Month Supply Food Storage List Family of Four

Having a month supply of food storage will protect your family when emergencies come. This month supply food storage list for a family of four will help get you started.

Over the weekend Derek and I made our very first serious purchase of food storage. It's something that we've really wanted to do our entire marriage, but always made excuses that we didn't have enough space, or enough money to invest in it, or we didn't have the time to sit down and think of everything we needed. It goes on and on. The reality is though, you can fit food storage almost anywhere. If you start slowly it doesn't have to be a huge investment. If you just purchase more of things you already use, you don't have to think too much about it. 

Why do I need food Storage in my home? 

Both the United States government, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and tons of different organizations around the world recommend having food storage on hand. You need to have food storage in case there are natural disasters, illnesses, food shortages, etc... If there is ever any type of emergency, having food on hand guarantees that you'll be self sufficient for a certain period of time. 

How much food storage do I need? 

This answer varies depending on what sources you read, but it's recommended that you have at the minimum, a three day supply of food in your home. The illusive goal is to have a year supply of food. Right now with what Derek and I purchased, we have enough food to last the four of us at least a month. I wouldn't let the quantity of food stress you out. Something is always better than nothing. 

Where to store your food storage?

If you have a massive pantry, a basement, an extra room in your home, amazing. If you're cramped for space like we are, you might have to get creative. Derek and I bought this shelf for $30 at Walmart and stuck it in our walk in closet in our bedroom. Does our closet look super cute and amazing now? No. But do we have food for our family for any emergency that might come up? Yes. I've had friends store their food storage in their kid's closets, under beds, under dressers, etc... If it's important to you, and a priority, you'll always come up with something to make it work. 

What kinds of meals will you make with your food?

We bought lots of oats for breakfasts, and things to make plenty of bread and biscuits. We have lots of rice that we can add calories and flavor to with various canned soups, and have beans on hand for good sources of protein. We have fruit on hand to add some sweetness to meals, and veggies to round out our dinners. We also have pastas and mac n cheese for easy meals as well. In an emergency you're not going to want fancy gourmet meals, just quick and easy things that will work and serve its purpose: keeping you alive. 

How much does food storage cost? Are case lot sales worth it?

It can be as cheap or expensive as you want to make it. We clearly did not purchase all organic, name brand items here. Everything for this one month supply cost us under $200. If you live in Utah, you know that case lot sales are all the rage, and are typically when everyone stocks up on food storage. While there might be some savings at those sales, I've seen very similar pricing at Walmart all year round. Our local store is doing canned veggies for 50 cents each during case lot, which is the same as my local Walmart all year long. Same with soups, beans, and fruits. Obviously price it out, but if you miss a case lot sale, it's not the end of the world. 

How to use your food storage:

Once you buy your food, don't let it sit on a shelf to go bad. We have all of this stored in our bedroom, but when we run out of something downstairs in the kitchen, we'll pull from these shelves in our room, and then repurchase the used items at the store the next time we shop. That way this food is getting used and being rotated so that it doesn't go bad and rot. 

If you're interested in seeing what we purchased for our month supply of food storage for a family of four, here is our complete list! 

Baking Supplies: 

• 20lbs flour
• 15lbs sugar
• 6lbs oats
• 2 boxes baking soda
• 2 baking powder
• 2 jars yeast
• 2 boxes salt
• 4 lbs brown sugar
• 1 jar. honey
• 1lemonade mix

Canned Goods:

• 4 14oz Cans Mandarin Oranges
• 4 20oz Cans Pineapple
• 4 10oz Cans Tomato Soup
• 4 14oz Cans Chili
• 4 10oz Cans Cream of Chicken
• 4 10oz Cans Cream of Mushroom
• 4 10oz Cans Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup
• 4 14oz Cans Black Beans 
• 4 14oz Cans Diced Tomatoes
• 4 14oz Cans Green Beans
• 4 14oz Cans Corn
• 4 14oz Cans Black Olives
• 4 Cans Tuna Fish
• 3 Jars Spaghetti Sauce

Condiments:

• 2 Jars Mayonaise
• 1 Bottle Mustard
• 1 Bottle Ketchup
• 4 18oz Jars Peanut Butter
• 2 6-packs Applesauce Cups

Dried Goods:

• 4 Boxes Mac n Cheese
• 3lbs Pasta
• 10lbs Rice
• 2lbs Black Beans

Liquids:

• 8 Gallons of Water
• 1 Gallon Bleach
• 1 Gallon Vinegar

If you liked this post, Month Supply Food Storage List Family of Four, you might also like: 

• 15 Freezer Meals with Shopping List
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• How We Organize Our Food and Pantry

Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the latest things in our lives by following along on instagram @thehappyflammily!