Keith Thomas: 0:24

Hello and welcome to another episode of Survival Sense, your go-to podcast for all things disaster preparedness and survival skills. I'm your host, keith Thomas, and today we're diving into an essential topic for any prepper how to create and maintain a prepper's pantry any prepper how to create and maintain a prepper's pantry. Before we start, don't forget to send your questions and feedback via our send us a text message link, which you'll find in the show description. Your input helps us to make this podcast even better, and stay tuned until the end for a special offer on the lost ways, a must-have book for any prepper. Let's kick things off by discussing what a prepper's pantry is and why it's crucial.

Keith Thomas: 1:11

A prepper's pantry is a dedicated space in your home where you store long-term food supplies and other essentials. The idea is to have enough provisions to sustain you and your family during an emergency, be it a natural disaster, economic downturn or any situation that disrupts regular access to food and supplies. Having a well-stocked prepper's pantry ensures you're not left scrambling for necessities when disaster strikes. It's about peace of mind and preparedness. Now let's break down the essential items you should have in your prepper's pantry. First and foremost, food. Focus on non-perishable items with a long shelf life, such as grains and legumes such as rice, beans, lentils and pasta all of which are staples and goods such as vegetables, fruits, meats and soups. Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods these are lightweight and have a long shelf life. Baking essentials Flour, sugar, baking powder and yeast. Cooking oils and fats such as olive oil, coconut oil and ghee. Spices and condiments such as salt, pepper, herbs and sauces to make meals more palatable, and snacks and comfort foods. Don't forget items like nuts, chocolate and coffee. In addition to food, you'll need water. Again, you'll need at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. First aid supplies like bandages, antiseptics, medications and any personal prescriptions. No-transcript cooking and heating equipment, a portable stove, fuel matches and a manual. Can opener and tools and equipment, multi-tool flashlight, batteries and a weather radio. Remember the key is to store what you eat. Rotate your supplies on a regular basis to keep them fresh.

Keith Thomas: 3:37

Creating a prepper's pantry from scratch can seem daunting, but it's manageable if you take it step by step. Here's a simple plan to get you started. Step one is to assess your needs. Consider how many people you need to sustain and for how long. A good starting point is a three-month supply. Step two make a list. Write down all the items you need, categorized by food, water, medical hygiene and tools. Step three is to budget and plan. Set a budget for each shopping trip. You don't have to buy everything at once. One good rule of thumb is for every shopping trip, spend $10 to $20 on your prepping supplies. Step four is to start small. Begin with a one-week supply and gradually build up. Step five take advantage of sales. Look for discounts, bulk buys and coupons. And then use and rotate is our last step. Incorporate stored food into your regular meals to keep your inventory fresh. Replace items as you use them. By following these steps, you'll build a well-rounded pantry without overwhelming yourself.

Keith Thomas: 4:57

Maintaining your prepper's pantry is just as important as building it, and here are some tips Inventory management Keep an updated list of what you have and track the expiration dates. Regular checks Inspect your pantry every few months. Look for signs of spoilage or pests. First in, first out. Use the oldest items first to ensure nothing goes to waste. And climate control Store your supplies in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Store your supplies in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and replenish and rotate. Add new items on a regular basis and rotate existing ones to keep everything fresh. Having a systematic approach to maintaining your pantry will ensure it's always ready when you need it.

Keith Thomas: 5:57

Every prepper's pantry will look a bit different, based on individual needs and preferences, but here are some special considerations. Dietary restrictions Ensure you have suitable options for anyone with allergies or dietary restrictions. Pet supplies Don't forget food and essentials for your pets. Comfort items In stressful times, small comforts like a favorite snack or beverage can be a morale booster. Barter items Extra supplies like coffee, alcohol or tobacco can be valuable for trading.

Keith Thomas: 6:37

That's a wrap on today's episode about creating and maintaining a prepper's pantry. Remember, preparation is key to surviving any disaster and a well-stocked pantry is a crucial part of that preparation. Before we go, I want to remind you about the Lost Ways book. It's packed with knowledge about survival techniques and forgotten skills that could be invaluable in a crisis. Check out the link in the show notes to get your copy today. Don't forget to send your questions and feedback via our Send Us a Text message link. Your input helps shape future episodes. Be sure to subscribe and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay safe, stay prepared Until next time. This is Keith Thomas signing off for Survival Sense.