7 Reasons Why Food Storage Is Common
There are several reasons why food storage is common. Many people have begun prepping after watching shows like Doomsday Preppers or even the Walking Dead. However, preparing for a zombie apocalypse isn’t the top reason on the list.
Before we delve into all the reasons why food storage is common in our lives, let’s take a look at what food storage actually is!
What is Food Storage?
Food storage is a simple concept that means storing food and water for various what-if scenarios. The main food storage principles that I teach here on Food Storage Moms are:
Long Term and Short Term Food Storage
Having an emergency food supply won’t cover you if the situation lasts for a longer period. Because we never know how long a situation could last, I recommend that you stock and store enough food for at least 3-6 months for every member of your family. If you can do more, I encourage you to follow your heart and do what you feel might be needed.
Water Storage
In addition to storing food, you’ll also want to have water storage. The rule of thumb is to store 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking needs so you can stay hydrated. I suggest storing 4 gallons of water per person per day, and to have enough water for 3-6 months. The reason I suggest more is that you will also need that water for cooking, light cleaning, and personal hygiene.
7 Reasons Why Food Storage is Common
Now that we know what food storage is, let’s take a look at the reasons why it has become so common in the USA.
#1 Rising Food Prices
In recent years, food prices have been on the rise, particularly in the past few months. This is due to several reasons:
- Natural disasters– Droughts, floods, and other natural disasters have affected crops, which means we don’t have a surplus.
- The pandemic– Additionally, the pandemic played a part in food prices rising due to supply and demand. When there isn’t enough supply for the demand needed, prices increase.
- Inflation-Inflation is also contributing to the rise in food prices. The cost of living is going up, but wages have not kept pace. This means that people are having to spend more money on food just to make ends meet. Most economists feel the inflation has also been caused by so much additional government funding for various projects.
- The Ukraine Situation – it turns out that much of the wheat and other staples come from this global region. If it can’t be planted and ultimately harvested, the shortage of food products prompts an increase in prices.
#2 Economic Instability
In addition to rising food prices, there is also a lot of economic instability. There were layoffs, furloughs, and job losses during the pandemic which led people to realize they needed a safety net.
Even though there are currently plenty of jobs, the pay compared to the cost of living is very unstable. This has led many people to worry about their financial future and whether they will be able to afford food for their families.
While we are seeing a lot of ups and downs, the idea of an economic crisis is what keeps people building their food storage. The likelihood of money being tight is much higher than ever before. We are not only seeing it on a personal level, but also on local and national levels.
Food storage provides a safety net for those worried about their next meal.
#3 Natural Disasters
As I mentioned before, natural disasters have played a role in the rise of food storage. After hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters, people are left without power or running water.
We have recently seen where the power grid in Texas failed during a winter storm. People were left without power for days in a typically warm climate that doesn’t typically get cold weather. People in the US have realized that they need to be prepared for things they never even thought could happen.
While we can’t control the weather, we can control our food storage. By having a supply of food and water, we can weather any storm (literally).
#4 Political Instability
We are currently living in very politically unstable times. There is a lot of division among people, and no one seems to agree on anything. This instability has led to a lot of unrest, and even violence.
With the current political climate, it’s hard to predict what could happen next. That is why many people are choosing to store food in case of an emergency. If there is a political crisis, they hope they will have enough food to last until things settle down.
#5 Inflation
Inflation is another reason why food storage has become so popular. The cost of living is rising, but wages have not kept pace. This means that people are spending more money on food just to get by.
With inflation, the prices of goods and services go up over time. But, the value of money goes down. So, you are seeing people struggle to get things like food, water, and gas.
While we can’t control inflation, we can control our food storage. By having a supply of food and water, we can make sure that we are not as drastically affected by the rising cost of living.
#6 The Pandemic
The pandemic has led to a lot of people worried about their next meal. With job losses and businesses closing, people who struggled through the pandemic don’t want to end up in that situation again.
While the pandemic is much less potent, there is always the possibility of another one happening. That is why many people are choosing to store food in case of an emergency. If there is another pandemic, they are planning things so they will have enough food to last until things settle down.
#7 Fear of Rationing
Rationing is when the government limits the amount of food and other essentials that people can buy. This usually happens during wartime, but it could also happen during an emergency.
