Secure a modular, portable, long-lasting food cache using common supplies and low-tech preservation, for both rural off-grid survival and urban collapse fallback.
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mylar bags + oxygen absorbers | Long-term dry food storage | Heat-seal or zip-close + bucket |
| 5-gallon food-grade buckets | Bulk storage | Optional gamma lids for reuse |
| Vacuum sealer / zip bags | Short-to-mid-term preservation | Use for meat, leftovers, dried fruit |
| Mason jars / canning lids | Wet/dry storage | Water bath or pressure canned |
| Desiccant packets | Moisture control | For dehydrated or powdered foods |
| Sharpie / Label tags | Rotation tracking | Include date + food ID |
Focus on calories, protein, shelf life, and no need for refrigeration.
| Food Item | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White rice | 25+ years (sealed) | Base carb + easily stored |
| Dry beans/lentils | 10–25 years | Protein + fiber |
| Rolled oats | 2–5 years | Breakfast, filler, no cook option |
| Peanut butter (powdered or jarred) | 2–5 years | Dense calories |
| Salt | Forever | Preserves, electrolytes |
| Sugar / Honey | Forever | Honey is antimicrobial |
| Pasta | 10–15 years | Easy carb base |
| Dehydrated soup mixes | 5+ years | Add to rice/beans |
| Bouillon cubes | 2–5 years | Flavor + salt + hydration support |
| Canned meat/fish (SPAM, sardines, chicken) | 3–10 years | Protein + shelf-stable |
| Powdered milk / eggs | 5–10 years | Baking + hydration + calorie add |
| Instant coffee / tea / electrolyte packets | 5–10 years | Morale + hydration |
Shelf life: 20–30 years
Shelf life: 1–5 years