How much food should I stockpile per person?

For emergency food, stockpile at least 3 days to 2 weeks of non-perishable items (1 gallon water/person/day), focusing on calories (1,500-2,000/day) and nutrients; for long-term needs, aim for 1-3 months or more, including grains, proteins, fruits, and veggies, based on your family's specific daily calorie and dietary requirements for extended self-sufficiency.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for food?

The 2-2-2 food rule is a simple guideline for handling leftovers: get cooked food into the fridge within 2 hours, eat it within 2 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness. It helps manage food safety and reduce waste by providing a clear timeline for perishable items, especially those left at room temperature in the "danger zone" (40-140°F or 5-60°C). 

Can you eat 20 year old canned meat?

You can eat canned food that is decades old and it's safe as long as it's properly sealed. It may be discolored and the texture/taste might not be the same as fresher canned foods, but it is safe to eat. I've eaten 5 year old canned meat and veggies and it tasted the same as the day it was processed.

What two foods can you survive on?

For long-term survival with just two foods, a combination like potatoes and milk (or yogurt) comes close, providing carbs, protein, and some vitamins (milk needs vitamin C), while sweet potatoes and eggs offer excellent vitamins (A, C) plus protein and fats, but no single two-food combo is perfect; a varied diet is always best. Other strong pairs include beans & rice, or a trail mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, though these still lack some essential nutrients for indefinite survival without supplements, notes Valley Food Storage, Reddit, Battlbox.com. 

What is the one food you can live on forever?

What food can you survive on forever? No, it is not possible to survive on a single food forever without developing nutritional deficiencies. While some foods offer a broad range of nutrients, none provide all the essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to sustain long-term health.

How to Build 1 Year of Food Storage - Ultimate Guide

What to stockpile in case of WW3?

As well as keeping supplies of food and water, people have been advised to prepare a survival kit including things like torches, matches, radios, identification papers and phone chargers.

What food lasts the longest in cans?

Canned foods that last the longest are typically low-acid items like meats, fish (tuna, salmon), vegetables (beans, corn, carrots), and soups/stews, which can last 2 to 5 years or even longer if stored properly in a cool, dry place, while high-acid foods (fruits, tomatoes, pickles) last about 12-18 months, with some #10 cans potentially exceeding 25 years, though quality gradually diminishes over decades. For indefinite storage, look for items in large #10 cans or specialized long-term survival cans. 

What foods can not be canned?

You can't safely can foods high in fat (oils, butter), dairy (milk, cheese, cream), thick mixtures (mayonnaise, refried beans, nut butters, cream soups, chocolate), most starches (pasta, rice, flour), or certain vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, lettuce) because they either prevent heat penetration, don't get acidic enough, or become mushy, risking deadly botulism or spoilage; instead, use freezing, dehydrating, or canning broths/sauces separately.
 

What foods can you not eat after the expiration date?

You should not eat highly perishable foods past their "use-by" or expiration date, especially raw meat, poultry, seafood, deli meats, milk, eggs, soft cheeses, and prepared salads, as these can quickly grow dangerous bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria, causing food poisoning. Always discard items with visible mold, slimy textures, or off odors, regardless of the date, to prevent illness. 

How do the Amish keep their food cold?

The Amish keep food cold using traditional methods like ice houses filled with harvested winter ice, spring houses utilizing cool spring water, root cellars for natural earth insulation, and sometimes modern solutions like gas-powered refrigerators or ice boxes, depending on their community's rules, relying on ingenuity and resourcefulness.
 

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 rule for groceries?

🛒 🥦🍎🥚 ✔️ 5 veggies ✔️ 4 fruits ✔️ 3 proteins ✔️ 2 grains ✔️ 1 fun treat (yes, you deserve it) 😌✨ Say goodbye to decision fatigue and hello to smarter shopping with Healthy Planet!

What are the 4 C's of food safety?

