Interested in Food Storage? Here's Where to Start
17 Jan 2020
Have you ever wanted to get started in preparing a food storage but don't know where to start? Have you ever questioned on what to get? Do you know how much food/water storage you need if a disaster were to hit? You've come to the right place and here we can help you get everything you need to be one of the best in being prepared.
WHAT DO I NEED?
Now this all depends on how how many people you are wanting to prepare for. We do have a tool on at The Ready Store called the FOOD STORAGE CALCULATOR, which can help you in figuring out how much food you need to store.
*Calculations are based off of 2,000-2,400 calories per day for an adult. Your caloric needs will vary according to your body type, activity and gender. This calculator errors on going over the needs in case of an emergency.
For example, lets see what you would need to feed 2 people for 3 months; you would need about 6 cans of breakfast meals, 18 cans of lunch and dinner entrees, 2 cans of fruit, 2 cans of vegetables, 2 cans of sides(which we would recommend snacks/desserts), 6 cans of pasta & potatoes, 2 cans of sauces & potatoes, 2 cans of meats, eggs & proteins, 2 cans of drink mixes, 12 cans of grains & flours, 6 cans of beans & legumes, 2 cans of cooking basics(sugar, flour, milk, etc), 4 cans of cereal, and 18 cans of dairy items.
Yous should also consider that you need water to prepare most of these items and if we are going off using the example of storing water for 2 people for 3 months, you would need about 180 gallons. Remember, this amount of water is for drinking, washing and cooking. Check out our WATER STORAGE CALCULATOR.
NOW WHAT?
Now that you have an idea on what you need in order to start building your food storage, what's next? We offer many different varieties of items that you'll need to have in your storage, now it's up to you to decide what specific products you need based on your situation. Here are some of our best and most popular sellers that you could include in your storage;
5-GALLON WATER CONTAINER - STACKABLE - Storing emergency water just got a little bit easier! Water is the most important 
element of survival and this Stackable 5-Gallon Water Storage Container allows you to store an adequate water supply while saving space. This water container is made from a 100% food-grade plastic that is BPA free, is thick, 90 mils, and UN rated so it can hold up during any emergency. The opaque material prevents bacterial growth keeping your water cleaner. Recommended amounts of water for survival fall into three different categories: Drinking, Cleaning and Hygiene, and Cooking. The Institute of Medicine advises that men should drink about 13 cups (3 liters) per day and women should drink about 9 cups (2.2 liters). About 16 ounces is recommended for cleaning and hygiene and about 32 ounces for cooking. However, the recommended 32 ounces for cooking is dependent on what types of food you have in your emergency supply. We recommended checking each item and adding the exact amount needed to get your own amount per day needed for cooking.
element of survival and this Stackable 5-Gallon Water Storage Container allows you to store an adequate water supply while saving space. This water container is made from a 100% food-grade plastic that is BPA free, is thick, 90 mils, and UN rated so it can hold up during any emergency. The opaque material prevents bacterial growth keeping your water cleaner. Recommended amounts of water for survival fall into three different categories: Drinking, Cleaning and Hygiene, and Cooking. The Institute of Medicine advises that men should drink about 13 cups (3 liters) per day and women should drink about 9 cups (2.2 liters). About 16 ounces is recommended for cleaning and hygiene and about 32 ounces for cooking. However, the recommended 32 ounces for cooking is dependent on what types of food you have in your emergency supply. We recommended checking each item and adding the exact amount needed to get your own amount per day needed for cooking.
