Storing food long-term is something you never want to skimp on. Proper storage makes your supplies last as long as they need to. Airtight containers will be your best friends as you build your prepper pantry. You should also decide whether or not you want to utilize a freezer for certain things. If you do, make sure you have a backup generator of some kind to keep it running if you don’t have electricity.

Freezer vs Pantry

A pantry is needed no matter what. It stays stable whether you have power or not. It just needs to be a cool, dry place where pests can’t get your supplies. So, really, a pantry is a no-brainer regardless of whether it’s an actual pantry, a spare room, or extra space under your bed.

A freezer is great to have, but you’ll need a way to keep it running no matter what happens. This can be an expensive investment not everyone is willing or able to make. However, if you can do it, a deep freezer can help you keep fresh meats, nuts, seeds, cheeses, and much more on hand for emergencies. Just make sure to rotate your food because even frozen foods can go bad.

Either way, you must check on your supply regularly. Make sure all your pantry stock is in good condition with no dents, holes, or signs of mold in your food. Also, check on the freezer, if you have one, to make sure it is working properly and keeping your foods frozen.

What Containers Are Best for Storing Food Long Term

BPA-free plastic containers with locking seals are great for storing rice, pasta, beans, flour, sugar, and more. Almost any dry, shelf-stable product can be stored in these types of containers. Assorted sizes make it easy to store the exact amount you want/need of each item. You can also utilize small oxygen and/or moisture absorbers to help these foods stay fresh.

Hard plastic will keep mice and bugs from chewing through and getting to your food over time. For example, pasta usually comes in thin cardboard boxes, which are easily chewed through by both rodents and bugs. However, if you transfer that pasta to a sealed container, you keep the smell contained, and the food is safe.

Another great storage option is vacuum sealing. Some foods can last months when vacuum sealed, and it is also works well with the use of a freezer by extending the life of some fresh foods by years. No more freezer burn! Vacuum sealers are also good for storing non-food items. For example, you could vacuum seal a small emergency kit to keep in your car, boat, or backpack to keep it safe from moisture. In my opinion, they are a great investment.

Know When To Rotate

Depending on what you have in your pantry, not everything will stay good for an indefinite amount of time. This is why it’s important to rotate everything. FIFO is a good rule of thumb to follow; it stands for “first in, first out.”

Maybe your family loves a certain kind of jarred pasta sauce—but it only lasts about six weeks on a shelf. You can build up a supply and keep the oldest jars in the front while restocking from the back. You’ll use up the old ones before they expire and still have what you need in an emergency.

Long-Term Food Storage Solutions

If you only want to stock things that will last indefinitely, make sure you have enough space for them. These things usually come in bulk in pre-sealed containers. You can store these foods for years at a time, but they tend to be the bottom of the barrel as far as taste goes.

Heavy preservation processes can be a problem if anyone in your family has dietary restrictions or allergies. This kind of long-term food lacks variety. If you get these, be sure to keep them sealed until absolutely necessary. They are perfect for storing food long-term, but they need to remain sealed to last that long.

Knowing the best methods of storing food long-term in your prepper pantry will give you a huge leg up on preparedness for nearly any situation. Use these guidelines to help your stores last as long as possible for whenever you need to use them.