by J. A. Tiscareno

January 28, 2024

In recent years, the world has witnessed an increasing frequency of food disruptions due to various factors such as climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. These disruptions can lead to shortages in food supplies, making it crucial for individuals and communities to be adequately prepared. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for food disruptions and highlights the role of the Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Food and Water Storage Container as an essential part of the solution.

Understanding Food Disruptions:

Food disruptions can take various forms, including crop failures, transportation challenges, virus quarantines, and interruptions in the supply chain. Climate change-induced extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, can devastate agricultural regions, affecting food production. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts can disrupt trade routes and lead to embargoes, further exacerbating food shortages. We’ve even experienced what it was like to get to a grocery store during COVID quarantine only to discover that some of our favorite foods and regular staples were not on the shelves.

To prepare for such disruptions, individuals and communities must adopt a proactive approach, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and the ability to endure unforeseen challenges. A key component of this preparedness is having a reliable and versatile emergency food storage solution.

The Importance of Preparedness

1. Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty – Being prepared for food disruptions enhances individual and community resilience. Having a well-thought-out plan and the necessary resources in place can help mitigate the impact of disruptions and ensure access to essential food supplies.
2. Reducing Dependence on Traditional Supply Chains – Relying solely on traditional supply chains makes individuals vulnerable to disruptions. By diversifying food sources and having a robust storage system, individuals can reduce dependence on external factors beyond their control.
3. Ensuring Food Security – Food security is a fundamental aspect of preparedness. Having a sufficient and reliable supply of food ensures that individuals and communities can meet their nutritional needs, even in challenging circumstances.
4. Promoting Self-Sufficiency – Preparedness encourages self-sufficiency, empowering individuals to take control of their own well-being. This involves growing one’s food, preserving resources, and having the means to endure periods of scarcity.

Preparing for Food Disruptions

1. Stockpiling Non-Perishable Foods – Start by creating an emergency food supply that includes non-perishable items with a long shelf life. Canned goods, dry grains, and dehydrated foods are excellent choices for sustainable food storage. Ensure an adequate supply to sustain your household for an extended period. You can find dry food goods sold in volume sizes at most larger club warehouse chains and even online. Pet foods should be included. Most pet store chains already sell dry kibble in volume.
2. Water Storage – Alongside food, having a reliable source of clean water is crucial. Consider investing in water storage containers like the Sagan Life® AquaBrick®, which not only stores water safely but also provides a versatile solution for other needs. You can store water for up to one year in these containers without rotation. If you don’t want to remember or go through the process of rotating the water each year, consider purchasing their Component Kit. With the kit, you can quickly convert your water storage container into their AquaBrick® Water Purification System and pump out clean, pure, safe, drinking water. This removes the chore of having to rotate the water knowing that at anytime you need the water ready to go, you can pump it out with this Sagan Life® product. It uses their popular Journey™ Filter to purify up to 250 gallons of water from any non-saltwater source.
3. Emergency Garden and Home Agriculture – Cultivating a small garden or engaging in home agriculture can supplement your food supply. Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs allows for fresh and nutritious additions to your diet. It also contributes to self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on external sources.
4. Preservation Techniques – Learn and practice food preservation techniques such as canning, drying, and fermentation. These methods extend the shelf life of perishable items, reducing waste and ensuring a more extended and diverse food supply as part of a well thought out preparedness for food shortages
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5. Educate and Train – Knowledge is a powerful tool in preparedness. Educate yourself and your community about sustainable practices, food storage, and emergency response strategies. Conduct drills and training sessions to ensure everyone is well-prepared to handle disruptions.
6. Foods to Stockpile – Below is a starter list (but by no means conclusive) of dry food goods you can consider storing away for long term preparedness.Grains: Rice, pasta, quinoa, oats, barley, cornmeal, flour, wheat berries

Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils, chickpeas

Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts

Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds

Dried fruit: Raisins, apricots, cranberries, apples

Snack mixes: Trail mix, snack bars, granola

Baking ingredients: baking soda, baking powder, corn starch,

Spices: Salt, pepper, whole peppercorns, nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon sticks, as well as whole seeds, such as coriander, cumin, and cardamom (all last longer than their ground counterparts)

Sugars: White sugar, brown sugar, honey, jams, corn syrup

Pet Food: Dry Kibble should be kept for your furry family members. Be sure to check with the pet food manufacturer on the shelf life when storing for the long term.

Emergency kits/foods: Freeze-dried meals, emergency meal buckets, individual dried or freeze-dried foods

The Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Container: A Solution for Food Storage

1. Versatility – The Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Container is a versatile storage solution designed for both water and food. Its modular design allows for easy stacking and storage, maximizing space efficiency. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive storage solution. The containers can be filled with 3 gallons of water or 20 lbs of dry food goods.
2. Durable and Safe – Constructed from high-density, BPA-free, HDPE material, AquaBrick® Containers are durable and safe for long-term water and food storage for emergencies. They are guaranteed to be crushproof and leakproof! Watch the video of the test here. The opaque material ensures that stored food remains fresh and uncontaminated.
3. Stackable Design – The interlocking, stackable design of AquaBrick® Containers makes them easy to organize and store in various spaces, including closets, pantries, garage, underneath stairs, basements, or even under beds. This feature is particularly valuable for those with limited storage space.
4. Portable and Convenient: – The compact and lightweight nature of AquaBrick® Containers makes them highly portable. In the event of evacuation or relocation, these containers can be easily transported, ensuring that your emergency food and water supply remains accessible.
5. Secure Seal Technology – AquaBrick® Containers incorporate secure seal technology, providing an airtight and watertight seal. This feature is essential for preserving the freshness of stored food and preventing contamination.

Conclusion

As global uncertainties continue to rise, the importance of preparing for food disruptions cannot be overstated. Developing a comprehensive preparedness plan that includes a reliable food storage solution is essential for individual and community resilience. The Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Container stands out as a versatile and practical choice, offering durability, versatility, portability, and convenience in ensuring a stable supply of food and water during challenging times. By embracing preparedness and investing in reliable solutions like the AquaBrick®, individuals can navigate food disruptions with confidence and resilience.