I've found the most economical way to store food is buying it in bulk from COSTCO and storing it in a dark, cool place like my basement. It's important to read the "BEST BY" date and get the furthest out you can.... but also realize that canned goods are still good way beyond those dates. Rice, beans, pasta, and other dried foods can last a long, long time. Canned meat for protein and calories, canned veggies for a balanced diet. Also lay in basic medical supplies.
AND WATER!! I cannot emphasize the need for water enough. COSTCO has 1 and 2 gallon bottles in thick, safe plastic bottles that will last a long time... last I checked they were about $1 per bottle.... heavy in bulk, but worth it. You will need water for cooking, drinking, staying hydrated, and hygiene... so pack in as much as you can. You can augment your water supply by buying clean 55-gal drums and catching rainwater, but be sure to treat it and/or boil it before use.
And need I even say "ammo"? Patriots here should have already stored up a good supply.
Favorite canned meats are corned beef, corned beef hash, dried beef, chicken, tuna, and salmon. Walnuts contain the highest weight-to-calorie ratio of all the nuts available in bulk. Refrigerate them in large sealed baggies to extend their longevity.
Don't forget simple things like a couple of can openers, in case your electricity goes out. A water filter for when you have to rely on rainwater or creek water.
That's about all I can think of off the top of my head. Oh.... if you're on medications or even OTC things like eyedrops and mouthwash... load up on it, because store shelves will be empty if a panic ensues. Propane stoves and propane bottles will allow you to cook and boil water when other heat sources are not available.
EDIT: Most important of all will be your attitude. If you think you're going to fail, you probably will. Develop a thick skin (emotionally) and don't let panic or fear to cloud good judgement, prudence, and energy. Tell yourself that no one is coming to help, that your survival is all on you. Be prepared to defend yourself and your family, even up to using lethal force if necessary. We are entering uncharted territory in America, and a time is coming when good men will have to do bad things. Prepare your mind for that eventuality. Don't seek a fight, but don't shrink one either if you're surrounded and have no other option.
Excellent hi-effort post. I would add a few things. A 20-lb bag of flour, kept in airtight container, and a few cans of baking powder and a few packages of lard, will make a lot of food - biscuits, pancakes, etc. with very little cost.
Rice+beans is a complete protein. Stock up on both (talking dried beans) they last forever. But be sure to stock up on chili powder and cumin to add some flavor to them in addition to salt and pepper.. If you have meat to add when preparing, so much the better, but they are fine with just the rice+beans and spices. Also canned tomatoes help with this - sliced, diced, crushed, paste, it doesn't matter. When you're really hungry, this will taste great.
Have some big cans of cooking oil, esp if you plan on frying anything, but also for baking recipes etc. When Stalin starved the people to death, I read about a survivor who said they had no oil for cooking things in pans, and had to use dried weeds to separate the food from the hot dry skillet.
I have three chest freezers for vegetables I grow all summer and for meats I buy a lot of on sale. Also lots of butter. A full chest freezer will keep food frozen for several days - even a week - without power. And in winter you can put the food outside if the elec goes out for so long that the food begins to thaw.
The last item is really insane, but I have a couple 50-lb bags of dry feed corn. You have to cook it in water forever, and it doesn't have much flavor, but it is a last resort if you are literally starving to death and it's cheap. Doubt it has much nutritional value but like I said - if you are actually starving ...
PS: we don't have Costco around here, so I don't know about them, but Sam's Club has the best deals on rice. I no longer belong, but when I did you could get 50-lb bags for something around $10 IIRC. Sure it's a bit more now, but I haven't found a better price anywhere. Walmart has 20-lb bags for $9 here.
Be careful with storing too much oil. It will go rancid on you ... especially the vegetable oils. If you can afford it buy GHEE (or make your own from butter) it is butter with the milk fat removed so it is shelf stable. Lard would also be good as it is shelf stable but even it will go rancid if you don't use it up soon.
