I am going to start off by saying I am not here to fearmonger. I detest fear-mongering. Also, I am not an economist, I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, and I can’t predict what is or isn’t going to happen. BUT I am a mom and a certified health & Christian Life coach who wants to be fully prepared for what may be coming in the near future. Although I am typically an optimist, I can also see the writing on the wall. We can’t live in fear – we must use wisdom and discernment and remain in faith remembering that no matter what, God is good. So let’s talk about how to prepare for a food crisis.

Will we be facing a global food shortage? I don’t know. What I do know is that with the current gas and diesel prices, inflation, the current cost of feed, the multitudes of food plant fires, bird flu, cows randomly dying, and the war between Russia and Ukraine there is a possibility and if there aren’t shortages, we will very highly likely see prices go way up, especially on meat. In this video, a farmer says that the cost of farming is up 300% year-over-year. Can your family’s grocery budget withstand a 300% increase?

I am not a doom and gloom type of person and I pray that there isn’t a food crisis but I also want to be prepared just in case and I want you to be prepared too. As you read, keep this in mind: I am coming from the perspective of being a budget and health-conscious mom and a health coach, not from an experienced prepper. This is not a dietary plan and it’s not a to-do list – it is just some ideas I put together for you to help you think outside the box so that you are as prepared as much as possible.

First, let’s talk about what your body NEEDS:
Protein
Fat
Minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
Water
Vitamins (mostly from food, the sun, and some from supplementation)
Fiber

What your body doesn’t need:
Sugar
Simple carbohydrates
6 meals a day and/or snacks

If there is a food crisis, stick with what your body needs and try to eat fresh nutrient-dense food as much as possible.

Sugar, simple carbs, and eating too many snacks throughout the day can cause blood sugar spikes that can drain your energy, cause you to have cravings for more food, increase stress, and cause physical and mental health issues that you really don’t want to be facing in already trying times. Now may be a really good time to start getting your body used to less of what you don’t need and more of what you do. Don’t deprive yourself of the foods you love, but eat more good foods that will nourish your body.

Almost everyone has heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to food. By taking some simple steps now, you can make sure that you have enough food to last in case of an emergency or food crisis.

Here are 20 things you can do to prepare for a food crisis.

1. Don’t panic
   “Don’t panic” is perhaps the most important advice you can follow when preparing for a food crisis. It can be tempting to stock up on non-perishable items and hoard supplies, but this will only lead to anxiety and stress. Instead, take a deep breath and remember that God is in control. Trust that He will provide for your needs, and focus on staying calm and collected. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be prepared, but it does mean that you don’t need to live in fear. God is always with you, and He will never let you down.
   
   
2. Start stocking up now
   In Proverbs 30:25, we’re told, “Ants are creatures of little faith.” And yet, even ants know the importance of stocking up for the future. As Christians, we are called to live our lives with faith in God. And part of that faith is knowing that He will provide for our needs. So, when it comes to preparing for a food crisis, we can have faith that God will provide for us.
   
   However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take steps to prepare for the future. Just as the ants stock up for winter, we should also be wise and stock up on food. But we need to be careful not to hoard food. Instead, we should focus on having enough to last in case of an emergency. By taking some simple steps now, we can make sure that we have enough food to last in case of a food crisis.
   
   Look for foods that you will actually eat and will last. Buy in bulk. We buy rice and beans from Costco in large quantities and keep them stored in air-tight containers and actually eat through them and then replenish them when necessary. You can buy a little bit of extra non-perishables each time you go to the store to keep from having one huge grocery bill and this will help you so you don’t have to try to remember what will actually get eaten. I remember in 2020 looking at the empty grocery shelves and wondering if people were actually going to eat all of that food they bought in a panic and how much of it was going to go to waste. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency – If you are buying a box of crackers you know your family will eat, buy two. Buy extra meat that can be stored in the freezer. If you know your family loves a certain food, buy it in bulk.
   
   
3. Meal plan
   In today’s hectic world, meal planning is more important than ever. When we plan our meals, we are able to cook with intentionality and purpose. We can make meals that are healthy and nourishing for our bodies and souls. In a crisis, meal planning is even more important. We need to be able to have food that we know we will eat and that will sustain us. We don’t want to waste food, so we need to meal plan even more carefully. With a little forethought and planning, we can make sure that we have the food that we need to get through even the toughest times.
   
   
4. Shop off of the weekly ads to save money
   I was taught at a young age to always look at the weekly ads before going grocery shopping. My mom instilled in me the savings that could be made by matching up sale items with coupons we had and planning my meals around the sales. I’m so glad she taught me that skill early on! With the rising cost of living and inflation, it is even more important now to be mindful of what we are spending our money on. It is not only unwise financially to impulse buy, but it can also be detrimental to our faith if we are not being good stewards of what God has given us. By taking the time to plan our purchases around the sales, we can save money and be wise with our resources. God gives us wisdom when we ask for it, and I pray that He would help us to use that wisdom in every area of our lives – including how we spend our money.
   
