Long  term storage is a supply of food that will last a long time, and you can survive on.   For example rice, beans, pasta, rolled oats, salt, sugar, honey, and wheat can be stored for 30 years.  Of  course, they must be properly packaged and stored in a cool dry place.  Some recommended containers are #10 cans, foil pouches, or PETE bottles.  Sometimes plastics buckets can be used.

The recommendation for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to gather together a 3-month supply of the foods the family eats everyday, and then build a one-year supply of emergency basics, of which the above listed foods are typical.  Members in cramped quarters find ingenious ways to find space for long-term food storage, and even use food storage containers to hold up a bed, or store foods under beds.

Click here to find information on building a 3-month supply and a full year’s emergency supply.

The following is the new approximation of the shelf life of long-term survival storage foods:

Product Recommendations

The following suggested amounts are for one adult.

You may also want to add other items to your longer-term storage such as sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda, and cooking oil. To meet nutritional needs, also store foods containing vitamin C and other essential nutrients.  Baking soda and vinegar are cheaper to store and as effective as cleaners as commercial products.  Hydrogen Peroxide kills mold, disinfects, is cheap, and safe to use.  Store these items for hygiene.

Dry products that are not suitable for longer-term storage due to moisture content, oils, or other concerns include:

Moist foods stored with food-drying additives long-term can develop botulism.

Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers protect dry foods from insect damage and help preserve product quality. They are used when dry foods are packaged in sealed containers. Oxygen absorbers can be purchased from home storage centers and Church Distribution Services, or they can be ordered from store.lds.org.

Storage of Plastic Buckets

• Store plastic buckets off the floor by at least ½ inch (1.3 cm) to allow air to circulate under the bucket.
• Do not stack plastic buckets over three high. If buckets are stacked, check them periodically to ensure that the lids have not broken from the weight.

For more information, visit providentliving.org.