What To Include In Your Initial Stock

Did you look at the posts with cheap foods and supplies to buy? If you're anything like I was when I started prepping, you're probably thinking things like 'that'll take too long to get everything' or 'what if SHTF when I'm only 3 weeks into the list and I have to try to survive with just 24 cans of beans?'... While those lists are good ones to buy from on a regular basis, I can understand the pressure to get an initial stock of food and supplies started. I thought about the first splurge of things I bought, and decided to make a list of the top things that would give you a great start if you have the money to spare.


Food, Drink Mixes, and Water:

20lbs of rice - Keep in mind that white rice has a longer shelf life than brown rice.

20lbs of dry beans - If you're worried about a means of cooking, then you could go for all canned beans, but it's going to cost quite a bit more. Also keep in mind that 1 pound of dried beans can make at least 10 servings, while one can will only provide about 3.

20 cans of meats. I wouldn't just get Spam either, mix it up a bit with tuna, chicken breast, canned pork, salmon, or whatever else you like.

20 cans of vegetables.

20 cans of fruits.

2 of the biggest Tang drink mixes you can find. I say Tang because it has 100% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C, which is necessary for a healthy immune system. It also has vitamin B which helps nerve function, and vitamin A that enhances eyesight.

2 of the biggest pre-sweetened powder drink mixes you can find. If they're pre-sweetened it'll save you on sugar, and the flavors will dull any odd tastes in water that you may have to filter and purify.

2 large bags of flour. I'll share some easy recipes in a future post for easy things to make with flour.

2 large bags of masa. You know, the stuff to make tortillas...

1 large bag of sugar. Look for the largest you can find and afford.

1 bag of salt. Read the labels, some salts are not meant for human consumption.

1 large bag of rolled oats.

1 gallon of oil. I always just get vegetable oil, but I know some prefer olive oil or other kinds. Your choice.

Water. I can't even put a specific amount, but I'd aim for a couple weeks worth. You could figure it as 1 gallon per person in your family or group, per day. Also take into consideration that you'll need additional water for cooking and hygiene.


Non-Food Items:

Vitamin Supplements with the 100% daily vitamin intake amount (like One-A-Day, but I'd look for off brand). These aren't meant to keep you alive in place of food, but are great to for providing whatever vitamins you may be lacking. You should be able to find these in bulk of like 400ct.

2 ways to purify water. Look into purification filters, chemical treatments, or tablets. Remember solar purification and boiling also works, and remember that I mentioned the condensation and rainwater collection in a previous post.

2 ways to start a fire. Definitely stock up on matches and lighters, but consider things like the battery and steel wool method or even a striking tool.

First Aid Kit. You can buy a pre-made, or make your own. This is what's in mine.

The best LED Flashlight you can afford. It would be ideal to get one per member, but at the very least get 1 good flashlight. Don't forget batteries. try to invest in at least 10 changes worth of batteries.

1 wool blanket. Make sure it's 100% wool, and get one for each person in your family or group. They're fire retardant and will be warm even if wet.

1 case of the commercial size rolls of toilet paper. You can buy a 12 pack of the very big rolls that you find in gas stations online or at local janitorial supply dealers. Just check around for the best prices.

2 tarps

50+ feet of some kind of jute twine, para cord, or strong thinner rope of your choice.

Corded Phone. If you have a regular home phone service and the power goes down, you can usually still use the corded phone without electricity. This won't work with a digital phone service though.

Multi-tool

Survival knife

250 round of ammunition. If you have a primary home defense weapon, this would be a good start.


After you get this initial bit of things purchased and stored away, you'll feel a bit more at ease. You'll have food for a reasonable amount of time with the things in this list alone, depending on how many people are in your family or group, and the basic supplies will cover some main necessities. Of course there are still so many things that would be needed for longer periods of time, but this would be great for natural disasters where you're stuck in your home until things get back to order. You can add to your foods, supplies, and necessities over time as you see fit.




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