Survival Food – Freeze Dried & MRE

There are many people who took action to be food prepared at some point in the last five years. And now that it is 2011, they are not.

Are you someone who bought bulk staples and tried to grow a sustenance garden – two, three, even five years ago? Did you watch the food go to waste unused and found you were too busy to keep it up. Now how prepared are you?

If on the other hand you bought a large freeze dried food reserve five years ago, you would still be as prepared in 2011 as when you bought it. And you would continue to be food prepared for another 20 years.

This is the same message I have repeated in many posts. Why keep repeating the message? I keep hearing from readers the same story again and again.

At some point they get enthusiastic about food preparedness. It is driven by fear created in some news story that seems like danger is imminent. They feel a responsibility to protect their family and others from the consequences of some news event of the day. They go around survival sites and get good information and decide that a life dedicated to being prepared is for them.

Then the event does not happen or was smaller than expected and does not affect them.

Remember Y2K, SARs, H1N1, Peak Oil scare 2008, depression and collapse scare of 2009-10?   These events did not directly result in people needing and using a food reserve. However these risks have not gone away.  And every time a risk gets newsworthy again,  you might remember the time and money you previously wasted on food preparedness that withered away a short time later.  What do you feel like doing? Getting prepared again or not? Maybe you just hope the risk goes away and take your chances.

So why not invest in being food  prepared? If this time however, you invest in something that is going to last a long time, there is no reason not to be food prepared.  When you really do need it, it is there for you and your loved ones.

For 2011, my hope none of us need to use our food reserves.

Unfortunately however in 2010,  I do know that some of us who have seen their jobs disappear with no good opportunities on the horizon have already started to use their food reserves. I hope that stops in 2011.

Kevin

Freeze Dried Food For Long Term Food Storage – Learn the Basics and Benefits

By Charles ONeill

More and more people are becoming aware of the need to prepare themselves and their families in case of emergencies. With everything from earthquakes to hurricanes to terrorist attacks to pandemics threatening us, it just makes sense to have a store of emergency preparedness supplies on hand.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare is to ensure you have a cache of survival foods on hand. But many people get confused as to what options they have.

You want something that is edible, tastes good, will keep for years (so you don’t have to keep replacing it) and has all the vitamins and nutrients you need from your food.

One very popular option with urban survivalists is freeze dried foods.

What are freeze dried foods?

Freeze drying is a process where food is cooked and then flash frozen. After it’s been flash frozen, it is brought to a lower temperature to help evaporate any ice and as much of the food’s moisture as possible.

The food is then placed in a sealed moisture and oxygen-proof package to help ensure freshness when it is opened.

Once water (hot or cold) is replaced in food that is freeze dried, the food regains it’s original flavor, aroma, texture and appearance.

This also has the benefit of tasting good – unlike many of the space-man type of prepackaged survival foods that have been sold for years. And if you have a family, getting them to eat food is going to be a challenge if the food doesn’t taste good.

Why Freeze Dried Food?

With foods that are freeze dried you keep the freshness, color and aroma, as well as maintaining both a long shelf-life and reduced weight (because of the removal of water).

Food that is freeze dried also gives you advantages over frozen food, dehydrated food or canned goods.

Foods that use the freeze dried method do not require lower temperatures for storage, don’t lose there freshness over time as easily as canned goods, and they maintain their flavor and texture over dehydrated foods.

Another benefit to freeze drying food is that it’s lighter than traditional canned goods or even MRE’s (meals ready to eat). This means you can easily transport it in a backpack or boogie bag if you need to evacuate your home in a hurry.

What Options Do You Have For Long Term Food Storage?

You can get Freeze Dried emergency food in a variety of packages. Many companies offer several weeks of food up to a year’s worth of food. You can get food for 1 person or even up to 10 people. Most packages are easily stackable and have at least a shelf life of 10+ years.

You also want to look for packages that are easily storable somewhere. The last thing you want to do is have all this food laying out in your basement for your visitors to see. (Guess who’s door they’ll be knocking on at the first sign of emergency).

Because of this, several emergency food companies offer their freeze dried meals in space saving containers you can place under your bed or off in an inconspicuous corner of your basement.

So those are some advantages of using freeze dried foods for long term emergency food storage. They taste good, preserve their freshness and last a long time. Plus they’re light if you need to carry several weeks worth of meals with you and many packages can be stored so they don’t attract attention from nosy neighbours.

Want more options? See Freeze Dried Food for more suggestions and tips on survival food.

Or visit Food Insurance for freeze dried foods with a 25 year shelf life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_ONeill
http://EzineArticles.com/?Freeze-Dried-Food-For-Long-Term-Food-Storage—Learn-the-Basics-and-Benefits&id=4294777

Mountain House, the largest makers of freeze dried food in the world have launched a “Connect with Mountain House Online!” campaign.