   
5. Get backyard chickens if you can
   I am not allowed to have chickens due to HOA rules (I may petition this – we’ll see) Chickens are one of God’s creatures that can help us in a time of need. You can choose to get meat chickens or just have egg-laying chickens – the choice is up to you. Chickens are not only an excellent source of nutrients and protein, but they are also relatively easy to care for. If more people kept chickens, then we would be less likely to experience an emergency if we do come down to facing a food crisis. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be used in many different ways. In addition, they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Keeping chickens is a win-win situation – they provide us with nutritious food and we get to enjoy their company.
   
   
6. Shop at local farmer’s markets
   In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose sight of the importance of community. However, during times of crisis, faith and relationships are what will see us through. Local farmer’s markets are a great way to build relationships with the people who grow our food. Getting to know your local farmers will give you peace of mind during times of uncertainty. Plus, supporting local farmers is a win-win! You’ll be getting fresh, delicious food while helping to sustain the local economy. So next time you’re at the grocery store, take a detour to the farmer’s market and get to know the people who work hard to provide for our community.
   
   
7. Connect with your local ranchers
   You never know when you might need a helping hand, and it’s always good to have someone you can rely on. That’s why it’s a good idea to get to know your local ranchers too. They are the ones who produce the meat that we all enjoy, and in a time of crisis, they will be the ones who can help keep us fed. Getting to know them now will help build trust between you so that if you ever need their help, they will be more likely to give it. You can talk to them about buying meat in bulk. If you have freezer space, you can buy a 1/2 a cow or go in with a family member and buy a whole one. So go out and introduce yourself to your local ranchers today – you’ll both be glad you did.
   
   
8. Get to know your local butcher and/or meat locker owners
   Local butchers and meat locker owners are important people to get to know. Meat costs are expected to skyrocket in the near future due to inflation, gas prices, and rising feed costs. It is important to develop a relationship with your local butcher or meat locker owner now so that you will be able to weather the storm when prices begin to rise. By getting to know your local butcher or meat locker owner, you will be able to create a trust that will last through the tough times. Shopping local will not only help keep your costs down but it will also help your local economy.
   
   
9. Get to know your neighbors
   God created community for a reason – one reason being so that people can rely on each other and help each other in times of need. In this modern world, so few people actually know their neighbors. But if there is a food crisis, it will be important to know them. In a strong community, you can help each other and rely on each other’s skills. You don’t have to know everything yourself. Having a community who you can trade or barter with will help everyone involved. When you get to know your neighbors, you build relationships that can help you weather any storm.
   
   
10. Join a CSA or farm share program
    In a world that is increasingly disconnected, it can be easy to forget the origins of our food, choosing instead to view food as something that simply appears on grocery store shelves. However, there is something special about getting food straight from the source. When you join a CSA or farm share program, you enter into a relationship with the farmers who grow your food. You become part of a community that supports one another through good times and bad. And in today’s world, that sense of community is more important than ever. In the face of a crisis, it can be easy to feel alone and lost. But when you have a connection to your food and the people who grow it, you’ll always have a sense of security.
    
    
11. Learn how to grow your own food
    It is more important than ever to learn how to grow your own food. With the economy in crisis, and God knows what else on the horizon, it is vital that we be self-sufficient and not reliant on others for our sustenance. Gardening is a great way to grow your own food, and it is a skill that everyone should learn. I’m just learning myself, but with practice, I’ve been assured that it is not difficult, and the rewards are great. Not only will you have fresh, healthy food to eat, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you grew it yourself. So take the time to learn how to garden, and you will be glad you did.
    
    
12. Buy a Garden Tower for indoor gardening
    As I mentioned above, gardening is a great way to grow your own food and know where your food comes from. It also allows you to connect with nature, even if you are indoors and allows you to eat fresh foods – which is so much more healthy than canned foods. A garden tower is a great way to garden indoors year-round. It is compact and self-contained, so you don’t have to worry about dirt or pests. Plus, it’s a great way to get started on your gardening journey if your yard isn’t ready for a garden just yet. If you have a small yard, no yard, or if you live in a climate where your gardening season is limited, this might be a really good option for you. I don’t personally sell these but a really good friend of mine does. Click here to learn more.
    
    
13. Get involved in your local community garden
    Community gardens are a great way to get to know your neighbors and grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Most community gardens have a small plot of land that is divided into individual sections. Each gardener is responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining their own section. Community gardens are also a great way to get involved in your local community. Not only will you be able to meet new people, but you’ll also be able to learn about best practices and how to be a successful gardener. In addition, community gardens are a great way to get fresh fruits and vegetables. The produce that you grow will be fresher and tastier than anything you could buy at the grocery store and if there is a food crisis, you won’t have to worry about high prices or empty produce shelves. So if you’re looking for a way to get involved in your community, consider joining a community garden.
    
