Living in a world of uncertainty fraught with the potential for unexpected natural disasters and economic strife, it is the wise and prudent individual who buys food items in bulk. Buying in bulk not only provides a secure ‘nest egg’ of emergency food, it also saves so much money.
With the huge number of online coupon options available and different sources to acquire them, buying in bulk makes more sense than ever. The government encourages it; survivalists advise it; and your family along with your wallet will benefit from it.
Non-perishable food items are generally canned or boxed items. They can be safely stored for extended periods of time without being damaged or deteriorating. Normal room temperatures, with a generous amount of variation, are adequate to keep them preserved.
Some items have a shelf life of several years without incurring any problems. Most will maintain their taste and nutritional benefits for many months. It is advisable to maintain a regular, steady rotation of those items, consuming the older items first so that you always have the freshest items in stock.
When putting together a stock of emergency food supplies, the main things to keep in mind are:
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Select foods you know your family will eat and enjoy.
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Store enough to last at least three days.
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Consider any special dietary or allergic requirements.
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Avoid salty foods that will make you thirsty.
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Store canned food items with high liquid content
Purchasing food items in bulk is the best way to get a good start on your emergency food cache. Purchasing in bulk will also provide great savings in addition to getting a big leap on an emergency food cache. Even if you’re simply buying food for your family’s normal grocery shopping list, buying in bulk is a great way to stock up.
There are some food items that are not only used frequently and are essential for any emergency, but are also versatile when buying in bulk. They can be prepared or consumed in a variety of ways, making them invaluable when preparing a variety of meals.
Here is a list of excellent food items perfect for purchasing in bulk:
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Peanut Butter – Multiple uses in baking, great for sandwiches, and caters to several snack items.
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Canned Meats – Canned meats like chicken, pork and beef are also useful in a myriad of ways of creating different meals, soups and snacks.
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Nuts – Nuts have great nutritional value and are easy to store and simple to use with or without preparation or cooking.
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Canned Veggies – Very easy to find in bulk volume, they are a great value and usually have an extended shelf life.
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Pasteurized Milk – There are several kinds of milks available that come in containers designed to keep for months.
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Canned Juices – Most canned juices are high in vitamins and other healthy nutrients, and come with an extended shelf life.
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Canned Tuna – Canned tuna is a superb bulk purchase item that can be used in main dishes, sandwiches and salads. The cans take up very little space, and have a long shelf life.
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Soft Drinks – Soft drinks are one of the best bulk bargains going.
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Canned Soups – Soups are convenient, easy to prepare and quick to heat up.
While regular grocery stores offer great value, warehouse membership clubs usually have more selection, more options and a better value in the end. Whether you’re preparing for emergencies or simply stocking up the pantry, buying in bulk is best.