If you join their Twitter feed or Facebook group you get information updates and discount offers.

Facebook Twitter

They also have a YouTube Channel.

http://www.youtube.com/MountainHouseMeals

How to Prepare a Survival Food Kit

By Timothy Dalton

There are several items that need to be considered when one is preparing survival food rations. A basic survival kit needs to include many items. Here we will discuss just the food portion of a survival kit that should be kept on hand in the home in case of an emergency of some sort.

A good way to store survival materials is to keep them in a cellar or basement area. Many homes do not have these areas so a designated meeting place somewhere near the center of the house will work just as well. Items can be placed into a large plastic, or water proof, containers and only opened to replace old items or in a state of emergency.

Protein is a staple that must be included in the kit. There are plenty of options from which to choose. It is best to have several small containers rather than one large one. Individual units of things like peanut butter, canned chicken or tuna, and beans are all good choices for proteins. These need to be canned items and not in plastic or paper containers. This will ensure the contents are safe from contamination. Individually packaged nuts are also a good protein choice to be included in the kit.

Small packages of crackers can be placed into metal containers and stored in the kit as well. These will need to be changed out every three months to keep them fresh though.

There are many types of dried fruits that can be stored in a survival kit. Several different types of fruits can be purchased so that there is a variety. Individual packages are good but mostly just try not to buy the very large bags. The smaller the bag the better as this will yield less waste.

These are a few staple items that should always be included in a survival kit. There are other types of packaging to choose from. The storage space must be considered and items purchased which will allow for the maximum amounts of key items to be stored in case there is an emergency situation.

MREs or meals ready to eat, are the perfect emergency survival food. First designed by the military, they are now available to civilians as well. To find MRE meals for sale and military grade MREs, visit the links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Dalton
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Prepare-a-Survival-Food-Kit&id=4690748

What’s the Point of Survival Food Storage in a Modern World?

By Lance Esondi

In a modern world to most having something like a survival food storage seems a bit silly. The idea of having access to food and goods at all times seems normal because most of our lives that’s exactly how it has been. There are situations that having a survival food storage is a good option to have.

There are some situations where access to goods or ability to buy goods could be limited. Having a good 30 or 60 day supply on hand isn’t a bad idea.

Job loss – For most people at any time their jobs can be lost. This normally isn’t thought of as a survival situation but in a modern world it is. Having extra food and supplies will just make the period of job loss a bit easier.

Natural disaster – Some natural disasters you will have to evacuate the city like a major hurricane. But for some you might be stuck at home because it’s too difficult to leave the city. Having this food supply gives you something to rely on.

Pandemics – Pandemics can happen. Luckily there is some security out there where things are done to control them, but a sickness or virus could get out of control. The strategy in an area if one of these sicknesses is too far out of control is to quarantine everyone. While you are quarantined having some supplies will make this time much easier.

When you make your survival food storage, store food that you currently eat. Stock up on items that you already enjoy and just rotate your supply. Put the new one you just purchased into your storage bin and take the oldest one out to use next. This way you don’t have to worry as much about the food spoiling. Also you aren’t going to be left with old freeze dried meals that you may never actually eat if they go bad.

Do you have a plan for natural disasters or pandemics?

Click and learn Urban Survival Skills to properly prepare and be ready for these situations.

Discover Food Storage Secrets that let you have a good supply of food without constant worry about expiration dates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Esondi
http://EzineArticles.com/?Whats-the-Point-of-Survival-Food-Storage-in-a-Modern-World?&id=3638439

What’s the Point of Survival Food Storage in a Modern World?

By Lance Esondi

In a modern world to most having something like a survival food storage seems a bit silly. The idea of having access to food and goods at all times seems normal because most of our lives that’s exactly how it has been. There are situations that having a survival food storage is a good option to have.

There are some situations where access to goods or ability to buy goods could be limited. Having a good 30 or 60 day supply on hand isn’t a bad idea.

Job loss – For most people at any time their jobs can be lost. This normally isn’t thought of as a survival situation but in a modern world it is. Having extra food and supplies will just make the period of job loss a bit easier.

Natural disaster – Some natural disasters you will have to evacuate the city like a major hurricane. But for some you might be stuck at home because it’s too difficult to leave the city. Having this food supply gives you something to rely on.

Pandemics – Pandemics can happen. Luckily there is some security out there where things are done to control them, but a sickness or virus could get out of control. The strategy in an area if one of these sicknesses is too far out of control is to quarantine everyone. While you are quarantined having some supplies will make this time much easier.

When you make your survival food storage, store food that you currently eat. Stock up on items that you already enjoy and just rotate your supply. Put the new one you just purchased into your storage bin and take the oldest one out to use next. This way you don’t have to worry as much about the food spoiling. Also you aren’t going to be left with old freeze dried meals that you may never actually eat if they go bad.

