Is There a Looming Food Shortage?

I've been pondering this question for sometime now.  

In recent months I've noticed a surge of radio and Internet advertising from long-term food storage companies, such as Food Insurance and Daily Bread.  Some of these companies, such as Food Insurance, also offer emergency backpacks, which makes a whole lot of sense if you live in an area prone to natural disasters, such as wildfires or flooding, and where you may have to evacuate your home on short notice.  Just grab the backpacks, toss in the car and go.  But for the most part I think this marketing campaign is a result of the uncertain times we live in, and while I'm not discouraging anyone from buying these products, keep in mind they can be expensive, and I honestly think that in the event of a bona fide food emergency the government will probably go back to rationing, as was done during WWII.

Then there are the recent headlines about the Russian government's decision to not export wheat this year, due to a heat wave, fires, and severe draught.  This to me is more cause for concern than advertisements for emergency food storage.   Wheat is, after all, a staple food, and much of Europe gets its grain from Russia.  This could create potential food shortages in Europe, as well as an increase in the price of wheat products, such as bread and pasta, world wide. So with this in mind it probably wouldn't hurt to pick up an extra bag of flour or package of pasta or cake mix on your next shopping trip, and here's a tip to keep that flour fresh over the long term -- toss it in the freezer.

I learned most of what I know about food storage from my mother, who grew up during our last Great Depression, and she's been storing food in this way her entire life--during good economic times and bad.  Her tips are simple, and probably much more affordable than those expensive emergency food storage packages.

• Stock up whenever canned foods, pasta, and staples, such as flour and sugar, go on sale.  Even if you don't need those items that day stock up anyway.  This helps you keep a full pantry for the least amount of dollars.

• Once you've stocked up keep your pantry full.  Don't let it get too empty.

And here are a few other tips...

• Seeds are cheap, and a back yard vegetable garden can be a fun project for the entire family.  Check with your local nursery to find out grows best in your area, and if you have the space plant a fruit tree or two.  Not only will it help feed your family, it can provide some shade.  If you live in a condo try putting a small planter box on your deck for a mini garden. 

• Try home canning fresh fruits, either from your own trees or gardens, or when fresh fruits go on sale, as they do every season.  Home canning was popular during WWII and it helped families weather the food shortages of the time.  Don't know how to can?  Don't worry.  There are plenty of books on home canning out there, as well as videos on YouTube.  Your local community college may also offer courses on home canning for a reasonably low price.

And finally, don't panic.  It's been my experience in life that the worst case scenarios rarely, if ever, happen, but it never hurts to be prepared, just in case.

GM