Sep 15 2008
Survival Plans for Depression
I monitor keywords that visitors to this blog use to end up here.
Just now I saw someone was searching on “survival plans for depression”.
Is a three month food supply for 4 people a good idea as insurance in hard economic times?
Yes I think now more than ever it is a good idea to be prepared for a disaster and at the same time be ready for hard times.
Many years ago I was a volunteer for a food bank and there I discovered that a wide variety of people can suddenly find themselves in need. Some people go weak from hunger first because their pride makes them hesitate to ask for support.
As we saw with the recent “peak oil survivalist” run on Mountain House freeze dried food causing shortages for months till a few weeks ago, it may be a good idea not to wait until things get worse to get a survival food reserve.
Freeze dried food is not as cheap as say bulk rice, but at about $10 per person, per day, for a balanced diet it is not far off from typical grocery budget.
Getting a one year food reserve supply for one or more then is a good investment especially considering rising food costs. Since it lasts 25 years it is a better value than other food reserves.
I personally don’t believe we are headed for a depression now, however it is a much greater possibility then at any time in my life. There are many people in the highest places of the finance world who at this moment are not sure what the course of events will be next.
Published under Emergency Food, Emergency Preparedness Advice, Freeze Dried Food, Mountain House, Survival Food, Survival Food Reserves
Is all of this food organic?
We have a large garden and have always grown a lot of our own fruit and veg, so storing and freezing our own produce is second nature. I never thought I’d live to see the day when it might become a necessity!
I suggest storing more than just 4 months worth of food. I’m aiming toward 2 years. Major droughts generally last for about 7 years and the last great depression we had lasted for about 10 years. From the looks of our economic future, I truly concerned for the stability of our nation. I happen to be a Christian and I believe in some of the prophecies of the book of Revelation. According to that book, people won’t be able to buy or sell without first accepting some sort of a mark. Some believe it will be a computer chip while others believe it will be a barcode tattoo. Whatever the case, the most difficult time during that tribulation will last apporximately 3-1/2 years. Even if you don’t believe any of the above, we’ve seen the results of major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and other natural calamities. Do yourself a favor…start stocking up.
Hi Tim,
It is really commendable goal to have 2 years worth of food stored. I am not sure this is financially feasible for most and if you are fortunate to be able that is great.
People have many motivations for being prepared and we have all been made more acutely aware of risks to food supply and economy in the last few years.
“I truly concerned for the stability of our nation” - Even a year ago very few people would have shared this concern but especially with the financial meltdown I think almost all people now acknowledge this is truly at small but significant risk, if not more.
I would try to put as much or more effort to help improve the stability. At the same time it is pragmatic to take steps to be prepared.
I have seen some articles online critical of people who want to be prepared, but I really question their motivation. There is nothing wrong with being prepared, ask anyone who lived through Katrina if they wish they had been better prepared.
I recommend you follow survivalblog.com, you will get a lot of information to make good balanced decisions about preparedness from a survivalist perspective.
i have been dong the food storage for awhile,i have bought large metal garbage cans with tight fitting lids,in the bottom i layer bay leaves(dried)and then put bags of beans in layers,i dehydrate mixed vegetables,corn,carrots,celery ect.i also can ground beef patties,meatballs,ground beef ,stew meat and chicken,i have powdered butter,peanut butter ,powdered eggs and much more,in a medium size tote i flatten rolls of toilet paper and stand them on end and a tote will hold 78 rolls,so far i have 3 totes full,i have extra bar soap ,shampoo,baby wipes(if they are genlte enough for a babies butt,they work on the face)i so much more stored that it would take a long time to list.Oh and i have little portable camping stoves that used canned heat.I have kids ,grandchildren and friends,i will help feed all i can