Sep 27 2008
Food Survival in an Economic Depression
There is a need and great value of having a food reserve for tough economic times. The chances of a depression have increased greatly since I wrote about it on September 15th, and many will experience hardships for sure.
Some are stating that if there is a depression it will not be as severe as the “Great depression” that occurred last century. Of course the same people were saying just a few weeks ago the worst of the bank troubles were behind us.
So is there need for a food reserve? What type of food reserve is the best value?
First, the need for a food reserve is greater now than in the past. At the worst part of the great depression unemployment reached a high of 25%. Anyone who read John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” will have a feel for what it was like for people in rural areas trying to survive.
However there is a big difference between now and then. Then much of the population was rural and able to revert to a sustenance economy to get food to just barely survive the crisis. Now most of our population is urban. Most people will be totally dependent on food supplied in markets. Adding to this is the fact many foods are imported. Further, even non-perishable food is managed with tightly controlled “just in time” inventory to maximize profits. In a global crisis food imports are likely to dwindle as nations focus on self preservation. Food stock-outs will be more common. There may difficulty in getting food and prices will rise.
What food reserve is the best value?
For the same reasons that I strongly recommend freeze dried food for disasters, it is also the best value for hard economic times. It is easy to store, only needs water, no preparation or cooking required, and has long storage of up to 25 years. It can provide food insurance protection for a long time.
It is also better from a community perspective because when you buy freeze dried food you are actually increasing the future food supply for all by utilizing food available now before there is a shortage.
By having a food reserve to draw from in hard times with food shortages, you will be able to leave food on the store shelf for those who do not have a food reserve.
A lesson from “The Grapes of Wrath” is that we all do better as a community helping each other.
Having a food reserve will enable you to make a contribution when the time comes, either by leaving food for others at the supermarket and also by sharing the reserves you have with those most in need.
An important final note is that freeze dried food while readily available now, has earlier this year experienced long lead times of 6-8 weeks, during heightened concern about high oil prices and related food price increases.
Published under Emergency Food,food rationing,food shortage,Freeze Dried Food,Mountain House,nitro-pak,Survival Food,Survival Food Reserves
While the subject of storing food and water, medicines are all very important, but for those who are fortunate to still have their homes to stock up and store, you may want to consider oil for hurricane lamps, batteries by the hundreds, and a charger.
Also may want to consider a natural gas generator, that will save you up to fifty percent as would a gas generator.
Water by the five gallon drums, plant gardens and fruit trees for canning for the winter months.
While having a arsenal with ammo is a scary thought but for fresh meat once in awhile its a thought to consider.
Sanitary products stored up is always’ good, however get all kinds for all purposes.
If something like the great depression were to happen today, and it is so possible these days, there are many millions of more people today then there were then, times will be much more difficult and much more desperate, people have to feed their families and will do what ever they have to, while it is good to share when you have it to share, your household has to be secured first, then you share with extended family and friends, though I personally couldn’t imagine ever turning someone away hungry, not in my nature at all. Then again times we are in now I would never have imagined could have happened either?
Always’ important to store medical supplies of every sort, bandages, sterile pads, ointments, iodine, alcohol etc.
All good comments here, but in the event of an economic collapse, you must pan for the worst case scenario, to include saving the last bullet for yourself. With all the preparations for supplies that one can make in such a disastrous scenario, you must first and foremost prepare your mind for the potential horror of emotions and difficult decisions that you will deal with when a complete breakdown in society occurs.
I strongly believe that your worst enemy in time of such a disaster may well be those individuals in your neighborhood that know that YOU are prepared as they will inevitably tell others and will immediately attempt to align themselves to you for the purpose of utilizing your supplies.
Imagine the scenario where you are bombarded from all directions to feed literally dozens of people who are pounding on your door, much like the millionaire who hits the lottery. You will quickly find that a soft heart will dwindle your year supply of food down to about two weeks overnight.
Sad to say, the best option for the prepared individual is to remain low key and invisible, regardless of the population density. Your neighbors may know more about you than you realize regarding such matters of preparation when a long term crisis strikes. You need to be keenly aware of the fact that the worst parts of human nature will become quite apparent if you are known to be a good source of food.
It is ignorant to think that the next economic collapse will be anything short of incredibly devastating with a complete break down in the social fabric of our society. Ultimately, your best friend will be a cold piece of steel in your hand with a full magazine and an even colder attitude. I recommend the .45 cal auto pistol with as few moving parts possible. If you haven’t stocked up on at least 1000 rounds and at least five clips by now, you’re screwed.
After the first month or so, the population will have “fed upon itself” and those left with any physical strenth who rove in small gangs with weapons will become the second and more serious level of threat. How you handle your attitude in the first 30 days will determine your chances of survival past the critical first few months.
Do not stray from your home unless absolutely necessary, if for nothing more than legal reasons if on the slim chance that law and order are restored. Stay off the streets and do NOT use lights that are visible from the street. Maintain good noise discipline and remember that every small mistake and oversight, could well be your undoing to the stalkers and hunters looking for their next meal.
Get real and listen up. When society breaks down, don’t expect the police to come save you. It is a cold heart and calculating mind that survives in a post apocalyptic world. Let’s hope that we never have to go through such a horror show, but don’t be surprised either. The vast majority of the population doesn’t even want to think about the potential of such an event, let alone prepare for it mentally and materially.
That same individual with that attitude will be pounding on your door looking for you to save them from their own foolishness and they won’t be polite about it for very long either. On this you can rest assured.
Phred