03/29/2026
ATTENTION: Lets be honest. We are at war right now. Not the kind my family was in during WWII. But we are feeling the effects of what is happening right now.
Im not asking for opinions on this war or anything political. I am simply stating the obvious.
I am also not advising panic buying. We are on a journey and we simply need to continue and maybe increase our preparedness a bit.
We need to be doing all we can to get our homes in order and prepared for any outcome. It isnt just the war...its job layoff, illness, car problems, flooding, fires, tornadoes and more. Our weather seems to be crazy lately. If we can prepare for long stays at home without going to the store we are so much better off. Shop your pantries.
We must put preparedness as a priority now. So let me share some little tips from a friend.
WATER---Water is so important. If the grid were to go down we wont have water. We need water to cook with. Freeze dried food is awesome but you need water to rehydrate most of it. We need a gallon minimum per person everyday and the is the minimum. That isnt cleaning, cooking, flushing.
ATTENTION: WWII LESSONS
Can you imagine feeding a family of 6 during war rationing in the 1940s? Back then, prepping wasn’t something that was talked about very much, but many people did it without even thinking about it. And those who didn’t have food stocked up had to make do with very little.
In the United States, the government began rationing certain foods in May of 1942. They began by rationing sugar, then coffee, and by March of the following year, meats, fats, canned fish, cheese, and canned milk were all added to the list.
With war rationing used at that time, they had a point system, and you could only get a certain amount of points for various food items. When you used all your points for say meat, you couldn’t get any more until the following month.
I am a war baby. My mom had 2 little girls who needed shoes because we would grow so fast. Her neighbor was a senior who loved to bake. She didn’t need her shoe rations so they traded, bartered. My mom gave her the sugar rations and her neighbor gave her the shoe rations. This went on over and over again in all areas. Bartering and trading.
Food Storage Lessons From WWII That Are Still Useful Today
We can learn a lot from history, and it can help us to be better prepared for the future. Here are just a few food storage lessons from WWII that are still useful today:
Canned Goods Are Your Friend
Canned fruits and vegetables, as well as canned meats, were a staple of the WWII diet. They are shelf-stable and easy to store, making them ideal for long-term food storage. On most of these cans, you will notice that the USDA recommends its shelf life right around 2 to 5 years, but if you store it right, it can last even longer.
Store What You Eat and Eat What You Store
This is one of the most important food storage lessons that we can learn. If you store any foods that you don’t like to eat, then you’ll be less likely to eat them in an emergency too. And, if you only eat foods that you have stored and they aren’t your favorites, you’ll get tired of them fast, or you’ll open them up but let them go to waste because family members don’t like them
I recommend storing a variety of food items that you enjoy eating. This way, you’ll be more likely to eat them in an emergency and you won’t get bored with them as quickly or see food spoil in the fridge.
In addition, it’s important to store nutrient-rich foods. This will help ensure that you’re getting the nutrition your body needs in case of an emergency. Some good examples of nutrient-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and whole grains.
Store Food in a Cool, Dark Place
When storing your food, it’s important to keep it in a cool, dark place whenever possible. This will help preserve its quality and extend its shelf life. Food that is stored in higher temperatures or humid environments can spoil much faster. Food that is stored in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dry place will last for many months, if not years.
Stock Up On Other Essentials
You will also need to stock up on other essentials like prescription medication, pet food, and cleaning supplies. If a situation ever arises where you can’t leave your home, you’ll be happy you have as many items as you can store and continue using them on a daily basis. Paper products are critical because we will use less water. Please stock paper plates, cups, paper towels, and garbage bags.
Make a Food Plan
It’s important to have a plan for what you’re going to eat in case of an emergency. This will help you to make sure that you have enough food to last, and that you’re not eating the same thing every day. When you make your food plan, try to include foods that are high in protein and calories, so that you’ll be able to sustain yourself for a longer period of time.
Get the kids involved in making the plan so they have a vested interest in not only having enough as they grow older but there will be items on the shelves that they like.
Grow Your Own Food If You Can
One of the best food storage lessons of WWII is that you can’t rely on the stores and government to get the food and supplies that you need. When it comes to taking care of your family, one of the best things you can do is have a self -sufficient garden.
Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can plant a garden in containers, or raised beds. You can also grow food indoors by using hydroponics or aquaponics. Learn as much as you can about growing your own food and put it into practice. It will take some effort, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Be Prepared to Go Without
Although it’s not ideal, sometimes you may need to go without as much food as you’re used to. During WWII, there were times when people went without food for days at a time. If this happens, you’ll be glad you stocked up on non-food items like water, batteries, and candles so you can still survive as long as possible.
Food Storage Lessons From WWII
Final Word
These WWII lessons have taught us that we never know when there won’t be enough to go around. The best thing we can do is start prepping now before a war or another emergency happens that could prompt some food rationing to take place. History is there for us to learn from so that we are best prepared in case a similar situation confronts us down the road, but only if we act now and not wait until it’s too late
