Is Proper Survival Food Storage Really That Important?

I don’t have to convince you how important it is to stockpile survival food. You know that in an emergency, non-perishable food with a long shelf life could be a lifesaver. For you and your family.

But what many people forget is how essential it is to make sure their food is packaged and stored properly.

Some folks have stockpiled survival food for an emergency, only to learn when it came time to use it that their food had spoiled. Imagine how terrible they felt. This is something you want to avoid at all costs. 

Fortunately, it doesn’t cost much to ensure that your survival food is protected. And that it will be ready to use whenever you need it.

Food storage enemies

Before I get into the best ways to safeguard your stockpile, let’s look at survival food’s worst enemies. Determining what they are will allow us to protect against them. The main adversaries of food storage are:

  • Air. The more oxygen food is exposed to, the shorter its shelf life.
  • Humidity. Moisture is another foe of food. That’s where bacteria can grow. 
  • Heat. It’s important to keep survival food in a cool place. Heat is a dangerous opponent. The storage temperature for most food should be between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Light. You definitely want to head to the dark side when it comes to storing food. Light can deplete its vitamin content.
  • Pests. In addition to keeping air and moisture out, an airtight food container will keep furry creatures out of your food.

Food packaging options

Next let’s take a look at some food containers to see how good they are at combating these enemies.

Food-Grade Buckets. This is one of the better ways to store food. These buckets come in gallon sizes (and even five-gallon), so they hold a lot of food. Look for buckets with gamma lids, which form a more airtight seal. They are sturdy even when banged around.

Boxes and cans are fine for short-term food needs. But you can’t count on them for long-term storage. They are too easily damaged.

Glass jars. Some people like to keep certain foods such as grains in glass jars. They certainly look nice. But unless you live in an area of the country that never experiences earthquakes or extreme storms, that might not be the best idea. Glass breaks easily. Also, you need to keep those glass jars away from light.

Plastic containers are inexpensive and easy to use. And pretty much unbreakable. After you’ve filled the container, place plastic wrap over the opening before putting the cap back on. The downsides are that plastic can leach into food. And humidity is not well regulated. Pests have been known to chew through plastic.

Mylar pouches. Not only is it vital to keep air and moisture out. You also want a durable package that can take a few bumps over the years without bursting. Look for sealed Mylar pouches with less than 2 percent oxygen content. This is your best choice.

More storage strategies

Another strategy for preserving your survival food stockpile is placement. Keep older supplies near the front of your stockpile so they don’t expire before you use them. Place newer items toward the back. 

And keep everything off the floor where a flood could destroy it. Avoid outdoor sheds, attics and garages. All of them can get too hot. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are often too humid. Basements and underneath beds are usually your best bets.

If you have an option for a secondary location for your survival food, use it. This could be anything from a summer home to a self-storage unit. If a disaster destroys your stockpile at home, you’ll have another supply waiting for you.

As to how much survival food you’ll need, it’s a personal choice. FEMA says at least a three-day supply. But we’ve seen far too many emergencies last well beyond 72 hours. Aim for a week, then build up to a month, three months and longer.   

4Patriots’ secret to survival food shelf life

Here at 4Patriots, we strive to give you peace of mind, knowing that when disaster strikes you won’t have to worry about your food spoiling. Regardless of how much you have. That’s why we use Mylar packaging with all our survival foods. 

Our 3-Month Kit comes in two water-resistant, stackable totes. Inside, each food item uses top-of-the-line Mylar pouches – the same material used in NASA's space suits – to keep air, moisture and light out. So your food stays fresh.

This is high-tech, sturdy stuff that stands up to the crazy things that occur during an emergency. 

And this is the perfect time to purchase our 3-Month Kit because it’s finally back in stock. It’s bigger and better than ever. With tons of variety. This is the “done-for-you” solution to your survival food needs.  

Designed to last 25 years, this Kit features 688 family-favorite servings for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Plus 10 free gifts, free shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Comments

  • Patricia kline - January 30, 2022

    Hi Frank your products are great. I cannot buy alot at once i am on disability. Fixed income but i do have enough food just not meat or berries. Saving for a generator for my oxygen machine. Thanks for everything i buy when i can😁😁

  • Stephen - January 28, 2022

    The storage bins are great for storage and keeping rodents out, but on several occasions, I’ve had to get a replacement storage bin due to the original bin being broken/damaged beyond repair upon arrival. The weight of the food is very heavy and bouncing around during shipping seems to cause damage to the plastic storage bin. Large cracks and holes won’t keep possible rodents away from tasting your survival food. Damage seems to occur very easily when the storage bin is upside down when transported. The two latches just can’t take the weight of the food bouncing on them and are broken off. No way to close and lock the bin after that. There’s no way to cache a bin underground when damaged. Maybe shipping the bin(s) separately from the food and then allowing the customer fill the plastic bin with the food upon receiving it. The food is great but must be protected during storage for when it’s needed!

  • MARJORIE ANN GRAY - January 28, 2022

    Hi Frank, I really feel less stressed since I bought the bins of survival food from you. I have tried a few things to see how easy it will be to prepare. So far, so good. Thank you for your caring and for the wonderful company you represent.

  • Kathryn Hill - January 27, 2022

    I have probably a year’s worth of your survival food. Being disabled I found it hard to carry the tubs, The tubs are nice, but I find it easier to move and store in large, wheeled coolers. A lot heavier plastic then the totes and easy to store at the bottom of my closet.

  • Bobby Lightfoot - January 27, 2022

    Good morning Frank. I wanted to let you know, overs the years I’ve been doing business with you and your company, I have managed to stock up about 5 years worth of food. Most of it I bought from you. Your right about the totes, they have moved many times and even across the country once. Word of advice though, if they get stacked too high, the lids will crack. But, some good ole’ duct tape will seal them back up.
    I also have my solar generator, panels, and numerous free gifts y’all have sent. With what’s going on with OUR NATION right now, it gives me peace of mind knowing my family and I will have food to eat. Thank you for your caring and friendly attitude over the years.

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