ReadyNutrition Guys and Gals, you’re already all too familiar with the ins and outs of different types of food preservation.  We once did an article on what actions to take in the event of an EMP where the power supply to your refrigerator disappears, possibly forever.  But do we really truly sit back and take stock of the gravity of the situation regarding the seasons?  Yes, most people try to cram their refrigerators and freezers full of food even during the summer months.  It is the summer months that it is time to “divest” your earnings and diversify your food “portfolio,” so to speak.

You must take into consideration a couple of things: the season, and the geographic locale where you reside with regards to your food supply and food shopping.  We’re going more into detail with that.  Firstly, the season.  Summer is here.  Should nuclear fireballs take out the power supply…what about all the food?  OK, so it’ll all keep for at least 24 more hours in the refrigerator, right?  The fact of the matter is you’ll have to take those emergency actions outlined in the previous articles: salt it, can it, smoke it, or dry it out.

How about this for an idea: keep your freezer almost empty and the refrigerator with about 2 to 3 days of food for the family so as not to lose it all because of loss of power?

You can make several casserole-type dishes that you will eat from for several days, as well as the basic essentials, such as a dozen eggs, milk, juice, a few veggies, and some sliced meats or a prepared roast or such.  And that’s it!  What is the rest?  A bunch of condiments and salad dressings. You can concentrate on placing your food dollars into canned goods or long-life, shelf-stable meals, dried goods, and other foods that will be able to withstand the weather and are sealed up tight.

Geographic locale has a lot to do with it.  The Southwestern States are hot and arid most of the year.  Other states (such as Montana, where I reside) are pretty much a continuous “icebox” for at least 8 months out of the year.  These factors should be gauged honestly when thinking about what you need for that refrigerator.  All canned goods are not evil.  For those of you who wish it, buy your happy organic canned soups, etc., for use during the week.  It is more than just a weekly purchase of canned goods that you’ll run through.

It is a way of ensuring that your food is preserved during the hot months if you lose power

The greatest challenge is not simply putting away food and supplies. The greatest challenge is adjusting your lifestyle in a manner that you take into account what is happening in the world around you without panicking.  What others may label as “panic” they’ll be more than willing to “forgive” you for when their own food supply is out…and they come knocking on your door.

Give yourself an edge

The time to cram the refrigerator and freezer full of food is in the winter months when you can store it outside if the grid goes down and still keep from losing most of it.  In the summer months, you need to make adjustments.  In this manner, your family and you can gobble down what is in the fridge with ease and still have plenty of food available without worry about spoilage, loss, or preparations to save or preserve it.  Those last actions may be a bit difficult on the Day after Doomsday when others are out hunting for the food you are trying to save, or worse.  Stay in that good fight and make your preps while you can.  JJ out!