Beans. 

Ranger Bucket Organic Emergency Storable Food Supply also comes with Himalayan Salt, Organic White Quinoa, Organic Yellow Popcorn, Organic Pinto Beans, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Dark Red Kidney Beans, Organic Black Chia Seeds, Organic Amaranth, Organic Black-Eyed Peas, Organic Dry Milk Powder and Organic Adzuki Beans. Each item in our Ranger Bucket Set is individually vacuum sealed by commercial vacuum packing equipment.

Ranger Bucket Organic Emergency Storable Food Supply offers GREAT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY and can last up to 10-15 years if stored according to storage instructions.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases. 

References:

Back to Natural-health

You may also like

View all