Whatever you buy ... make sure it is something you will eat and will not completely change your diet (in other words too much wheat or too many beans if you are not a bread or bean eater) It will upset your stomach.
Also be sure to rotate all your foods. You can buy the 10lb cans of dry milk powder (NOT carnation crap) which you can mix up with water and drink at home as you need it. I buy it this way open one can and take out 2 and1/2 tablespoons and mix it in a pitcher. You have real milk this way and it is much cheaper than buying a carton of milk. The dry powder lasts a long time. This is the best way to store milk.
Don't forget a way to cook everything if you no longer have power. You will need a source of energy (BBQ coals/propane) to light it. I have an outdoor wood fired pizza oven to use in case of power outages. (I live in a Hurricane Prone area)
I have 6 gallons of water in water storage containers that I keep filled in our attic that I replace annually in case of Hurricanes.
I did mention rice and beans, but as I said, that was off the top of my head. Your additional ideas are all sound too. Here's the thing, however:
Timing is an important factor, and time is running out. These preparations should have begun years ago. I felt that something like what we're seeing today was coming way back around the turn of the century. I did not buy into the Y2K hoax, but started prepping shortly after that when I realized just how fragile our modern economy and society is. Any large city is 3 days away from anarchy and starvation if the food trucks fail to arrive.
We who live in the country -- or CLOSE to the country -- will be in a better position when TSHTF. And if the welfare SNAP payments stop coming, a desperate, intolerant, and impatient group of pampered people will be looking for their next meal, no matter what the have to do to get it.
We people of Western Civilization have been taught that violence never solved anything. To which I say, "BULLSHIT!" Violence solved WWI and WWII and more wars throughout the centuries than flowers and kumbaya ever did. Violence is rarely the answer, but when it IS the answer, it is the ONLY answer. Learn that, love that, and live that.
And get to know who your neighbors are. Find out who has military experience, who has key skills that may be leveraged in plan, and defense neighborhood. Start simple, and build out flexible defense, sustainability plan, but any plan is better than none. Also identify old people who will need some physical assistance, but may contribute in supportive way in defense, like food prep etc.
One key thing I learned Sailing is that early preparation is key to surviving a storm. Got to have everything lashed down, sails reefed, food and water ready before storm hits.
Absolutely right about neighbors. Over the past few years I have identified those neighbors who can be counted on, and as you say, they are former military and law enforcement folks. We are fortunate in that our location is accessible by ONLY one way in and out, and it's on a steep hill, so easily closed off and easily defended if we had to. I also know who the medical people are around here so.... it's a basic plan, but it's ours and we've discussed it. We will discuss if for REAL if it looks like the excrement is about to hit the rotary ventilation device.
He has an interesting take on this & I see solid information there.
I wonder if there have been any other civil wars like the US Civil War with 3 side where a single side refused to fight/engage in physical battle with their enemies. Granted the 3rd side still was able to head West & refused to fight.
Nice. About storing water. First, IT'S HEAVY. A 55-gal drum of water is quite immovable, so once it's in place you won't be moving it. In fact, I use one full of water to block my basement door from intruders...they won't be getting in THAT way. Second is making sure it's potable. If you fill it with tap water, check your local stats for water purity. In my area we have about 160 ppm (parts per million) of minerals and a small percentage of bacteria, so it's drinkable and we can cook with it, but for storage I have to treat it, as bacteria will grow over time. Third is extraction; how do you intend to get at it if you need it? Some people use siphon pumps or siphon tubes. I believe you can buy a siphon pump that screws right on to the opening at the top, but it's been awhile since I researched that.
In the end, because of all the above, I consider my barrels of water a backup, to be used after all other water options are gone. Now my primary emergency water source will be the bottled variety I spoke of from COSTCO. Every time I go there, I just pick up another 6 or so and add them to the stockpile when I get home.
A way to store these is, place the bottles (sorry, I can't recall if they are 1 or 2 gallon bottles) on the floor of my emergency food room, in a 4ft x 4ft square, then place a sheet of cardboard on top of them and make another layer 4x4 on top of the cardboard, repeat.... repeat... and you can stack them up to about 5 or 6 layers.
