Posted on 09/16/2001 7:11:27 PM PDT by Utah Girl
Also, storing what you eat, and eating what you store - it sounds from the storage list you have, that the family is eating almost everything canned, not fresh, reconstituted milk, etc. Of course, if this stuff had a shelf life of three years or so instead of one, that would make a difference. Thanks again.
Mrs VS
L
Isn't it?
A few helpful tips:
Canned fruits and vegetables are the best (particularly ones your family will normally eat - just buy in abundance). Why? You can cook the vegetables in the can's water (thereby not depleting your water supply for their preparation) and they can last on the shelf for several months. Also, if you run short on water, after you are done cooking, SAVE and DRINK the can's boiled/purified water. It will contain added nutrients.
For canned fruits, eat the fruit and drink the juices it came in. Heavy? Yes. Syrupy? Yes. But it will sustain you.
Jars of peanut butter, jelly, and boxes of inexpensive store-brand saltine crackers may not sound like much - but again, these will last for quite some time, give you a quick pick up, and will fill you in the event of an emergency. Further, the kids will usually eat them (like a snack) so no fussing around. FYI, try not to give PB to kids under 3, unless you've already confirmed they aren't allergic to peanuts. It could cause them to choke. Also, any types of nuts are a good source of protein if you can't purchase meat (which should be avoided for a time anyway if there is a chemical attack - it could be infected).
Rice. Stores well, easy to cook, remains edible if stored after cooking for several days.
Pasta/sauce with some type of vegetable in it. SAVE YOUR WATER after cooking for either drinking or additional cooking.
Near the year's end, we stocked up for about a month (instead of our usual 1/2 weeks). Having worked with insurance companies in a consulting capacity, I knew there was a potential for Y2K disruptions because several carriers were already facing lawsuits (POS equipment wouldn't read CCs, etc.). Built up slowly and didn't even notice it; also saved ourselves a trip or two to the supermarket because we bought stuff we would normally eat anyway.
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