I did those things for the Y2K prep. The cakes are baked in wide-mouth jars, rings/lids put on as SOON as taken from oven, they seal themselves, then are good for about a year. They make great Christmas presents.
Things like canned beef are good, in case there may be a 'shortage' on cooking methods. Since the beef is already cooked, only minimal heat is needed to warm it for serving.
Another thing.... I had the kids making little heat sources, for the Y2K thingy. (Tuna cans, cardboard box strips, parafin.) These may be used for the family, or passed out to the homeless folk. Their heating lasts for a few hours. Also...we keep a couple in our vehicles during the winter season. In case 'your' vehicle should break down/get stranded during the winter, these are a way to keep warm, without having to keep the vehicle running and maybe asphixiating yourself. (keep a window cracked to allow air 'flow')
Many thanks for all your input!