After you have completed Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the Four-Step Home Storage Approach, work on your long-term food storage.
These “foods would sustain life if nothing else were available to eat. A portion of longer-term supply items may be rotated into the three-month supply.”
My suggested list of items to store in Step 1: 3-month Supply includes a portion of longer-term foods to help you get used to using them.
The definition of long-term is basic foods with 10% or less moisture and low oil content that can be stored for 20 to 30 years.
25 lbs. Wheat, white rice, corn, and other grains 30+ years
5 lbs. Dry beans 30+ years
How many months you can store in your home depends on your finances and storage space. If you can store a year supply, then work towards that. However, don’t feel guilty if you can’t. Do the best you can for your circumstances.
“You may also want to add other items to your longer-term storage such as sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda, and cooking oil. To meet nutritional needs, also store foods containing Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.” ProvidentLiving.org
If stored at room temperature or cooler (75°F/24°C or lower)
these items can remain nutritious and edible.
Wheat 30+
White Rice 30+
Corn 30+
Sugar 30+
Pinto Beans 30
Rolled Oats 30
Pasta 30
Potato Flakes 30 (not Potato Pearls)
Apple slices 30
Non-fat powdered milk 20
Dehydrated Carrots 20
Foods not recommended for long-term storage:
Barley, pearled
Eggs, dried
Flour, whole wheat
Grains, milled (other than rolled oats)
Granola
Nuts
Rice, brown
Sugar, brown
Dried vegetables and fruits (must be dry enough, inside and out, to snap when bent)
Read more about long-term foods at ProvidentLiving.org.