Pack the Pantry - Keep Practical Foods on Hand

If you have ever heard your family say, "There's nothing to eat in this house!" you might appreciate these tips on how to keep the pantry packed with provisions.

There are several foods that can be kept for an extended period of time while also allowing for quick preparation when the time comes to use them. Be sure to keep canned products, such as soups, fruit and vegetables, on hand. If you think the cans might be retained for a significant duration, consider using a permanent marker and note the purchase date n top of each can (that way even if the labels are damaged, you'll still be able to read the date).

Pasta always provides a satisfying meal, and jars or cans of tomato sauce can be stocked on your shelves. Store bags or boxes of rice. Creamed soups (cream of chicken especially) makes a quick and tasty sauce for rice or pasta. Potato flakes and powdered milk are helpful items to have on hand. Store some flour, sugar, salt and spices and, of course, plenty of water.

Cereal and oats should also be part of your food storage plan, along with some common condiments. Noting the date on all boxes or containers of food, as well as the cans, will be helpful and assist in keeping you and your family safe. While it's good to have ample provisions on hand, you certainly don't want anyone to ingest anything that's outdated and potentially harmful to their health.

Are you worried about insects or rodents infesting the edible items? No matter how clean your home, basement storage or infrequently visited cellars can sometimes attract these unwanted pests. Putting food resources in well-sealed, air-tight containers can help prevent bugs or critters from snacking until you're ready to get into the food yourself. Make sure all containers are kept in a clean, cool, dry area. If they're in a basement that occasionally becomes flooded or damp, consider putting the food storage on shelves that keep it up a little way off the ground.

Consider stocking up on products that can be consumed cold; if you're faced with a power outage these could be a real life saver! Keep a flashlight, batteries, candles and matches and a cooler in your storage area also. The cooler can be packed with snow should you face a winter power shortage and you'll be able to store perishable items until the electricity comes back on. Paper plates, plastic knives and forks or an extra set of old flatware could really come in handy in the case of an emergency, too. Make sure that everything is well organized; having a place for everything and everything in its place (well labeled and easy to locate) will certainly make your life much easier when and if you do face a dire circumstance.

Safety should always be a prime consideration. Don't consume items that you're not sure are still safe to eat. If creating a cooking heat source, be certain that it's properly ventilated and that there is no danger of catching anything nearby on fire. Naturally, you should never try to warm your home with a dangerous heat source. Keep hats and blankets, sweaters and wool socks nearby in case you need to add layers in colder months.

Keeping your home well stocked with easy-access, long lasting foods and additional layers for warmth and comfort could actually save your life in the case of an emergency. Let's hope you'd never have cause to make use of such provisions, but it's far better to not need them and have them than it is to need them and not have them.

Authors Sam Robertson and Kate Kelly enjoy writing on a variety of topics, including food, home safety, human relationships and more. With a wealth of literary experience and numerous publications between them, this duo brings an interesting perspective to many engaging subjects.