SARATOGA FARMS LASAGNA - Saratoga Farms Lasagna should be a staple for your food storage. This yummy cheesy meal is 
sure to be popular with the entire family lunch and dinner and for some of our employees! The tagliatelle noodles are immersed in a thick red sauce with cheese and beef TVP crumbles. Just add hot water to your bowl, stir, cover and well and in about 7-10 minutes you will be eating a meal packed with fiber and protein along with a good amount of Vitamin C, A, Calcium, and Iron. Since Saratoga Farms takes time to make sure each can is sealed correctly, you'll be sure to get a 30-year shelf life with your food storage. Prepare today with Saratoga Farms.
sure to be popular with the entire family lunch and dinner and for some of our employees! The tagliatelle noodles are immersed in a thick red sauce with cheese and beef TVP crumbles. Just add hot water to your bowl, stir, cover and well and in about 7-10 minutes you will be eating a meal packed with fiber and protein along with a good amount of Vitamin C, A, Calcium, and Iron. Since Saratoga Farms takes time to make sure each can is sealed correctly, you'll be sure to get a 30-year shelf life with your food storage. Prepare today with Saratoga Farms.
SARATOGA FARMS POWDERED MILK VALUE BUCKET -Saratoga Farms Powdered Milk ValueBUCKETs come with powder loaded to the brim. We know food storage space is a premium for most people and that filling the bucket to the brim is the best way to conserve space and give value to our customers. Simply add 1/4 cup of powder to 1 cup of cold water and mix. Milk is 
ready to drink and dissolves extremely fast with cold water. If you want to extend the milk and get 400+ servings try using 1/4 cup to 1 cup of water. Each Saratoga Farms ValueBUCKET has a Mylar bag with oxygen absorbers sealed inside. This keeps light and moisture out while it seals in flavor and nutrients. All Saratoga Farms dehydrated and dried products have a great reputation of being long-lasting, packed with nutrients, and great-tasting - and Fortified Instant Milk is no exception with a ton of Vitamin D and A and a healthy dose of C and Calcium! With high percentages fiber, carbohydrates and calories; Instant Milk will make a healthy, versatile addition to your food storage! While buying bulk food storage, a surprising number of people don't consider the fact that they really might have to eat it in the future.
SARATOGA FARMS FREEZE DRIED CORN - Saratoga Farms Freeze Dried Corn is a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep you going in an emergency. With a 30 year shelf-life, you and your family won't be lacking for years to come! This corn can be used in your favorite recipes! Use them in stews, chowders, chilis, salads or simply as a side dish! All you have to do is 
add water to restore the corn to its original state! Sweet Corn will add balance to your family's food storage diet! Corn is a great source of carbohydrates, folate and other essential nutrients! It also is a great source of calories - which are essential during an emergency situation. This freeze-dried corn is also great for its shelf-life! This Sweet Corn will stay on the shelf for 30 years to come! With such an extremely long shelf-life, super sweet taste and essential vitamins and minerals, a can of Saratoga Farms Super Sweet Corn is a great addition to your food storage pantry!
SARATOGA FARMS FREEZE DRIED STRAWBERRIES - Saratoga Farms Strawberry Slices are a great way to add delicious diversity to your emergency food supplies. They are sweet and nutritious, easy to prepare and have a shelf-life of 20-30 years or more! These strawberries are prepared by adding water and allowing them to sit. You'll then be able to put them in your family's 
favorite recipes. You can use them in your dessert toppings, smoothies, cakes, pies, breakfasts or anywhere else you want! They also double as a healthy snack. They are so light-weight, allowing you to carry them in packs, on trips, in trail mixes and others! Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C! In fact, ½ a cup of strawberries provides 87 percent of your daily requirement for Vitamin C. Strawberries are also a great source of fiber and other essential nutrients. Since these Strawberry Slices are freeze-dried, they have an extremely long shelf-life of 20-30 years. Your family will have peace of mind and comfort knowing that you'll have enough food to last for the next few decades!
ready to drink and dissolves extremely fast with cold water. If you want to extend the milk and get 400+ servings try using 1/4 cup to 1 cup of water. Each Saratoga Farms ValueBUCKET has a Mylar bag with oxygen absorbers sealed inside. This keeps light and moisture out while it seals in flavor and nutrients. All Saratoga Farms dehydrated and dried products have a great reputation of being long-lasting, packed with nutrients, and great-tasting - and Fortified Instant Milk is no exception with a ton of Vitamin D and A and a healthy dose of C and Calcium! With high percentages fiber, carbohydrates and calories; Instant Milk will make a healthy, versatile addition to your food storage! While buying bulk food storage, a surprising number of people don't consider the fact that they really might have to eat it in the future.
