With the threats of a potential economic downturn and warnings of a looming recession, families are currently facing a probable increase in food insecurity and the likelihood that it will become even more difficult to feed their loved ones. Rising food prices, shortages, and international trade instability, paired with a heightened sense of general unease, continue to exacerbate these fears, leading many households to scramble for ideas on how to stockpile pantry staples for the long haul.
References
As these concerns and fears continue to rise, many shoppers are turning to online resources claiming to have the best methods to fight the potentiality of the worst-case scenario of going hungry. Leading more and more unsuspecting households into the niche corners of the internet expounding on survivalism and the advantages of doomsday prepping, and renewing interest in how it all works.
These resources, however, often confuse those just starting on their stockpiling journey, due to a lack of clarity on the massive influx of unsubstantiated and untested claims regularly touted as gospel. Thus, leaving many in the lurch, unable to get their heads around practical utilization.
Stockpiling
At its most basic, stockpiling is simply a practice where consumers supplement the household inventory with additional supplies to create a comfortable buffer for potential emergencies. These stockpiles usually include shelf-stable dry goods, canned foods, pet essentials, disaster supplies, water, and fuel but also may incorporate more nuanced items like medicines, first aid supplies, and even weaponry for security purposes.
Such variety and the sheer scope of likely goods to include often leave those new to Prepping Culture with questions on what to stockpile and how. Not knowing where to focus and what to prioritize are two of the biggest deterrents for beginners. However, most enthusiasts of survivalism and doomsday prepping are quick to come to a primary consensus: food should always be the priority.
Getting Started
Consumers must first do two things before they ever go shopping: take an inventory of their pantry and determine what staples the family uses regularly. Additionally, it is also prudent to take a long, hard look at what convenience foods the family purchases and ascertain which prepared foods can be swapped out for more homemade meals. Results can be as simple as learning how to make bread loaves or intermediate practices in food production and preservation, but implementation can be highly personalized.
Pantry Staples
Once families have a general idea of what typically ends up in their pantry, freezer, and fridge every week, they can focus on adding more to their stockpile little by little. Typically, preppers initially start by purchasing foodstuffs that tend to have longer shelf lives. Stocking dry goods like flour, sugar, salt, oats, and large bags of rice and beans, as well as a plethora of canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and meats, is paramount to a robust supply and should be a family’s most immediate concern.
Additionally, items such as bottles of vinegar, baking soda, yeast, cooking oils, coffee, tea, and dried pasta are exceptionally useful in cases of emergency. A natural sweetener like honey is a go-to for many preppers as a substitute for white or brown sugar because it never goes bad and can be stored indefinitely. Dried fruits are a good inclusion to the family’s stockpile; however, nuts and seeds are usually avoided as they tend to go rancid without cold storage.
Advice
Utilizing many of the tips, tricks, and recommendations offered by well-seasoned survivalists and doomsday preppers is generally considered appropriately good advice to adhere to. Taking into consideration the time it takes for them to be fully ready for the apocalypse, plus the hours and hours spent, it is fair to say that their hard-earned and hard-learned expertise are avenues for education worth exploring. Should a family wish to start their own journey into stockpiling or prepping, the best advice one can give is to be diligent but take your time.
