You will be glad you did.
Posted on 09/02/2011 12:36:52 PM PDT by Kartographer
When someone says “survival food preps” or “stockpiling survival food“, what do you think of? Do you think of tons of dried rice and beans stored in mylar bags? How about a basement full of #10 cans, does that come to mind? Or is it a combination of several things?
When I was thinking of writing an article about survival food preps, the first thing that popped into my head was – MREs, canned goods and garden seeds. But where does perishable goods fit into that narrow picture? For the first week or so people are going to be eating stuff out of their freezer. For the sake of discussion, lets move past that first week post SHTF. Something bad has happened, the food in the grocery stores has dried up, people have gone through their immediate perishable food items,,,, now what?
A book about the Roman military I just finished reading contained a quote from an ancient historian – “nothing caused as much stress within the troops as the lack of supplies.” Just like it says, when the supplies started to run low, the stress level went up. 2,000 years later, and nothing has changed.
(Excerpt) Read more at survivalboards.com ...
Toiletries, Bleach, Alcohol (cheap), Tobacco, Seeds...that kind of thing.
Never buy anything you will not eat yourself
Seeds don’t last, tobacco dries out too much.
Kit-n-Canary Casserole.
Seeds do last when properly stored. Especially when they are heirloom and can be saved from fruit from year to year. Using old seed results in a lowered rate of success, but they do last longer than they’re stamped. Then figure that they’re heirloom seeds and I can save from the fruits each year. Makes ‘em valuable.
After a home invasion this summer, I have added a security system as part of my preps....and now am looking at redundant backup power systems for it. Also, I have a gas generator, but want to look at a propane generator.
Also, Level III vests when $$ allows.
A home invasion makes you reevaluate your preps.....and quickly.
Spam....expiration date: forever.
I would like to acquire some chickens...Dr. Long doesn't seem too interested in that, tho :)
I feel weird if I run lower than 2 yrs of food. Of course that is very, very basic foodstuffs. The fresh produce thing is not covered...
I haven’t brought any myself, but there are any number of dealers on the net.
Any FReeper want to recomend a dealer?
In general a undamaged rust free canned that has been stored in a cool dry eviroment has a much longer shelf life than that printed on the can. But age does effect the taste and texture of the food. USE AND ROTATE!
Me cheap liquor and sweets.
Vaccuum sealed in mason jars it last.
My favorite barter item?
Skills and information. Storage room reqired is negligable and it is virtually beyond price in a post SHTF scenario.
I can repair just about anything, blacksmith, build just about anything, sew, weave and spin (yeah, not exactly manly, you may say but it is part of my job), make boots, make explosives including detonators (they are not hugely difficult if you know what you are doing) and, as an ex-army medic and a farm brat I am a pretty fair doctor and veternarian in an emergency.
MRE Depot. They have lots of stuff and occasional sales and sometimes even free shipping.
I haven’t tried their MREs but I have had nothing but good service from them on other items - http://honeyvillegrain.com/
Ditto to what others have said. I really don’t suggest buying MRE’s, because they are hands down the most expensive “survival food” and not great tasting. If money is no object, then go for it, to each his own. If you’re worried about high temp or long life, I suggest “Datrex” bars. They can be found for about $6-8 for a 3600 calorie bar. They break up into 200 calorie mini bars, and taste like a shortbread cookie (like a Pecan Sandie, without the pecan), and I used to eat them as a snack, on the go. They would get old if you tried to life of off them for a long time, but they are non thirst inducing, last years, and can go through virtually any “normal” temperature ranges. They’re used in marine survival kits, etc., so they are designed to be kept out of normal conditions, and for a prolonged period of time. MRE’s shelf life lowers the higher temperature they are exposed to, down to a few months if you were in a really hot climate.
As others have said, Real MRE’s are a no-no (meaning illegal to buy as so many were stolen from the military, and subsequently sold), but the same manufacturers make civilian versions, with similar specs (long shelf life, etc.). I have not brought myself to buy any MRE’s (I have eaten many), because of cost and taste, but I did like the Chicken and Rice, if you want a recommendation. I hear Nitro-Pak is a reputable dealer from others who have bought from them.
I’m sure I gave more than you were looking for, but if not, just FReepmail or post here any questions, and I’ll be happy to respond, anytime.
I ordered one and it came yesterday.
Thanks for the info...but that is what I was talking about. I used to get them for a buck a piece. But those were just the plain, simple entrees with no heater or anything. Just ravioli or beef stew, etc. Oh well.
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