The bottled water from COSTCO is distilled so it's quite clean and potable. And it comes in safe plastic (no BPH or other carcinogens that can leach into the water), so it's become my go-to solution for water. My wife and I could hold out for weeks on just the COSTCO water I've stored.
The added benefit of bottled water is portability, in case you need to take one with you on an errand or want to use it for barter.
And speaking of barter, if you haven't already, it would be a good idea to have on hand some actual silver in the form of pre-1960s US coins, jewelry, or flatware that is sterling silver. I used to haunt old flea markets, pawn shops, and yard sales, and picked up quite a bit of sterling silver flatware for cheap. But my main alternate barter currency is pre-1960s silver coins in dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and a few silver dollars. If our fiat currency ever crashes and is worthless (it almost is worthless NOW!), I have silver to fall back on for transactions for food or whatever... say medical services or just something I need.
A lot of the above will be a rear-guard action, as these things should have already been acquired and put in storage. The price of silver now is getting ridiculous, as I believe people are beginning to sense that something is not quite right and that something bad is coming.
But it's never too late, just do the best you can with what you've got, and you'll be better off than many folks who never saw it coming at all.
Understood. Hope you're not in a really big city. If TSHTF people in large cities will have trouble just staying alive. Find friends and family and neighbors you can trust and improve your relationships with them. No one is Rambo in such a situation, we're social creatures and we do best when we band together for a common goal. Best of luck to you, no matter what happens.
I've found the most economical way to store food is buying it in bulk from COSTCO and storing it in a dark, cool place like my basement. It's important to read the "BEST BY" date and get the furthest out you can.... but also realize that canned goods are still good way beyond those dates. Rice, beans, pasta, and other dried foods can last a long, long time. Canned meat for protein and calories, canned veggies for a balanced diet. Also lay in basic medical supplies.
AND WATER!! I cannot emphasize the need for water enough. COSTCO has 1 and 2 gallon bottles in thick, safe plastic bottles that will last a long time... last I checked they were about $1 per bottle.... heavy in bulk, but worth it. You will need water for cooking, drinking, staying hydrated, and hygiene... so pack in as much as you can. You can augment your water supply by buying clean 55-gal drums and catching rainwater, but be sure to treat it and/or boil it before use.
And need I even say "ammo"? Patriots here should have already stored up a good supply.
Favorite canned meats are corned beef, corned beef hash, dried beef, chicken, tuna, and salmon. Walnuts contain the highest weight-to-calorie ratio of all the nuts available in bulk. Refrigerate them in large sealed baggies to extend their longevity.
Don't forget simple things like a couple of can openers, in case your electricity goes out. A water filter for when you have to rely on rainwater or creek water.
That's about all I can think of off the top of my head. Oh.... if you're on medications or even OTC things like eyedrops and mouthwash... load up on it, because store shelves will be empty if a panic ensues. Propane stoves and propane bottles will allow you to cook and boil water when other heat sources are not available.
EDIT: Most important of all will be your attitude. If you think you're going to fail, you probably will. Develop a thick skin (emotionally) and don't let panic or fear to cloud good judgement, prudence, and energy. Tell yourself that no one is coming to help, that your survival is all on you. Be prepared to defend yourself and your family, even up to using lethal force if necessary. We are entering uncharted territory in America, and a time is coming when good men will have to do bad things. Prepare your mind for that eventuality. Don't seek a fight, but don't shrink one either if you're surrounded and have no other option.
