January - Grains (1 Person 3 Months)

Since grains make up the largest portion of food storage, they’re a great place to start. To make your goals more achievable and cost-effective, aim to add 20–25 pounds of grains per person each month. If your budget allows, you can purchase more. Bulk buying and seasonal purchases can help you save money. Adding them to soup, browning them up and eating the as a snack.

For a 3-month supply of grains you need 75 lbs. total. For one person for one year, you will need 300 lbs. of grains which is the same as a family of four for 3-months.

I would just round up these numbers to the nearest pounds to make it easier. I am also using 7 Mil Mylar Box Set | PackFreshUSA for my storage of my 3 month supply for 1 person.

Long-Term Grain Storage for 3-Month Food Supply

When preparing for long-term food storage, grains are among the most reliable and cost-effective options. Whether you're prepping for an emergency, seeking to reduce grocery store visits, or simply looking to stockpile food for self-sufficiency, grains are versatile, easy to store, and packed with nutrients. This guide will help you learn how to store grains effectively for a three-month food supply.

Why Grains Are Ideal for Long-Term Storage

Grains like rice, wheat, oats, quinoa, and corn are essential staples in many diets worldwide. They have several benefits that make them perfect for long-term storage:

1. Longevity: Grains can last for years when stored properly. For example, white rice can last up to 30 years if stored in optimal conditions.
2. Nutrition: Grains provide a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. They're also filling, making them a valuable food source during times when you may need to stretch your resources.
3. Versatility: Grains can be cooked in various ways, making them suitable for a variety of meals, from simple porridge to complex dishes.
4. Cost-Effective: Compared to many other long-term foods, grains are relatively inexpensive and offer a high yield for your investment.

Grains to Include in a 3-Month Food Storage Plan

For a three-month food supply, you'll want to store a variety of grains to ensure nutritional balance and meal variety. Here are some of the best grains for long-term storage:

1. Rice (White or Brown): White rice is a staple for many, and while brown rice offers more nutrients, it has a shorter shelf life. For long-term storage, white rice is your best bet, as it can last up to 30 years if stored correctly. 
2. Wheat (Hard Red or Soft Red): Wheat is perfect for baking and can be ground into flour. Hard wheat is ideal for bread-making, while soft wheat is great for pastries. Store whole wheat berries for the longest shelf life. Storing Wheat in 5-Gallon Mylar
3. Flour: Storing flour is important to have on hand since it does not require any grinding Flour Easy Flour storage for 5 lbs of flour I recommend using your flour in 10 years.
4. Oats: Rolled or steel-cut oats are easy to store and provide a great source of fiber. They can be used in breakfast cereals, baking, or even savory dishes. Oats - 1 person 1 years
5. Quinoa: A high-protein, gluten-free grain that cooks quickly and has a long shelf life when stored properly. It’s perfect for adding variety to your meals. (optional - but wise to store)
6. Pasta: Ready-made pasta is easy to cook. Add your favorite sauce or just butter and herbs will make a delicious meal that is so satisfying. 1 lb of pasta is 8 servings. Using ⅔ cup is one serving. PASTA - 1 PERSON 1 YEAR
7. Cornmeal or Dried Corn: Corn can be stored as whole kernels, which can be ground into meal or used for popping. Cornmeal is also great for baking.

How Much Grain to Store for One Person for 3 Months

To ensure you have enough food for three months, you'll need to calculate the required number of grains based on your daily caloric needs. On average, an adult requires about 2,000-2,500 calories per day. Grains are primarily carbohydrates, so they will form the basis of your food storage plan.

