List of Survival Foods You Can Prepare in Case of a Total Lockdown

List of Survival Foods You Can Prepare in Case of a Total Lockdown

If a total lockdown occurs, food and water supplies are a major concern. Having access to adequate food and water after a lockdown can reduce stress, worry, and inconvenience.

In the event of a disaster or a total lockdown, one must store beforehand a 3- to 5-day worth of supply of food and water.

Having homesteading skills on how to prepare yourself and your family in case of a total lockdown could help a lot!

Prepare an Emergency Food Supply

When buying food supplies, you should consider the following:

• Have a long shelf life
• Food that requires little or no cooking, or refrigeration
• Meet the dietary needs of babies or other family members
• Meet your pet’s needs
• Avoid salty and spicy foods because they are a source of hydration

How to Store Emergency Food

If you are planning to store food, buying dehydrated or other emergency food is not necessary. Here are the things that you must consider when purchasing your food supply:

• Be sure to check the expiration dates on canned foods and dry mixes. It is usually necessary to toss home canned foods after a year.
• Food should be consumed and replaced before its expiration date.
• Certain storage conditions can extend the shelf life of canned or dried foods. The ideal location is a dark, cool, and dry environment. Temperatures between 40° and 70°F are ideal.
• Food should be stored away from ranges or refrigerator exhausts. Almost every food spoils faster when it is heated.
• Food should not be stored near petroleum products, such as gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. Food products can absorb their smell.
• Food should be protected from rodents and insects. It is recommended to wrap items in boxes or paper cartons heavily or to store them in waterproof, airtight containers.

List of Survival Foods in Case of Total Lockdown

Non-perishable food items (or similar items) have long expiration dates, so even if it’s not disaster season or lockdown, you can store them away for long periods. Make a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every six to twelve months to keep things fresh. Do not forget to keep a can opener on hand at all times, as all of that food will be useless if you cannot open it.

Cereal

Be sure to buy multigrain cereals in individual packets so they don’t go bad after being opened.

Granola bars and power bars

These portable snacks are healthy and filling, and they stay fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re rich in carbohydrates.

Natural Valley’s Variety Pack includes 12 individually-wrapped bars in peanut butter, oats ‘n dark chocolate, and oats ‘n honey flavors. These bars have 16 grams of whole grain per serving, which will keep people full for a long time.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is packed with healthy fats and protein and is a great source of energy. Unless the jar says otherwise, you don’t need to refrigerate after opening.

Whole-wheat crackers

In place of bread, crackers make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. As a result of their higher fat content, whole-wheat and whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts (check the package for expiration dates), but their fiber content makes you full for a long time. Pack your crackers in a vacuum-sealed bag to prolong their freshness.

Nuts and trail mixes

Stock up on these high-energy foods — they’re healthy and convenient to eat during a hurricane, tornado, or total lockdown. Nuts are better kept fresh in vacuum-packed containers, which prevent oxidation.

Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins

These healthy snacks provide potassium and dietary fiber in place of fresh fruit.

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey

Generally lasting at least two years in the pantry, canned meats are an essential source of protein. The USDA’s meat and poultry hotline manager, Diane Van, explains that vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf life, but will last a minimum of six months.

Moreover, vacuum sealed packs may come in handy if you don’t have a can opener.

Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas

During natural disasters or hurricanes, canned varieties can provide vital nutrients. To get as many vitamins and minerals as possible, order a case of mixed vegetable cans by Libby’s. In each can, you’ll find peas, carrots, corn, lima beans, and green beans, so you get a well-balanced meal.

Canned soups and chili

You can eat soups and chili right out of the can and they contain a lot of nutrients. Choose low-sodium options.

Dry pasta and pasta sauces

Pasta might be a carb-rich, gluten-filled food, but it is filling, and dry pasta and jarred sauce can last for months in the pantry. Consider gluten-free pasta (or chickpea pasta) if someone in your household has dietary restrictions.

Bottled water

You’ll need one gallon of water per person per day if you’re stocking a three-day supply. The average person should drink at least a half gallon of water per day, and the remaining half gallon will be added to food or use to wash food. Ensure everyone stays hydrated by purchasing a case of water that includes essential minerals such as electrolytes.

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade

The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks help you rehydrate and replenish fluids when water is scarce. Make sure you choose a sports drink that doesn’t contain too many additives, such as sugar or artificial sweeteners. Make sure you choose a product like Nooma – a coconut water and salt drink enhanced with electrolytes.

Powdered milk

Almost all dairy products require refrigeration, so stock this substitute if fresh milk is not available. You should go for an organic, resealable option from NOW Foods. The product is flash-pasteurized to give it a superior flavor and can last several months once opened if stored in a cool, dry place.

Sugar, salt and pepper

A basic supply of seasonings and sweeteners will enhance the taste of your food, both fresh and packaged.

Hard, packaged sausages, such as sopressata and pepperoni

Tuna and chicken from cans can’t last forever. Stock up on dry-cured salamis such as sopressata, a southern Italian specialty available at most grocery stores. When unopened, they can be stored in the pantry for six weeks.

Multivitamins

Supplements help make up for the nutrients missing from your normal diet. But vitamins don’t need to be boring. Instead, choose from SmartyPants’ delicious fruity gummies. The gummy contains a full day’s worth of vitamins as well as omega 3s and folate.

Fresh food that you can store in case of total lockdown

In the event that a storm is approaching or there is an all-out lockdown, you still have time to stock up on food, such as fresh produce and items with shorter shelf lives. Almost all of these foods will last at least a week after they are purchased and will provide you with a fresh alternative to packaged foods. Visit your local farmers’ market if it’s open; the produce there is fresher than that in your typical supermarket, so your fruits and vegetables will last longer.

But in the event that there is no farmers market or supermarket near you, I suggest that you try urban farming wherein you grow your own produce to which you have access all year round! Whether it be in front yards, backyards, abandoned lots, balconies, rooftops or just indoors, you can start your own urban gardening.

If you will buy food or would like to start your own backyard vegetable garden to be prepared in case of a total lockdown, here are the fruits and vegetables that you must consider growing:

Apples

If stored in a cool, dry area away from perishable fruits (like bananas), apples can last up to three months.

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits

Despite their high acid content and sturdy skin, citrus fruits can last for up to two weeks without refrigeration, especially if you buy them when they’re not fully ripe. Grapefruits and oranges contain a lot of vitamin C and will keep you hydrated.

Avocados

If you buy a firm, unripe avocado, it will last outside the refrigerator for at least a week.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes can be stored at room temperature for several days if they are unripe.

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams

These root vegetables can be stored in your refrigerator for several months, and they make tasty side dishes. Potatoes will last about a month if they are kept in a cool, dark place.

Cucumbers and summer squash

Without refrigeration, these vegetables should last for a few days and can be eaten raw.

Winter squash

Although most winter squashes are inedible uncooked, winter squashes, like acorn squash, can be stored for a few months.

Conclusion

It is easy to have the supplies to not only get by but to thrive (in a relative sense), through something like a natural disaster or a total lockdown. There’s no need to be prepared for a zombie apocalypse.

Being prepared is never a bad thing. Make sure you have these items on hand in case of an emergency. You should also prepare a kit to keep in your car for emergencies that may happen while you’re driving.

If you have suggestions just leave a comment below. Happy prepping!