Do you have a plan for natural disasters or pandemics?

Click and learn Urban Survival Skills to properly prepare and be ready for these situations.

Discover Food Storage Secrets that let you have a good supply of food without constant worry about expiration dates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Esondi
http://EzineArticles.com/?Whats-the-Point-of-Survival-Food-Storage-in-a-Modern-World?&id=3638439

Food preparedness is the logical choice when confronted with real tangible risks.

Why would anyone spend all their resources to prepare for high impact low probability events, while neglecting local significant probability and high impact preparedness?

Live in an seismically active area – be prepared for earthquakes  (Freeze dried food & water)

Live in a coastal area that has hurricane disasters every 50 years – be prepared (Freeze Dried Food & Water)

Live in a coastal area that has hurricane disasters every 20 years – be prepared (MRE)

Worried about flu pandemics every 80 years – be prepared (Freeze dried food  & water)

Live in a flood plain that floods every 20 years – keep several 72 hour kits in your home and automobile (think about moving to higher ground too)

Worried about global economic collapse on a scale that has never happened before – be prepared (Freeze dried food  & water)

Shelf life estimates

Freeze Dried Food – 25 years

MRE – 5 – 7 years

MRE and food bars in a 72 hour emergency kit, in the trunk of a car in a temperate region (Atlanta) – 1 year or less

Buy and store bulk staples, let them rot due to poor oversight and then throw them out a year or two later = unprepared.

Survival food reserves with Mountain House freeze dried food are now back to normal lead times.

A recent spike in demand due to swine flu has subsided.

It had been taking 5-10 days to process orders at some suppliers due to high volumes.

The situation during the swine flu pandemic threat was much better than May 2008.

Then survivalists worried about ‘peak oil’ collapse  caused lead times to go out to 7 to 8 weeks in some cases. Supplies of Mountain House freeze dried food were cut off to just a few online distributors at that time. Rumors circulated at that time suggested there would be as longs as a 20 week lead time on Mountain House freeze dried foods. These rumors turned out to be just rumors as the lead dropped to few days once the oil price dropped last summer.

The price of freeze dried food went up 10% to 15% at this time and has not come down since.

The lead time on freeze dried food increased again in October and November of  2008 as worries of a global economic collapse fueled rabid sales of freeze dried food. Demand remained strong till March but lead times returned to normal. I have observed during this time that when the daily stock market went up sales of freeze dried food go down and vice-versa.  It is probably not a good idea to make long term decisions on preparedness based on day to day news.

With swine flu pandemic threat arising, sales skyrocketed again causing longer lead times but this only lasted a few weeks.

Freeze dried food, which in Mountain House #10 cans can last up to 25 years is a good long term insurance policy against disasters. Threats of disaster come and go but you want to be ready when you need to be. It is best not to wait till there is a threat and lead times get long and prices go up.

Preparedness is not just for threats of mega-disasters that are far less likely to occur or impact you. It is the once in 10 year or 30 years or 50 year disasters that you are more likely to experience.

Wildfires, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and hurricanes are things that, depending where you live, you are likely to experience in your lifetime at least once.

To prepare for these disasters you need to think long term. Life time preparedness needs resources that last a long time.

Sorted through 50 blog and forum posts that refer to freeze dried food in the last week.  Selected 3 below that  have meaningful information on preparedness and freeze dried food references;

Food Storage Dilemmas -Freeze dried Vs. Dehydrated-both flawed!

This is a terrific forum discussion with a lot of great opinions on pros and cons of freeze dried food versus other survival food storage approaches.  Concerns with high sodium levels of prepared food are expressed.  If you can adjust your lifestyle to eating rice and beans and storing these food regularly than there is an advantage in price and health. However the fact is that most people are not likely to adjust to the change and be left later in an unprepared state. The value of freeze dried food reserve is you “don’t have to eat it till you need it”. So people who buy freeze dried food have less risk of being caught unprepared. However if you can adjust “rice and beans” it will decrease the amount of freeze dried emergency food you need to store.

Survival Kits

“Target Woman” talks about things you need to take into account in preparing your survival kit.

the key to survival in the wild is preparation. Where to start and what are the factors that influence purchase of survival products for outdoors or wilderness travel?

Emergency Preparedness – It’s for You (And Me)

This blog post has a section at the bottom “5 MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WITH EMERGENCY SUPPLIES” that is worth reading.

Back in the ‘Y2k’ days, our family prepared and urged others to do the same, not because of fear but so that we could help ourselves and others if there was a need

If you have a good article, blog post, or forum discussion on freeze dried food you would like me to point out please let me know in a comment or in an email to servu@bulk-survival-food.com.