While rationing has not happened in the US for a long time, many people are afraid that it could happen again. With the current political climate, the war in Ukraine, and the recent pandemic, it’s hard to predict what could or will happen.
If people have food storage during rationing, they have a better chance they’ll have enough to last until it is over.
Food Storage Tips
If you haven’t started a food storage plan, there has never been a better time than now to start! If you aren’t sure where to begin, check out some of my posts, below:
- Prepping for Beginners: A Guide To Get You Started
- 1 Week’s Food Storage Supply
- Canned Foods I Highly Recommend You Store
- How to Store Water For Drinking and Cooking
Final Word
Food storage has become increasingly popular in the US for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s because of the economy, natural disasters, political instability, inflation, the pandemic, or the fear of rationing, people are choosing to store food.
While we can’t control what happens in the world, we can control our involvement in food storage efforts. By having a supply of food and water, we can make sure that we are prepared for anything that comes our way. May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Glass Jars AdobeStock_333650695 by Indievibe, Food Supplies AdobeStock_332468661 by Natasha Breen
Yeah we were all crazy
Till we weren’t
I prepare for eventualities over fantasies. That being said: I’d have a better understanding of the zombie apocalypse than what’s going on right now.
Hi Matt, you are so right!! I never understood the zombie stuff. I like the real stuff too! Linda
Yes, Matt,
You said a mouthful there. Although, I think that you, as well as Linda and me, understand what is going on now. The part that is hard to understand is how a bunch of folks who profess to be human are bringing much of this to bear on the general population. As I told Linda recently, I have to come up with some new conspiracy theories because all my old ones are coming true.
Keep on keeping on and let them call you crazy. What we are doing is like insurance coverage which has never been crazy.
Hi Harry, you are so right it is like insurance coverage! Great comment, we will keep on doing what we’re doing! Linda
If I’m wrong about all this prepping stuff, I can eat my mistakes, but if I’m right what will they eat?
Hi Dang Duffy’s, that’s a great question. I’m not sure they will eat. Linda
Plant a garden this year. I have food storage, but nothing is as good as fresh.
Hi Janet, oh you are so right!!! A garden is the best!! Linda
We just never know what’s around the corner. I saw a clip last week on a social media site, where a man was told by a friend in the home construction industry in Knoxville, TN, that there was a shortage on “temporary set ups” for electricity for new home construction. Many had to rely on generators to run power tools. Also, there is a shortage on electrical transformers. Just a big storm coming through could knock out power that may take weeks or longer to restore. The man said this was true for Nashville, Chattanooga and around the country. Other day I asked my son who is an electrician in one of those areas and he confirmed it was true. My son said there is a shortage about everywhere.
Hi MtGrammy, I have heard all of it as well. We can not get bids on the home we are building. The builder can’t get his subcontractors who he uses all the time to get bids on a timely basis back to him. We are going on seven months, we have the plans and the engineered plans. We still need the city and county approval. We may have to go to plan B. Now, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates so that should slow down building homes. There are shortages everywhere. It’s so frustrating. Linda
Linda, you and your new cottage have been in my thoughts. I hope as your dreams become reality you will share your unique storage ideas with us. My preparations will never compare with yours or Matt’s or Harry’s, but I am lightyears ahead of where I was when I discovered your writings two years ago. Not just on food and water, but on cleaning supplies, toiletries, medicine, first aid and basic home maintenance. I have a lot to learn, but we stand a better chance of surviving now. My biggest focus now is fighting inflation and the recession I see coming. God help us, because we are going to need it.
Hi Chirs, I will be sharing all of it because I believe it will help others. I’m really nervous that all of my “stuff” will fit. When we designed it, my main focus was my kitchen and my pantry. It’s so funny Chris because I have always wanted a HUGE pantry. I have had fairly large homes but never a pantry that was large enough. I don’t need anything fancy, but I need to be able to organize everything, especially my pantry. The “pantry” will be one whole wall with built-in painted shelves (no doors). When we get to that point I will have the measurements I need for the builder. My emergency preps will be in the garage I share with my daughter’s family. We have now been living in one bedroom with a queen bed and our dogs sleep with us. LOL! I have all of my kitchen supplies in this bedroom. It’s very very crowded. I wish I could see the light at the end of the tunnel in this building process. We started before Halloween 2021. We laugh through every holiday. We started with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Groundhog Day, Vallentine’s Day, and now Easter. LOL! How many more holidays until we can get the builder to get going??? LOL! We still need the city to approve the engineered plans. Life is crazy in the world, and I’m still waiting for the construction to begin. Mother’s Day is the next holiday….Linda
Linda, in addition to considering pre wiring for a generator, look into pocket doors. We have 6 of them, and they take up much less space. Also pre-wiring for a central vac. You would be amazed how it keeps down the dust.