    
14. Learn forging skills
    In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to be self-sufficient. It’s wise to have skills that will serve you well in a time of crisis. One such skill is forging. Depending on where you live, there may be local forging groups that can teach you the basics. Foraging locally offers the opportunity to track down and harvest everything from mushrooms for cooking, pine needles for tea, to an array of sweet, tart, and colorful fruit. In addition, if you know which plants are safe to eat and how to identify them, you can supplement your diet by foraging for wild food. It’s really important that you learn to identify plants so that you only eat what is safe to eat. This can be an enjoyable hobby in good times, and a lifesaving skill in bad times. So why not take some steps now to prepare for the future? Learning forging skills and wild food information could one day make all the difference.
    
    
15. Buy seeds
    As any gardener knows, seeds are essential for growing healthy plants. Not only do they provide the initial source of life for a new plant, but they can also be saved and used again in future years. However, with the current rate of inflation, seeds may become increasingly unaffordable in the near future. Food prices are already on the rise, and as more and more people struggle to make ends meet, the demand for seeds is likely to increase. This could lead to a seed crisis, wherein farmers and gardeners are unable to obtain the seeds they need to grow food. By purchasing seeds now and storing them in the freezer, you can ensure that you will have the supplies you need should a seed crisis occur. In addition, you will be able to save money by avoiding inflation-driven price hikes. So don’t wait – buy seeds today and be prepared for whatever the future may hold.
    
    
16. Buy food kits
    When it comes to food storage, food kits are a great option. They store for a very long time and really are an easy button… but they can be expensive. If you can afford them, they may be worth the investment. Food kits are perfect for those who want to be prepared for a food crisis. They contain all the necessary food and supplies for a family of four to survive for up to two weeks. The food is shelf-stable and can be stored for up to 25 years. food kits are a great way to be prepared for any crisis we may face.
    
    
17. If you don’t already know how to, learn how to hunt or connect with someone who does
    Hunting can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to obtain meat. Not only does it provide a source of food for those who eat meat, but it also helps to control local animal populations. In order to ensure that hunting is done in a sustainable way, it is important to learn about the local ecology and the best practices for hunting. This can be done by taking a hunter safety course (required in most states) or connecting with someone who has experience hunting. With the world facing a potential food crisis, it is important to consider all options for sourcing food. Hunting can be a sustainable and humane way to obtain clean, fresh, and organic meat, but it is important to learn how to do it properly. You may also want to talk to your local butcher to see what the wait time is on processing unless you really want to go all in and learn how to process your own meat, too.
    
    
18. Get vitamins and minerals that you may need or take regularly in bulk or in 90-day supplies
    There are many vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function properly. While we can get some of these nutrients from the food we eat, sometimes we may need to take supplements to ensure that we’re getting enough. Buying vitamins and minerals in bulk or in 90-day supplies can help you stay prepared and save money.
    
    Vitamins and minerals are essential for our health. They help to support our immune system, bone health, and energy levels. Some vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc are important for our immune systems. Where I live, getting vitamin C (which comes mostly from citrus fruits) may be hard to come by from a food source so having some on hand is probably a good idea. We get a lot of sunshine in the summer months to get Vitamin D but in the winter months the sun is too low to help our body produce vitamin D. Magnesium, potassium, and sodium (sea salt) are important minerals to have on hand, as well.
    
    I get almost all of my supplements through Young Living. Click here to see the core supplements that I recommend having on hand or click here to see my favorite immune-supporting oils and supplements.
    
    
    
19. Learn to can and preserve food
    One way to be prepared is by learning to can and preserve food. Canning is the process of sealing food in jars or cans to prevent spoilage. You can use food from your own garden, a garden tower, or any fresh produce you buy from the store or farmers’ market. Canning can be done using a water bath or pressure canner. Preserving food can extend its shelf life by pickling, fermentation, freezing, drying, or vacuuming sealing. Learning these skills can help you be self-sufficient and prepared in the event of a food crisis. Not only that but canning and preserving can also be a fun and rewarding hobby. There’s nothing like opening a jar of homemade jam or pickles that you made yourself. So why not give it a try? You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.
    
    
20. Stay positive and don’t give up hope
    No matter what life throws your way, it is important to stay positive and never give up hope. When you lose faith or allow fear to take over, it is easy to become consumed by the spirit of fear. This can lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking and even depression. However, no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always a reason to hope. Remember that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. So as long as you have faith and hope in God, you will always find the strength to carry on. Build a community now so that if a crisis does come, you won’t feel isolated or alone. The enemy wants you to feel isolated, afraid, and alone (just look at the past two years – that’s how he has made so many people feel and fear has taken over their lives). But if you prepare yourself now, you will have the upper hand. Just keep faith and hope alive in your heart, and you will make it through whatever challenges come your way.
    
    

No one knows what the future holds, but it is important to be prepared for any possible scenario. In the event of a food crisis, having the knowledge and skills and being prepared can help you survive and help put you in a position to help others, too. It is crucial to stay positive and have faith in God no matter what happens. This will help you get through difficult times with grace and strength. Remember, everything will be alright in the end. So don’t give up hope, because no matter what, God has a plan and it is good.

If you are a faith-filled woman looking for community, and holistic health tips, I have just the thing for you! Join my free Facebook Group here. where we discuss all things holistic health.