In times of uncertainty and unexpected events, having a reliable stockpile of emergency food is crucial. Whether you're preparing for natural disasters, pandemics, or any other unforeseen circumstances, knowing where and how to store your emergency food supply is vital for its long-term viability. In this blog post, we will provide you with some essential tips on how to store any of our emergency survival food kits and/or food buckets.

1. Choose a Cool, Dark, and Dry Location:

When it comes to storing emergency food, it's essential to find a suitable location that meets specific environmental conditions. Although our buckets can be fully submerged and still used, there is an optimal location for storing our emergency food kits. Opt for a cool area with temperatures ranging between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Excessive heat can reduce the shelf life of the food. Each meal in the Heaven’s Harvest kits are sealed in a lightproof bag but this doesn’t mean that you should leave our buckets in the sun. Storing them in a dark location can help ensure the full shelf-life of our products.

 

2. What About Ventilation?

While it’s ideal to keep your emergency food supply kit in a cool and dark area, it's not as equally important to ensure proper ventilation. Adequate airflow does help maintain a stable environment and prevent the buildup of odors or condensation but all of our kits are made with freeze-dried produce allowing the food to be safely sealed away for optimal storage. No need to worry about over-ventilation, as this bacterial growth scientifically can’t happen inside our buckets.

3. Sealed and Waterproof

The type of containers you choose for storing emergency food plays a significant role in preserving its quality and longevity. At Heaven’s Harvest, we’ve done all the work for you. Each bucket contains a variety of food items packaged in Mylar Foil pouches and sealed within a 4-gallon bucket. Our food-grade containers provide protection against external elements such as pests, moisture, and oxygen. All of our buckets are labeled with the container contents and the date of purchase for easy identification and rotation.

4. Be Mindful of Location Accessibility:

When an emergency strikes, quick and easy access to your emergency food supply is crucial. Choose a location that is easily accessible and known to all household members. If you have a designated emergency pantry or storage area, ensure it's well-organized, with clear pathways to access your emergency food kits without any obstacles. The beauty of our food kits is that they are easily transportable and have convenient handles for carrying.

5. Consider Multiple Storage Locations:

Distributing your emergency survival food across multiple storage locations can be a smart strategy. In the event of a disaster or unforeseen circumstance that renders one storage area inaccessible, you'll still have access to your emergency supplies elsewhere. Consider using a combination of locations such as your basement, garage, or a dedicated storage room. You can also store our kits in your car as emergencies or uncertainties can occur while traveling.

 

Storing Emergency Food in Your Car: A Brief Guide

In addition to having Heaven’s Harvest emergency food supply at home, it can be beneficial to keep some products in your car, especially if you spend a significant amount of time on the road or live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions or long commutes. Here are some essential tips for storing emergency food in your car:

1. Choose Non-Perishable Foods: Selecting non-perishable food items that have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration is essential. Our 60 Serving Food and Drink Kit has you covered.  Containing 4 freeze-dried meal varieties, and one drink mix, this kit is enough for one person for one week. Similar to all our kits, it is resistant to temperature fluctuations and can provide sustenance in case of an emergency. Just add water or eat the fruit and vegetables right out of the bag.

2. Use Proper Containers: Our sealed buckets can take a beating and if they are being stored in a vehicle they more than likely will. No need to use a cooler or a plastic storage container with a secure lid to protect the food from exposure to light, moisture, and potential damage. Our food grade buckets and mylar sealed meal pouches protect the food until it’s ready to be consumed.

3. Rotate and Restock: Not with Heaven’s Harvest. Our typical emergency food kit last up to 25 years. If you do keep it in your car that long, simply discard it and purchase a new one.

4. Mind the Temperature: Even though our buckets are practically bombproof, be mindful of the temperature inside your car, as extreme heat can diminish the quality and shelf life of certain food items. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or use sunshades to minimize exposure to direct sunlight.

5. Consider Water Storage: Alongside your emergency food supply, it's also crucial to keep some water in your car. Store bottled water or invest in specialized water storage containers that are designed for long-term storage. Water is essential for hydration, food preparation, and general emergency needs, so ensure you have an adequate supply available. Check out our water bricks, designed specifically for long-term water storage.

Last words

In times of uncertainty and unexpected events, having a well-stocked emergency food supply is essential for your safety and peace of mind. Whether you're storing provisions at home or in your car, following the right guidelines is key. From choosing suitable storage locations that are cool, dark, and dry, to using proper containers and regularly rotating your supplies, these practices ensure the longevity and quality of your emergency food. Remember to consider multiple storage locations and be mindful of potential hazards. All of the Heaven’s Harvest Food Kits meet these standards and allows you to feel prepared for any situation that comes your way; ensuring you and your loved ones are well-fed and ready to face any challenges ahead.

 

FAQS

1) Can I store Heaven’s Harvest emergency food kits in a storage unit?

Yes. Storing our products in a storage unit can be an option if the unit meets the necessary storage conditions. You do NOT need the storage unit to be climate-controlled. It simply needs to be cool, dark, and dry.

2) Can I store emergency food in my car during the winter?

Yes, but if you are storing our products in your car, take precautions to prevent excessive heat.