Hi Chris, thanks for all these tips!!! I’ve had a central vacuum before, this house is so little!! LOL! I can vacuum in 5 minutes!! LOL! Linda
Oh Linda, I’m so sorry your house hasn’t been started yet! That is frustrating! When we built our house, it was before the pandemic and it was the weather that put things on hold for awhile. I hear you on the pantry! The finish carpenter and I had many discussions about shelving in my pantry (which I love) and he was glad that I had measurements of buckets, cans, and appliances like my blender and stand mixer. He is LDS and was very helpful in getting it set up.
Hi Paula, Oh, we think alike on the shelving!!! I love it!! Linda
It’s strange the things that places are having trouble getting in. Today I went for my quarterly bloodwork and discovered that the doctor’s office was unable to get butterfly needles for blood draws. After all 3 nurses tried and couldn’t get any blood at all, they sent me to the hospital for outpatient blood work. They did have butterfly needles and she was able to get the blood needed. It’s amazing how missing just one thing can turn a normal 10 minute procedure into a 5 hour ordeal that might not be over yet. By the time I was at the hospital waiting, I had gone more than 18 hours without eating. My husband finally went and got us some sandwiches from the cafe before my blood sugar went too low. So my blood work was not fasting like it would have been at 9:30am when I arrived at the doctor’s office.
I joked with the nurse and said “I’ve got about a dozen butterfly needles that I need to give fluids to dehydrated kittens, I should have brought one with me.” She said “we couldn’t have used it.”
Hi Topaz, oh my gosh, this is scary!! The fasting is necessary but you can’t go 18 hours!! Oh my gosh, glad you were able to get some sandwiches!! Wow, thanks for sharing your story, it will make all of us think ahead when items become scarce even more. Linda
I would like a hidden room, wall or whatever so I can put most of my supplies out of sight. Too easy for someone to walk in and take it all. I also think it would be fun in a Nancy Drew kind of way. Always wanted a hidden room for the kids, then the grand kids, now I’m up to the great grand kids. 🙂 sooner rather than later.
Hi Mary in mn, I know, right?? Oh, and a Nancy Drew kid of way would be perfect!! I would love it! Linda
Hi Linda,
I too am so sorry about the waiting for your home to be built. We may be facing the same problems. We will be leaving WA state and moving to AZ to be near family. You and Mark are fortunate that you can stay with your daughter’s family while you are waiting. (hugs and a high five to your daughter! You wonderful baby girl you!)
We will have to make serious adjustments in our preps in AZ. Going from 2242 sq. ft. down to 1500 sq. ft. is going to be a challenge,. If I remember correctly (I’ll have to go reread your book again)(EVERYONE get a copy of Linda’s book!) you made mention of the fact that we shouldn’t keep our long term commercially canned foods in the garage because of the heat. Fruit, soup, and veggies! Oh My! (sorry I couldn’t resist that one!)
I’ll keep your family in my prayers. We had our Grandaughter & Grandson-in-law stay with us for 4 months at the beginning of COVID and it was not particularly a joyful time.
Thank heavens I’m not the only person left who remembers Nancy Drew! Love it!
Cheryl
Cheryl, we can do this! We left 1900 square feet and will be building (someday about 1233 square feet). LOL! All of our food storage and preps are in climate control units until we build. Luckily my daughter has a very large home and she loves that I cook a lot!! Thank you for the shout-out for my book, you are so nice!! I have a daughter that lives in Flagstaff, Az. They love it there! Not too hot and beautiful pine trees in their yard. The heat is rough on food storage, big time! It’s going to be a challenge for us as well. But, I’m determined to make it work. Linda