Food at the End of the World

Grocery stores and supermarkets have been abandoned, there is little left on their shelves but old tins of flan and a few packages of crackers. With no electricity, the refrigeration is out; meats, milk, and frozen foods have spoiled. Some of the cheeses are okay, and while a few of the hearty fruits and vegetables are a little ripe, most are still safe for eating. But you are hungry and you want more.

What do you eat at the end of the world when there is nowhere left to shop?
After a disaster or Zombie outbreak, you will likely have enough food stashed away to feed you and your family for a few days to a few months, or more. If you are properly prepared, you can extend that timeline by years.

What foods to store and how to store them:
There are many different types of foods to consider when planning your emergency stock. Keep foods that have a long shelf-life, are relatively easy to prepare, and are high in nutrients. Storing your food in cool, dry places will greatly increase their shelf life. Whenever possible, store your food in containers that are airtight, shatterproof, and resealable. All foods must be rotated to keep your stock up-to-date and always consume the items closest to their expiration date first.

The items below are a great way to get your emergency food supplies started, but feel free to add to your stock as needed/wanted.

Canned/Jarred
With a shelf life of up to 5 years or more, canned food is a perfect addition to emergency food stores.  Never eat from a can that is rusty, bulging, has a broken seal, or otherwise seems unsafe. If you are ever unsure about the integrity of a can, play it safe and throw it away. In addition to store-bought canned foods learning how to make your own can be a great benefit. Check out Foodinjars.com for great tips, tricks, and recipes for home canning. A few examples of canned foods to stock are listed below.

  • Tuna (Or other canned fish)
  • Meats (Spam counts)
  • Soup, Stew, and Chili (Keep a variety of each)
  • Fruits (Peaches, Pears, Oranges, Pineapple, Tomatoes)
  • Vegetables (Green Beans, Corn)
  • Mushrooms
  • Pickles
  • Beans (Pinto, Kidney, Black, Red, Garbanzo, Baked)
  • Lentils

Packaged
Packaged foods come in many shapes, sizes, types, and shelf lives. Look for foods that are suitable for long-term storage and that retain their taste and nutrients, even after being stored for long periods of time.

Spices and Condiments
While not always needed for health benefits, spices and condiments can add a desired variation to meals that would otherwise become boring.

  • Salt and Pepper
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Basil
  • Chili powder
  • Jellies, Jams, and Chutneys
  • Honey (see also: Honey Everlasting)

Oils and Fats
You can use most oils and fats for cooking, dressing, and baking. Most oils can be stored  for long periods of time if kept well-sealed, cool, and out of direct sunlight.

  • Olive Oil
  • Canola Oil
  • Corn Oil
  • Canned Shortening (Possibly indefinite shelf-life if kept sealed)

Misc
Listed below are a few additional items that can come in handy when trying to survive off little more than what is already in your cupboard; these items can be used when baking, cooking, and sometimes also for cleaning.

  • White Distilled Vinegar (can also be used as a cleaning agent)
  • Yeast
  • Powdered Milk
  • Baking Powder/Baking Soda (see also: Baking Soda – The Survival Tool)
  • Flour (Basic white flour stores best)
  • Sugar (If kept dry, with store indefinitely. See also: Stop A Wound With Sugar)
  • Multivitamin/Vitamin C (Even if only taken occasionally, vitamins can help protect you from scurvy, illness, and also serve as an energy booster; they can be stored indefinitely if kept in a cool, dry place.)

While this article can help you be better prepared for a Zombie outbreak or other major disaster, there will come a time when you will need to replenish your stock and begin growing your own foods. Make sure to check out our Forever Foods: Miracle Munchables  Guide, it can help keep your pantry stocked for the worst of times.