SARATOGA FARMS FREEZE DRIED CORN - Saratoga Farms Freeze Dried Corn is a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep you going in an emergency. With a 30 year shelf-life, you and your family won't be lacking for years to come! This corn can be used in your favorite recipes! Use them in stews, chowders, chilis, salads or simply as a side dish! All you have to do is add water to restore the corn to its original state! Sweet Corn will add balance to your family's food storage diet! Corn is a great source of carbohydrates, folate and other essential nutrients! It also is a great source of calories - which are essential during an emergency situation. This freeze-dried corn is also great for its shelf-life! This Sweet Corn will stay on the shelf for 30 years to come! With such an extremely long shelf-life, super sweet taste and essential vitamins and minerals, a can of Saratoga Farms Super Sweet Corn is a great addition to your food storage pantry!
SARATOGA FARMS FREEZE DRIED STRAWBERRIES - Saratoga Farms Strawberry Slices are a great way to add delicious diversity to your emergency food supplies. They are sweet and nutritious, easy to prepare and have a shelf-life of 20-30 years or more! These strawberries are prepared by adding water and allowing them to sit. You'll then be able to put them in your family's favorite recipes. You can use them in your dessert toppings, smoothies, cakes, pies, breakfasts or anywhere else you want! They also double as a healthy snack. They are so light-weight, allowing you to carry them in packs, on trips, in trail mixes and others! Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C! In fact, ½ a cup of strawberries provides 87 percent of your daily requirement for Vitamin C. Strawberries are also a great source of fiber and other essential nutrients. Since these Strawberry Slices are freeze-dried, they have an extremely long shelf-life of 20-30 years. Your family will have peace of mind and comfort knowing that you'll have enough food to last for the next few decades!
SARATOGA FARMS FREEZE DRIED CHICKEN -It's time to add some hearty meat to your veggie and grain based food storage! Chicken is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats plus; containing essential vitamins and nutrients 
known to boost the immune system. When times are tough or meats have simply become unavailable due to an emergency, this freeze-dried chicken will replenish your family with much-needed nutrients. Add it to pastas, teriyaki dishes, soups and more for an instant dose of healthy mouth-watering flavor. Just add water to prepare and the diced chicken regains its texture, nutritional value and flavor that can satisfy even the most vigorous of appetites. This heavy-duty #10 can provides a 30-year shelf life so prepare now for any unfortunate circumstance - even those in the distant future. Dehydrated foods can sometimes lose flavor and texture. Saratoga Farms uses a freeze-drying process to lock in the taste, texture, and shape of fresh frozen foods. Freeze-drying retains the vitamins, nutrients, and aroma of fresh frozen foods. This helps you be prepared for any situation that might come your way. Saratoga Farms combines the shelf-stable convenience of dehydrated or canned goods with the flavorful experience of quickly prepared freeze-dried foods to give your family the peace of mind it deserves.
SARATOGA FARMS INSTANT COLOMBIAN COFFEE - Deep in the Andean Rain forest in Colombia, a farmer harvests a simple berry that in 20-30 days provides you with a flavorful cup of Coffee. Besides the caffeine that is provided in every cup of coffee you might be surprised that there are other health benefits that come with drinking coffee. Coffee will significantly improve 
blood flow, lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and prevents cavities when drinking only black coffee and the list goes on. When looking to stock your pantry or food storage it's vital to have something that's versatile and easy to use. Luckily for you, this instant coffee is a perfect staple that can be made with just hot water. You know nothing better than a warm cup of coffee to start your day off right, let the rich flavor of Saratoga Farms envelop you every morning. Saratoga Farms Instant Colombian Coffee will provide you with over 10 gallons of delicious roasted coffee with just one can. Make this can of coffee your first choice when planning your emergency food supply. When you're wanting a premium quality of emergency food storage just know that Saratoga Farms is the top in the preparedness industry! Trust the ReadyExperts at The Ready Store in providing you with the best tasting and longest lasting food storage around!