Excellent hi-effort post. I would add a few things. A 20-lb bag of flour, kept in airtight container, and a few cans of baking powder and a few packages of lard, will make a lot of food - biscuits, pancakes, etc. with very little cost. Rice+beans is a complete protein. Stock up on both (talking dried beans) they last forever. But be sure to stock up on chili powder and cumin to add some flavor to them in addition to salt and pepper.. If you have meat to add when preparing, so much the better, but they are fine with just the rice+beans and spices. Also canned tomatoes help with this - sliced, diced, crushed, paste, it doesn't matter. When you're really hungry, this will taste great. Have some big cans of cooking oil, esp if you plan on frying anything, but also for baking recipes etc. When Stalin starved the people to death, I read about a survivor who said they had no oil for cooking things in pans, and had to use dried weeds to separate the food from the hot dry skillet. I have three chest freezers for vegetables I grow all summer and for meats I buy a lot of on sale. Also lots of butter. A full chest freezer will keep food frozen for several days - even a week - without power. And in winter you can put the food outside if the elec goes out for so long that the food begins to thaw. The last item is really insane, but I have a couple 50-lb bags of dry feed corn. You have to cook it in water forever, and it doesn't have much flavor, but it is a last resort if you are literally starving to death and it's cheap. Doubt it has much nutritional value but like I said - if you are actually starving ... PS: we don't have Costco around here, so I don't know about them, but Sam's Club has the best deals on rice. I no longer belong, but when I did you could get 50-lb bags for something around $10 IIRC. Sure it's a bit more now, but I haven't found a better price anywhere. Walmart has 20-lb bags for $9 here.
Be careful with storing too much oil. It will go rancid on you ... especially the vegetable oils. If you can afford it buy GHEE (or make your own from butter) it is butter with the milk fat removed so it is shelf stable. Lard would also be good as it is shelf stable but even it will go rancid if you don't use it up soon.
Whatever you buy ... make sure it is something you will eat and will not completely change your diet (in other words too much wheat or too many beans if you are not a bread or bean eater) It will upset your stomach.
Also be sure to rotate all your foods. You can buy the 10lb cans of dry milk powder (NOT carnation crap) which you can mix up with water and drink at home as you need it. I buy it this way open one can and take out 2 and1/2 tablespoons and mix it in a pitcher. You have real milk this way and it is much cheaper than buying a carton of milk. The dry powder lasts a long time. This is the best way to store milk.
Don't forget a way to cook everything if you no longer have power. You will need a source of energy (BBQ coals/propane) to light it. I have an outdoor wood fired pizza oven to use in case of power outages. (I live in a Hurricane Prone area)
I have 6 gallons of water in water storage containers that I keep filled in our attic that I replace annually in case of Hurricanes.
You could turn that feed corn sweeter and tastier with the proper enzymes that turn starch to sugar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtnboJ3Kxeo
I did mention rice and beans, but as I said, that was off the top of my head. Your additional ideas are all sound too. Here's the thing, however:
Timing is an important factor, and time is running out. These preparations should have begun years ago. I felt that something like what we're seeing today was coming way back around the turn of the century. I did not buy into the Y2K hoax, but started prepping shortly after that when I realized just how fragile our modern economy and society is. Any large city is 3 days away from anarchy and starvation if the food trucks fail to arrive.
We who live in the country -- or CLOSE to the country -- will be in a better position when TSHTF. And if the welfare SNAP payments stop coming, a desperate, intolerant, and impatient group of pampered people will be looking for their next meal, no matter what the have to do to get it.
We people of Western Civilization have been taught that violence never solved anything. To which I say, "BULLSHIT!" Violence solved WWI and WWII and more wars throughout the centuries than flowers and kumbaya ever did. Violence is rarely the answer, but when it IS the answer, it is the ONLY answer. Learn that, love that, and live that.
And get to know who your neighbors are. Find out who has military experience, who has key skills that may be leveraged in plan, and defense neighborhood. Start simple, and build out flexible defense, sustainability plan, but any plan is better than none. Also identify old people who will need some physical assistance, but may contribute in supportive way in defense, like food prep etc.
One key thing I learned Sailing is that early preparation is key to surviving a storm. Got to have everything lashed down, sails reefed, food and water ready before storm hits.
Absolutely right about neighbors. Over the past few years I have identified those neighbors who can be counted on, and as you say, they are former military and law enforcement folks. We are fortunate in that our location is accessible by ONLY one way in and out, and it's on a steep hill, so easily closed off and easily defended if we had to. I also know who the medical people are around here so.... it's a basic plan, but it's ours and we've discussed it. We will discuss if for REAL if it looks like the excrement is about to hit the rotary ventilation device.
