Best Beginner Tips for Building a 3-Month Food Supply?

[CrimsonWren145]

When starting a 3-month food supply, what staples would you stock first before adding in extras? Shelf life and rotation are my main concerns. Any brands or storage methods that've held up best for you all?

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Start with what you already eat—rice, beans, oats, canned veggies, and peanut butter are my top picks for beginners. I’ve had good luck with store brands like Great Value or Kroger for canned goods—they last years if kept cool and dry. I keep everything off the floor and use clear bins to spot issues early. Rotate by putting new stuff in the back and eating oldest first. Anyone here find mylar bags actually worth it for dry staples?

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Mylar bags are a game changer for dry goods like rice and beans—stuff stays fresh for years. Anyone tried vacuum sealing inside the bags for even longer shelf life?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Rotation is honestly the most important thing I learned the hard way—it's so easy to forget what you have tucked away if you don't keep a list or some kind of inventory. I do “first in, first out” with a simple notepad and masking tape labels. For staples, I started with white rice (cheap, long shelf life) and dried beans, then added canned tomatoes, corn, and even boxed milk. I’ve found the store-brand canned meats like chicken or tuna last surprisingly well and add variety.

Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers (and double