The 4 Cs of food safety are Clean, Cook, Chill, and Cross-Contamination (or Separate), foundational principles to prevent foodborne illnesses by focusing on hygiene, proper heating, safe cooling/storage, and preventing germs from spreading between foods. Clean hands and surfaces; Cook food thoroughly to kill bacteria; Chill perishable items quickly and store them correctly; and Separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods to stop cross-contamination.
 

What should I stockpile for food shortages?

Include a selection of the following foods in your short-term Disaster Supplies Kit:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
• Staples " sugar, salt, pepper.
• High energy foods " peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix.

What are 10 signs of poor nutrition?

Poor nutrition shows up as constant fatigue, weak immunity (getting sick often), slow wound healing, mood changes (irritability, apathy, depression), poor concentration, feeling cold, and physical signs like dry skin/hair, brittle nails, and unintended weight changes, often stemming from lack of appetite or nutrient-dense foods, signaling your body isn't getting essential fuel. 

What is the $3000 emergency food supply at Costco?

Costco's $3,000 Emergency Food Supply Is Built to Last 25 Years — but Can It Really Sustain You? The ReadyWise kit includes 38 buckets with more than 5,000 freeze-dried servings designed to last 25 years, but experts say it's reliable only for survival, not long-term wellness.

Can you eat 20 year old canned food?

You can likely eat 20-year-old canned food if the can is in perfect condition (no dents, rust, swelling) and the contents look/smell normal, as the USDA says most shelf-stable foods last indefinitely past "best by" dates, but quality (taste, texture) declines, with low-acid foods (meats, veggies) lasting longer than high-acid ones (tomatoes, fruits). Always do the "sight, smell, and spray" test: discard if it hisses, smells bad, or has milky liquid, as these signal spoilage or botulism risk.
 

What are the 12 dirty dozen vegetables?

The "Dirty Dozen" is a list published annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) (EWG) identifying the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, recommending buying organic for these items to minimize exposure. For 2025, the list includes Spinach, Strawberries, Kale/Collard/Mustard Greens, Grapes, Peaches, Cherries, Nectarines, Pears, Apples, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Potatoes, with blackberries and potatoes being new additions.
 

What foods should you never put in the fridge?

You should not refrigerate items like tomatoes, potatoes, onions, bananas, avocados, bread, and garlic, as cold temperatures can ruin their texture, flavor, or ripeness; store whole melons, citrus, and most oils at room temperature too, but refrigerate once cut or opened. Unopened jams, honey, coffee, and most condiments also don't need the fridge. 

What to stockpile in case of war?

For a war or emergency, stock up on essentials like water (1 gallon/person/day), non-perishable food (canned goods, grains, protein), first aid & meds, sanitation supplies, tools (can opener, multi-tool), light/power (radio, flashlights, batteries, power banks), important documents, cash, and specific needs for pets/children/elderly, focusing on a 2-week supply for staying home or 3 days for evacuation, according to Ready.gov and the Red Cross. 

Can I eat 10 year old canned soup?

Can you eat “expired” canned food? Good news: Shelf-stable canned goods are safe more or less indefinitely, lasting up to five years or more according to the USDA.

What food has a 10 year shelf life?

Foods that last 10 years or more include staples like honey, white rice, dried beans/lentils, salt, sugar, and oats, especially when stored in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, plus specialized items like freeze-dried meals, powdered eggs/milk, and certain canned goods, with proper cool, dry storage being key for maximizing shelf life. Some items, like dark chocolate or hard cheeses, also have extended lives, while dried fruits and pasta last years, though maybe not a full decade.
 

What is the 3-3-3 rule for weight loss?

The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based strategy focusing on 3 balanced meals, drinking 3 bottles of water by 3 PM, and getting 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over restriction to build sustainable healthy habits for metabolism and fullness. It's a flexible framework, not a strict diet, that helps manage hunger, support digestion, and establish a baseline of movement. 

What is a substitute for a banana on the military diet?

1/2 banana (substitutions: 2 kiwis, 1 cup of papaya, or 2 apricots. Plums, grapes, and apple sauce also work as long as it's the same number of calories). 1 small apple (substitutions: plums, peaches, grapes, zucchini, pears, or dried apricots).