Anyone who wants to stockpile food should make sure that the stockpile is right for the needs of the household. This sounds easier than it is; many people stockpile the wrong or unsatisfactory food. There are seven typical mistakes made when hoarding food:

 

1. diversity

Often 95% of the supply consists of the staples flour, milk, sugar and salt. In an emergency, most people would not survive long on this one-sided diet because many people are allergic to wheat flour but don't realise it until they eat wheat flour with every meal. Wheat flour is not suitable for young children in large quantities; they can eat it occasionally, but not as a staple food. The diet is too one-sided and causes vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In addition, we lose our appetite and desire to eat if we are served the same meals over and over again. Instead, stock up on wheat flour and replace the rest with other cereals (rye, semolina, rice). Different types of beans not only make a meal more colourful and healthier, but also more varied. You can store different sauces and soup seasonings (tomato, onion, meat, vegetables) for different flavours.

Don't forget to add a variety of spices to your stock. This way, you can create lots of dishes with different flavours using the same basic ingredients.

 

2. extended staple foods

Use different forms of food storage: Dry food, tinned food, tetra packs etc. In addition, other essential staple foods such as cooking oil, fat, baking powder, yeast, egg powder, mineral water and lemonade. Popular and long-lasting foods such as breakfast cereals and crispbread or rusks are also ideal for storing and provide variety.

 

3. vitamins

Vitamins are vital, especially for children, because children store the body's reserves and nutrients in the same way as adults. Multivitamin supplements are therefore important.

 

4. ready meals

Ready meals are useful when you don't have much time to cook. There are numerous long-life ready meals in tins or freeze-dried. Extras such as puddings and sweets are also good for stocking up on food, especially for children.

 

5. buy balanced

When gradually stocking up, pay attention to variety and don't just buy a year's supply of flour and nothing else. It is better to combine different products with each purchase.

 

6. container

Store food in storage boxes to protect it from moisture and mould on the one hand and to keep a better overview of what is available on the other. Food should not be stored in sacks or rubbish bags.

 

7. replace stock regularly

Even the best stock is useless if the food has been out of date for years. Use up every stored product in good time and replace it with a new one.