known to boost the immune system. When times are tough or meats have simply become unavailable due to an emergency, this freeze-dried chicken will replenish your family with much-needed nutrients. Add it to pastas, teriyaki dishes, soups and more for an instant dose of healthy mouth-watering flavor. Just add water to prepare and the diced chicken regains its texture, nutritional value and flavor that can satisfy even the most vigorous of appetites. This heavy-duty #10 can provides a 30-year shelf life so prepare now for any unfortunate circumstance - even those in the distant future. Dehydrated foods can sometimes lose flavor and texture. Saratoga Farms uses a freeze-drying process to lock in the taste, texture, and shape of fresh frozen foods. Freeze-drying retains the vitamins, nutrients, and aroma of fresh frozen foods. This helps you be prepared for any situation that might come your way. Saratoga Farms combines the shelf-stable convenience of dehydrated or canned goods with the flavorful experience of quickly prepared freeze-dried foods to give your family the peace of mind it deserves.
SARATOGA FARMS INSTANT COLOMBIAN COFFEE - Deep in the Andean Rain forest in Colombia, a farmer harvests a simple berry that in 20-30 days provides you with a flavorful cup of Coffee. Besides the caffeine that is provided in every cup of coffee you might be surprised that there are other health benefits that come with drinking coffee. Coffee will significantly improve blood flow, lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and prevents cavities when drinking only black coffee and the list goes on. When looking to stock your pantry or food storage it's vital to have something that's versatile and easy to use. Luckily for you, this instant coffee is a perfect staple that can be made with just hot water. You know nothing better than a warm cup of coffee to start your day off right, let the rich flavor of Saratoga Farms envelop you every morning. Saratoga Farms Instant Colombian Coffee will provide you with over 10 gallons of delicious roasted coffee with just one can. Make this can of coffee your first choice when planning your emergency food supply. When you're wanting a premium quality of emergency food storage just know that Saratoga Farms is the top in the preparedness industry! Trust the ReadyExperts at The Ready Store in providing you with the best tasting and longest lasting food storage around!
I HAVE MY PRODUCTS, NOW WHAT?
Now that you have purchased the necessary items needed for your food and water storage, you're probably wondering what the next step is. Make sure that the location of your food storage is consistently cooler. We recommend storing your food storage in temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to make sure that your food isn’t stored in clear or see-through containers. Now, if you buy food from The Ready Store, you don’t need to worry about that because all of our food comes in #10 cans, boxes, pouches or barrels. However, if you can your own foods and have them in glass jars, make sure that you store them in a dark place. Consistent light can fade colors, zap your food of vitamins and make fat go rancid. One of the reasons that freeze-dried and dehydrated foods last so long is because water is taken out of them. Water and moisture leads to deterioration and corruption. Freeze-dried foods typically have a shelf life of 20-30 years. Dehydrated foods typically can stay on the shelf for 10-20 years. You'll want to make sure that moisture is not an equation in your storage room. No puddles, drips or high moisture content in the air (as much as possible).
All of this may feel overwhelming but rest assured, you have just started building an emergency food/water storage for yourself(or your family) for anything that might come your way! Please keep in mind of the manufacture and expiration dates on your food and water. As said in the reading above, our food has a shelf life of 25-30 years. It would be appropriate to write those dates somewhere you can remember so you can be aware on when to replace when necessary. And that all there is to it! Each food/water storage is set up differently depending on the situation. This is all on you and how you want to prepare your emergency storage.
Not only is an emergency food storage supposed to have food and water, it should also include emergency supplies such as flashlights, first aid kits, radio, batteries, hand warmers, emergency blankets, hunting knife(for survival if necessary), matches, etc. Remember, each situation each person/family is different, so it's only ideal to prepare for a situation that is most common in your area.