If you are packaging your own foods for your long-term storage, it’s important to make sure that foods are stored properly to prevent contamination, insect infestation, and spoilage. Long-term food items should be stored in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, placed inside a food grade plastic bin or bucket, and kept in a cool dark place.

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NEEDED SUPPLIES:

Mylar bags: Used for dry foods such as rice, wheat, and beans. Mylar bags effectively protect against light, moisture, and insects. Note: Only store foods low in moisture (10% or less) in mylar bags. Wet, oily, or moist foods are NOT to be stored in mylar bags as part of your long-term food storage. If you package moist foods in mylar, you risk botulism poisoning.

Oxygen absorbers: Extend shelf life, delay oxidation, preserve flavor, and remove oxygen to kill off larvae. Note: When you open oxygen absorbers, you will need to use them immediately or else they will become ineffective. (Link to list of how many to use)

5 gallon buckets: Keep rodents from breaking into the mylar bags, and help to keep moisture and light out. Be sure to buy food-grade buckets.

Tip: Clearly label mylar bags & buckets with what they have inside them along with the date they were packaged. Trust us! Have you ever opened a 5 gallon bucket wondering what you put inside and how long it has been in there? Yeah, us too.

Here is a short video of storing wheat goes into further detail on how to properly package your own food for your long-term food storage. Check it out!