When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a one year supply of food is considered to be a minimal amount! Freeze dried food is a popular option for creating a long-term food storage stockpile because it has a long shelf life, is lightweight and easy to store, and can be simply reconstituted with water. But what does a one year supply of freeze dried food look like? Continue reading below for the benefits of incorporating one into your emergency preparedness plan and how to go about building up your own.
The Quantity of Freeze Dried Food Needed for a One Year Supply
A one year supply of freeze dried food is calculated based on the number of people in a household and the number of calories needed per day. On average, an adult requires about 2,000 calories per day. So for a family of four, a one year supply of freeze dried food would amount to about 14,600 pounds of food! This may seem like a lot, but it’s important to remember that freeze dried food is lightweight and easy to store. It takes up less space than canned or packaged food of the same quantity and weight.
The Types of Freeze Dried Foods to Include in a One Year Supply
When building a one year supply of freeze dried food, it’s significant to include a variety of foods to ensure that you have a balanced diet. This should include a mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. Some popular options include freeze dried fruits and vegetables, such as berries, peaches, and corn. Proteins like chicken, beef, beans, and grains like pasta, rice, and quinoa. Additionally, it is a good idea to include some comfort foods, like chocolate and coffee, to help keep morale up in case of an emergency.
Having a variety of food options is also significant so that you don’t get bored with eating the same thing over and over again. Lastly, it could be a good idea to ensure that you have a variety of options to choose from in case of any dietary restrictions.
The Benefits of Freeze Dried Food for Emergency Preparedness
Freeze dried food has many benefits for emergency preparedness, especially its long shelf life. It can last up to 25 years when stored properly, which means it will be ready whenever you need it. Another preparedness benefit is that it is lightweight and easy to store and transport. It doesn’t take up much space, making it easy to take with you if you need to evacuate. This makes it the ideal type of content for emergency kits and bug-out bags for use during natural disasters when you may need to leave your home quickly.
Additionally, freeze dried food can be easily reconstituted with water, which means it can be eaten in its original form or used in recipes, without the need of a kitchen or other heating elements.
How to Incorporate Freeze Dried Food into Your Emergency Preparedness Plan
Incorporating freeze dried food into your emergency preparedness plan is easy. Start by determining the number of people in your household and the number of calories needed per day. Then, research different brands and types of freeze dried food to find options that fit your budget and dietary needs.Â
Once you have your one year supply of freeze dried food, store it in a cool, dry place, and rotate it every six months to ensure that it stays fresh. Additionally, it’s a good idea to occasionally practice reconstituting and cooking with the food, so you know how to use it in case of an emergency.
When storing your freeze dried food, it’s important to keep in mind the optimal storage conditions. The ideal storage temperature is between 55-75°F, and the humidity level should be less than 60%. It’s also important to keep the food in airtight containers to protect it from moisture, light, and pests.
Another important aspect of incorporating freeze dried food into your emergency preparedness plan is to have a variety of ways to use it. While some freeze dried foods can be eaten as is, others may require cooking or baking. It’s a good idea to have a variety of recipes that you can make with your freeze dried food, so you’re not stuck eating the same thing every day.
Planning Makes Perfect
In conclusion, a one year supply of freeze dried food is an essential part of any emergency preparedness plan. It provides a balance of necessary nutrients, has a long shelf life, is lightweight and easy to store, and can be reconstituted with water. Building a one year supply of freeze dried food is easy, and with the right planning, you can ensure that you and your family have enough food on hand to be prepared for any emergency situation.Â
Some things you can do to get the most out of your one year supply is to include a variety of foods, practice with the food in advance, and store it properly to ensure that it’s fresh and ready to use when you need it most.
For more information about freeze dried food and the benefits they have for both families and businesses alike, contact Shepherd Foods at (800) 497-8321. If you are a business owner, our team of professionals can provide you with co-manufacturing and co-packing services delivered by an industrial strength factory and top notch quality.Â
Give us a call today to inquire about how you can achieve your freeze dried food goals today!
