So you think it is time to get started with food storage of some sort, but you don't think the world is coming to an end. You just think it might be a good idea to have something squirreled away.

Here are some reasons why you should start storing food:

• You want to practice a more self reliant lifestyle and believe in backups
• Job loss and money could get tight for you and your family
• Natural or other disaster that could temporarily disrupt food supplies
• War and rationing of certain food staples
• The end of the world as we know it (EOTWAWKI)

I tend to lean with the first three reasons as probable scenarios, but must concede the last two as possible, but not probable.

So you have decided food storage is for you, and now wonder how to start. Here are some ideas to help get you started, consider the following:

• How many people are you providing for?
• How long do you want to hold out?
• What are your storage space options?
• What does everyone like to eat?
• What do you really need?
• What is your budget?
• Can you rotate the stock easily?
• Are there storable substitutes for perishables?

I would start by looking at and tracking weekly menus and grocery bill receipts. This will give you a starting point on what people like and how much is needed. When you have a good handle on it, multiple by head count and then by a time frame to get the inventory needed.

I would also go around the house and access my storage space-- is it cool and dry? Are there unusual places I could stack cans? I would also consider my cold and frozen storage options.

Next, I would consider storable substitutes for perishable products, such as powered milk and eggs.

Finally, I would consider budget. Most people need to build food storage over time and should look for sales and coupons to ease the burden. Buy only what you would use and remember you will need to rotate the stock by consuming and replacing things from time to time. Not everything has an unlimited shelf life. A good approach might be a "buy two" approach-- when you buy a can of soup that you like, buy a second for storage.

Unless you are independently wealthy, this is a building process . . . a food savings account if you will. 

The real key is to start . . .

One last thought to help motivate you: I don't want to be at the Superdome waiting in line for a bag of chips and a bottle of water with thousands of other people-- do you?