Here's a rough breakdown of how much grain you would need for one person for three months:

• Rice (Long-grain white): 1 cup of uncooked rice = about 4 servings (3/4 c. each serving).  I would do 12 to 13 cups per person for rice.
• Wheat Berries: If you plan to grind wheat into flour, you will need around 2 - 3 pounds of wheat per week for flour production. Over 3 months, that's about 36 - 38 pounds of wheat.
• Oats: If you consume oats for breakfast, aim for about 1/2 cup of oats per serving, so 6 - 7 pounds for 3 months would be sufficient.
• Pasta: Plan on 6 - 7 lbs. of pasta for 1 person for 3 months.
• Quinoa: A bit more calorie-dense, you may want 1/2 cup of uncooked quinoa per week. For 3 months, that's about 6 cups, or roughly 3 pounds. (bonus item) (this one is optional, but having it as an additional 
• Corn/Cornmeal: Is great for coating food, it is used in making breads. In Hispanic meals like tamales. Having this meal or whole corn to ground is essential to make basic meals. Plan on storing between 6 - 7 lbs. per person for 3 months.

Proper Storage Methods for Grains

The key to ensuring your grains last for three months (and beyond) is proper storage. Follow these best practices:

1. Use Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers

Mylar bags are an excellent option for grain storage because they are durable, moisture-resistant, and offer a barrier to both light and oxygen. When storing grains, it’s crucial to eliminate oxygen, which causes spoilage, insect growth, and nutrient loss. Use oxygen absorbers to remove any remaining oxygen inside the bag. Nitrogen will remain, but the oxygen will get moved when using oxygen absorbers

• How to Store: Pack grains into Mylar bags they come in a variety of sizes and thickness. From 1 cup size to 5-Gallon; add the correct size oxygen absorber (usually 2000cc for a 5-gallon bag). Seal the bag using a heat sealer. You can store multiple bags in a larger container for added protection.
• For our 3-month food storage I will be using Mylar bags to store your three-month supply. It is so convenient with PackFreshUSA’s box set. These are super thick 7 mil Mylar bags and they come in a variety of sizes from pint, quart (8x12), and gallon

2. Food-Grade Buckets

Once sealed in Mylar bags, you can place your grains into 5-gallon food-grade buckets for additional protection from pests, moisture, and light. Make sure the buckets have tight-fitting lids and are made of high-quality plastic approved for food storage. Other bins can be used, but buckets offer better protection generally.

3. Cool, Dry, and Dark Environment

Grains should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark location. Aim for a storage temperature of around 50-70°F (10-21°C) with low humidity. A pantry, basement, or closet works well. Avoid storing grains in places like attics or garages, which can fluctuate in temperature, or areas with high humidity, like kitchens or bathrooms.

4. Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing is another excellent way to store grains for the short term (up to a year or more). Use vacuum-sealed bags High-Quality Vacuum Sealer Bags made in the USA: Preserve Freshness & Extend Shelf Life to remove excess air and create a tight seal around your grains. This method is especially useful for small quantities or grains you're rotating through regularly. I like using a low-end oxygen absorber with either our vacuum sealer bags or mason jars. A low-end oxygen absorber will make sure all the oxygen gets removed, since vacuum sealing machines do not remove 100% of the air volume. Use ⅓ - ¼ the size of the originally recommended oxygen absorber will ensure 100% of the oxygen gets removed.

Rotation and Usage

Even though grains can last a long time, it’s important to rotate them into your regular meals to ensure they stay fresh. Use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, where older stock is used first, and new stock is added to the back of your storage area.

Additional Considerations for Grain Storage

• Pest Control: Store grains in pest-proof containers like Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and food-grade buckets to prevent infestations. There is no need to ever freeze grains for a few days before storing to kill any potential insects or eggs, since going oxygen free using oxygen absorbers ends the life-cycle of the bugs.
• Hydration: Grains are dry and may need to be paired with other food sources like legumes, canned vegetables, or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Grains are a vital component of any long-term food storage plan.. By starting your 3-month supply of food for one person with a variety of grains, add extra each additional month and before you know if you will have a variety of grains like rice, wheat, oats, and quinoa stored for future needs. By using proper storage methods, you can ensure that you’ll have enough food for three months or longer. Storing grains correctly ensures they maintain their nutritional value, are protected from spoilage, and will be ready for use when needed. By taking the time to plan your grain storage today, you’ll ensure that you have a reliable food source for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert

Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA

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