by S. Easton

May 25, 2022

There’s a lot of talk out there these days about possible and severe food shortages coming our way. Is it hearsay and rumor or is there truth to it? Who knows what to believe at this point? Honestly, it just depends on who you talk to and what you read.

But one thing we do know for sure – we’d rather be safe than sorry.

In a recent copy of the San Diego Union Tribune (5/9/22) an article headline reads “Shortage of Baby Formula Worsens”. It goes on quoting a mother having to pay $120 per can on an internet site for her child’s preferred formula. It further talked about the popular drug store chains of CVS and Walgreens limiting purchases to three baby formula items per purchase because of “supplier challenges, increased customer demands and to increase inventory”.

Why Food Shortages and Fertilizer Shortages Are Happening

There has been much talk about the Ukraine/Russian conflict affecting our wheat supply. While these two countries do produce a percentage of imported wheat, it is a relatively low percentage of the total global wheat grown. The major impact of their lack of wheat production, unfortunately, will result in inflation – which we are presently experiencing.

One major issue resulting from the Russian/Ukrainian conflict is the fact that both nations produce elements used in making fertilizer. This, of course, impacts the entire world’s agriculture production. It could create serious ramifications.

Several products have been listed as possibly being in short supply. Meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, canned goods, pet food, plant-based products, paper products and plastic bottled waters, juices and soda are on the “suspect” list.

Other factors play a part in some of the shortages we may experience. Packaging materials, such as plastic and aluminum are victims of the ‘supply chain’. Think plastic bottled water, canned soda, and the array of canned goods on store shelves. Another contributing factor to a food shortage is the shrinking labor force. The Pandemic saw thousands leave their jobs, either being laid off or by personal choice, and surprisingly few of those workers have returned to their previous jobs. “Help Wanted” signs are everywhere.

Preparing for the Possibility of Food Shortages

So, as we look at the possibility of a food shortage, we may as well go on “offense” and take the steps to prepare, should we find ourselves faced with that reality. It really doesn’t take much effort to prepare a well stocked emergency food supply, and it could be devastating if you don’t take the time to prepare and one day find yourself needing those emergency provisions.

At Sagan Life®, we offer an easy and sensible solution to begin your journey to safe food and water storage. Start with the AquaBrick Food and Water Storage Containers – 6 Bricks & Spigot. Then add the AquaBrick Water Purification System, made to purify any non-salt water source. The combination of these two products will give you the perfect storage vessels for long and short term food and water storage; plus a powerful water filtration system.

The AquaBrick®, itself, is capable of storing food for as long as the food itself remains safe to eat; in some cases foods will store well up to 25-30 years. (Don’t forget the oxygen packets) Let’s look into why the AquaBrick® is the perfect vessel for long term food storage and why your investment will pay off.

The AquaBrick® – Perfect for Long Term Food Storage

The AquaBrick® is a multi-use water storage container which holds 3 gallons of water or 20 lbs. of dry goods when used as a food storage container. The Spigot Cap comes with the 2 and 6 Brick purchase and turns the container into an outdoor water dispenser. Not only perfect for emergency use, but handy for picnics, camping and kids sporting events, so it’s definitely something you’ll use often, in addition to having it available should an unforeseen disaster arise.

AquaBrick Containers are stackable in a variety of configurations so they easily fit into any emergency storage area. Two integrated handles make full containers easy to transport and pour. Add the AquaBrick Funnel to your equipment for a super easy way to fill the Bricks. Pour rice, pet food kibbles, grains and cereals through the funnel without losing even one little grain of rice.

The containers, themselves, are made of BPA Free High Density/High Impact Polyethylene Plastic. The empty weight is only 2.36 lbs. (1.07 Kg) and they measure 9” W x 18” L x 6 “ H.

They’re easy to handle, store and use to protect water and food.

Remember, a person can only go three days without water, so your AquaBrick® Water Purification System may become a life saver. The AquaBrick® System purifies ANY non-salt water source and makes it safe, clean drinking water. If you find yourself experiencing a water crisis – flood water, swimming pool water, rain water… whatever, can be purified through your AquaBrick® System and you’ll have up to 700 gallons of pure, clean drinking water. The high performance DuraFlo Filter (used inside the Brick) will remove virus, bacteria, (e-coli) protozoan, lead and heavy metals. This is the best portable water filter system on the market today. You’ll feel safe in having this for emergency use, and find yourself using your AquaBrick® System every time you go camping. We keep it on our kitchen counter and use it daily in our home. City tap water is suspect – we avoid it at all costs!

Visit our blog to learn about foods you should consider for long term food storage and the specific amounts needed to sustain one person for a year. As we prepare for possible food shortages, consider purchasing foods specific to possible scarcity. We don’t encourage panic buying, but do suggest, as you do your regular grocery shopping, add an item or two of foods you typically eat to your food storage.

As always, date items as you purchase and place them to the rear of your food supplies. Keep your food rotating, using the oldest items first. Canned goods will be okay to use after the “use by” date, unless they are rusty or bulging. So you can build up an emergency stock, should we really be faced with bare grocery store shelves.

Food for thought, as they say. We hope we never face this predicament as a nation, but if it does become a reality, wouldn’t it be comforting to have your own stock of food rather than wondering how you’re going to feed your family? You bet! So, start your stash today, it couldn’t hurt a thing and you’ll sleep better at night, knowing you’re doing everything you can to safeguard the well-being of the precious people in your life.