Ever read this: (Helps give prospective of how safe location is) https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/the-cw2-cube-mapping-the-meta-terrain-of-civil-war-two/133507
Also, if you haven't read these below, you will enjoy them. Good guys win in them all.
Matt Bracken, When The Music Stops – How America’s Cities May Explode In Violence: https://jamesfetzer.org/2020/02/matt-bracken-when-the-music-stops-how-americas-cities-may-explode-in-violence/
What I saw at the coup is another good short story: https://americanpartisan.org/2020/09/bracken-what-i-saw-at-the-coup/
And finally this online novel, a bit longer, but very good, and contains lots of good knowledge: Victoria: A novel of 4th Generation War
https://www.traditionalright.com/victoria/
Yes, I've read a LOT of Matt Bracken stuff... excellent reference material and fiction. I particularly liked "What I Saw at the Revolution".
He has an interesting take on this & I see solid information there.
I wonder if there have been any other civil wars like the US Civil War with 3 side where a single side refused to fight/engage in physical battle with their enemies. Granted the 3rd side still was able to head West & refused to fight.
Thanks for these informative links!
Nice. About storing water. First, IT'S HEAVY. A 55-gal drum of water is quite immovable, so once it's in place you won't be moving it. In fact, I use one full of water to block my basement door from intruders...they won't be getting in THAT way. Second is making sure it's potable. If you fill it with tap water, check your local stats for water purity. In my area we have about 160 ppm (parts per million) of minerals and a small percentage of bacteria, so it's drinkable and we can cook with it, but for storage I have to treat it, as bacteria will grow over time. Third is extraction; how do you intend to get at it if you need it? Some people use siphon pumps or siphon tubes. I believe you can buy a siphon pump that screws right on to the opening at the top, but it's been awhile since I researched that.
In the end, because of all the above, I consider my barrels of water a backup, to be used after all other water options are gone. Now my primary emergency water source will be the bottled variety I spoke of from COSTCO. Every time I go there, I just pick up another 6 or so and add them to the stockpile when I get home.
A way to store these is, place the bottles (sorry, I can't recall if they are 1 or 2 gallon bottles) on the floor of my emergency food room, in a 4ft x 4ft square, then place a sheet of cardboard on top of them and make another layer 4x4 on top of the cardboard, repeat.... repeat... and you can stack them up to about 5 or 6 layers.
The bottled water from COSTCO is distilled so it's quite clean and potable. And it comes in safe plastic (no BPH or other carcinogens that can leach into the water), so it's become my go-to solution for water. My wife and I could hold out for weeks on just the COSTCO water I've stored.
The added benefit of bottled water is portability, in case you need to take one with you on an errand or want to use it for barter.
And speaking of barter, if you haven't already, it would be a good idea to have on hand some actual silver in the form of pre-1960s US coins, jewelry, or flatware that is sterling silver. I used to haunt old flea markets, pawn shops, and yard sales, and picked up quite a bit of sterling silver flatware for cheap. But my main alternate barter currency is pre-1960s silver coins in dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and a few silver dollars. If our fiat currency ever crashes and is worthless (it almost is worthless NOW!), I have silver to fall back on for transactions for food or whatever... say medical services or just something I need.
A lot of the above will be a rear-guard action, as these things should have already been acquired and put in storage. The price of silver now is getting ridiculous, as I believe people are beginning to sense that something is not quite right and that something bad is coming.
But it's never too late, just do the best you can with what you've got, and you'll be better off than many folks who never saw it coming at all.
Understood. Hope you're not in a really big city. If TSHTF people in large cities will have trouble just staying alive. Find friends and family and neighbors you can trust and improve your relationships with them. No one is Rambo in such a situation, we're social creatures and we do best when we band together for a common goal. Best of luck to you, no matter what happens.