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Preparedness Beyond Rice & Beans: The Power of Vegetables (1 Person 3 Month)
Posted by Ola Griffin on Aug 31st 2025
Storing Vegetables – One Person for Three Months
When it comes to building a reliable long-term food storage plan, many people think only of the basics: rice, beans, and grains. While those are staples, they don’t provide everything your body needs to stay healthy and energized. That’s where vegetables come in.
Vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all necessary for maintaining good health, especially during stressful times when fresh produce may not be available. Having vegetables as part of your emergency food supply means you’ll not only stay nourished, but your meals will also taste better and feel more balanced.
This installment of our One Person for Three Months series focuses on storing vegetables.
Harvesting the Garden – Vegetables for One Person, Three Months
My garden is finally producing this month, and I couldn’t be more excited. As part of our ongoing "What to Store for One Person for Three Months" series, August is all about vegetables—and I’ll be using plenty straight from my own backyard.
Let’s talk about veggies!
Some may technically be fruits (like tomatoes), but since I use them as vegetables in cooking, I’m listing them here. Whether it’s tomatoes, zucchini, beans, or peppers, having a home garden is an incredible way to stock your emergency pantry and reduce reliance on store-bought produce.
Why Homegrown is Best
There’s something special about growing your own food. I control what goes in (no pesticides—just compost and sunshine) and give every plant a little gratitude and love. Yes, I talk to my plants and thank them for their bounty!
This year, I’m experimenting with the Florida Weave method for supporting my tomato plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s always something new to try. And right now, the garden is giving generously—so it’s time to preserve the harvest.
Store Bought
Not everyone wants to garden, but getting fresh produce and storing it quickly to ensure it has the best chance of having the most nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Vegetable Supply Breakdown – 3 Months for 1 Person
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Corn – 7.5 lbs
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Peas – 7.5 lbs
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Green Beans – 7.5 lbs
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Carrots – 7.5 lbs
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Potatoes – 10 lbs
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Onions – 1.25 lbs
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Tomatoes – 5 lbs
Total: 46.25 lbs of vegetables
Storage Tips
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Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Vegetables: Lightweight, long shelf life (up to 25+ years in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers).
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Canned Vegetables: Great for ready-to-eat meals and soups, but heavier and shorter shelf life (3–5 years).
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Vacuum-Sealed Frozen Veggies: Store garden harvests or bulk buys using PackFreshUSA vacuum sealer bags to lock in freshness.
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Mylar + Oxygen Absorbers: For long-term dry storage, PackFreshUSA Mylar bags with 300cc oxygen absorbers are perfect for portioning and protecting your supply.
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Variety Matters: Freeze-Dried, Canned, and Vacuum-Sealed Vegetables
When it comes to storing vegetables for the long term, no single method fits every situation. A balanced pantry includes multiple storage types so you can enjoy both convenience and longevity.
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Freeze-Dried Vegetables
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Shelf life: 20–25+ years when packed in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers."Complete Storage Solutions: Mylar Bags with Desiccants & Oxygen Absorbers"
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Lightweight and nutrient-dense.
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Perfect for long-term storage and emergency kits.
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Canned Vegetables
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Shelf life: 3–5 years.
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Ready to eat—no rehydration or cooking required.
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Adds convenience when time or resources are limited.
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Freezer Vacuum-Sealed Vegetables
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Shelf life: 1–2 years (sometimes longer if sealed with High-Quality Vacuum Sealer Bags made in the USA: Preserve Freshness & Extend Shelf Life PackFreshUSA vacuum sealer bags).
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Locks in garden-fresh taste and texture.
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Ideal for preserving homegrown harvests or bulk seasonal produce.
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By combining these methods, you’ll have the variety and flexibility to create balanced, flavorful meals—whether you’re cooking from scratch, heating something quickly, or relying on long-term storage in an emergency.
Why Vegetables Matter in Long-Term Storage
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Nutrition: Adds vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and minerals missing from grains and beans.
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Flavor & Variety: Keeps meals from being bland and repetitive.
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Digestive Health: Fiber supports gut health—critical when stress levels are high.
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Morale: Comfort foods like mashed potatoes or vegetable soup help keep spirits up.
PackFreshUSA Tip
Label and date your stored vegetables, and rotate regularly. When you use items from your storage, replace them so your supply is always fresh and reliable.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness is about more than just survival—it’s about quality of life. Having vegetables in your food storage ensures that you’re not only meeting basic calorie needs but also supporting your body with essential nutrients and delicious variety. Check out the other blog from this series.
Why a 3 months supply is so important - Why Storing a 3-Month Supply of Food is Important: A Guide to Preparedness Based on FDA Recommendations - PackFreshUSA
January - 1 PERSON 3 MONTHS - GRAINS - PackFreshUSA
February - When Every Drop Counts: Emergency Water Purification Techniques - PackFreshUSA
March - Beans: The Magical Legume - What to Store for 1 Person for 3 Months - PackFreshUSA
April - Storing Sugars – Keeping Life Sweet -One Person for 3 Months Supply - PackFreshUSA
May - Survival Starts in the Kitchen: 3-Month Cooking Essentials - PackFreshUSA
June - Stocking Up on Fats: The 3-Month Survival Guide for One Person - PackFreshUSA
July - Milk Matters: A 3-Month Emergency Dairy Supply for One Person - PackFreshUSA
Come back next month to learn about what you need for 1 Person for 3 Months - Fruits.
With PackFreshUSA Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and vacuum sealer bags, you can build a balanced, long-lasting vegetable storage system that will keep your family healthy and confident no matter what the future holds.
Happy Prepping!
Ola D Griffin
Long-term Food Storage Expert
Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA
YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube
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