Pantry Prep for Winter Storms
Winter weather can be unpredictable, with snowstorms, ice or freezing temperatures keeping you indoors at opportune times. When the forecast turns grim, the last thing you want is to find your pantry bare. And trying to slog through to the store for essentials can be unpredictable and worse, dangerous. Let me help you pantry prep for winter storms.
A well-stocked pantry keeps you ready for emergencies and makes everyday meals easier and more enjoyable throughout the colder months. Read on to know what your well-stocked pantry should have in it, and what items will make your life easier.
With a little planning, you can create a versatile and budget-friendly pantry that’s ready to see you through whatever winter throws your way. No arduous trips to the grocery store needed.
Essentials for a winter-ready pantry
You can have three different pantries in your home. And you probably already have them, you just may not realize they’re pantries.
Dry and Canned Goods
This is what most people think of when they think “pantry.” Whether you house it in the kitchen in a couple of cupboards or in its own special room, it’s a pantry. This area typically holds dry pasta, beans, homemade and store-bought canned goods, shelf-stable milk, snacks and other foods.
Some people keep a “Costco Pantry” for bulk overflow items. Do you? We do—ours is in the basement, stocked with cases of essentials for when a windstorm hits. Being stuck at home doesn’t sound too bad, but try a full week with 100 mph winds!
Refrigerated Pantry
Your fridge is actually a pantry as well. It holds fresh food, dairy and eggs and leftovers. All the refrigerated goods are part of your refrigerated pantry. Keeping it organized and stocked with essentials ensures you always have what you need for quick meals and snacks.
Freezer Pantry
If you’re lucky enough to have a separate deep freezer or even just the freezer attached to your fridge this is the freezer pantry. It’s the perfect place to store bulk buys, homemade meals and seasonal ingredients for long-term use.
Stock your pantry right and it means you’re always prepared, no matter what winter brings. By making the most of these spaces reduce last-minute trips to the store and ensure your family stays fed and comfortable all season long.
What To Stock
Stocking the right essentials ensures you can stay home and be well fed without venturing out in bad weather. Having these items on hand goes a long way to making you feel safe and sound during winter storms.
- Non-Perishable Proteins
One of the best things you can keep on hand is non-perishable proteins. Think beans, canned fish, canned chicken, salmon and the like. These practically ready-to-eat proteins can be used in various dishes and recipes. And if worse came to worst, say a power outage, you could eat them straight out of the can.
Don’t forget items like nuts. They’re high-protein items you can eat whether you have power or not.
- Shelf-Stable Carbs
Keep a variety of grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and noodles on hand for versatile meal bases. Consider precooked rice pouches, just a few of them, for quick easy carbs when the power is out.
Crackers can be a quick snack or substitute for bread in a pinch. Pair them with nut butter or cheese, and you’ll have a hearty snack to keep you going through long shoveling sessions. - Canned Produce
Tomatoes, green beans, corn and mixed vegetables are perfect for adding nutrients to meals even if the power is out - Soups and Broths
Canned soups make a quick, easy meal, while chicken, beef, or vegetable broth can be warmed up and enjoyed on its own. - Cold Pantries
Stock your fridge with essentials like eggs (check out the egg substitutes for baking,) dairy and fresh produce that lasts, such as carrots and apples, to keep meals balanced during a winter storm. Condiments, spreads, and a few ready-to-eat items like yogurt or cheese sticks help provide quick snacks and meal options, but honestly, when a storm hits, what’s in the fridge is what’s in the fridge!
Keep your freezer stocked with hearty essentials like frozen vegetables, meats and ready-to-eat meals to get through winter storms. Bread, butter and shredded cheese are handy for quick meals when fresh supplies run low.
Dehydration Is an Issue
Even in a storm, and maybe even especially in a storm it is important to stay hydrated. If you shovel or clean up outside you will need to drink extra water.
- Water
Storing water for winter storms is essential in case of power outages or frozen pipes. Plan to store at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic needs. Aim for a three-day supply; one-gallon jugs from the store work well in this situation.
If you know a storm is coming and water might be a problem fill the tub with water for using to flush toilets or to heat up for handwashing. - Shelf Stable Milk
Don’t knock it until you’ve had your coffee with milk in the morning, even on day three of a power outage.
Stock Your Pantry on a Budget
Stocking your pantry for winter storm readiness does not have to happen simultaneously. Build it up gradually over several months. This makes it easier on the budget and ensures you’re getting what your household needs.
Add a few extra non-perishable items to your regular grocery trips, focusing on essentials used in multiple meals and/or in multiple ways. Prioritize shelf-stable proteins like canned beans or tuna, along with grains such as rice and pasta, that will provide a solid base for many dishes.
Consider seasonal sales and bulk purchases to stretch your budget further. Look for discounts on canned goods, frozen foods and dry staples. Always buy one extra for your pantry, you will thank yourself when a storm hits and you don’t have to go anywhere.
Stock your fridge and freezer gradually. Buy an extra block of cheese, a pound of butter or a bag of frozen vegetables when they’re on sale and set them aside for later use, but don’t forget to use them before they expire.
Staying organized is key to making the most of your stocked items. Rotate older items to the front and track what you have to avoid unnecessary purchases. By taking it one step at a time, you’ll create a pantry that provides comfort and security all winter long — without breaking the bank.
The well-stocked pantry
A storm-ready pantry means you’re not panicking when winter throws a storm your way. By planning ahead and choosing versatile, long-lasting ingredients, you can keep your family well-fed and cozy all season long. Build your pantry slowly so you’re always prepared, and you don’t have to the store for anything.
