Van Life Safety How to Build Up Food Storage While Living in a Van

[@tompetty3742]

My parents grew up during the depression. We were a family of four. City dwellers. We always had extra food supply. Most my childhood I remember a main fridge, basement fridge, and a freezer. I began my own garden as young as 8. I have had a stocked pantry for as long as I can remember. I was homeless for a few years at age 16/17. 1 of my great grandmothers' sayings was, "ya gotta eat". My father lost his dad at 4. He and my grandmother really struggled. There was hunger in my family tree, and I now better understand, why food played a big part in my family.

[@luisasfiat]

Yes indeed if you've ever had a hard struggle feeding yourself AND kids as soon as you can you stock up. It's peace of mind.

[@kele1264]

Same. We were suburb dwellers.

[@janetcrane59]

Yes we all had extra freezers & fridges but with energy prices now I'm not sure they pay off. Appliances that run 24-7 and utilities not using coal anymore is a whole new world.

[@anybodyoutthere3208]

Grew up in San Francisco in the 60’s Seven kids and not much money. Dad worked hard. Lots of hungry kids…. Parents always went to farmers market and bought cases of apples. Put in a huge clean garbage can for us kids to have snacks. Mom stretched the meals and made homemade everything. Never went hungry and we all learned to can, sew and fix things

[@wanderingrenegade771]

Yup depression era parents non religious non prepper types,fisherman only but very skilled gardens all summer as we did this as children as well. It's easy for me now as an adult ,potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower,squash all do well here. I don't mind powdered milk but other dry goods are harder to consume. Oatmeal with raisins is ok,and dried apples. Jerky works as a protein. I always do can have canned tuna,salmon. I have to eat foods I enjoy.

[@cathyjay2569]

My husband passed away a few months ago and my son is staying with me for a while. Getting used to a tiny income has been rough, but I’m learning. I bought some heavy duty tubs at Harbor freight and have filled them with pinto beans, white beans, lentils, pea soup, all kinds of rice, bouillon cubes and jars of bouillon powder, pasta, powdered milk, honey, lard, vinegar, salt. I also have been stocking up on canned meats. I still need sugar, flour, oatmeal, but we could survive for 3-4 months with what I have managed to squirrel away. Thank you for this stellar video!!

[@tennesseeterri]

That is great to hear. I am glad that you are able to manage to stack some food away to take care of you and your son. I hope you are storing the plastic bins inside the house and not in a garage. Plastic buckets and bins are not rodent proof. Keep up the good work.

[@cathyjay2569]

@@tennesseeterri thank you for that info. Yes, it is inside my house, in heat and cool and away from gnarly little teeth! 🐀

[@eleanorcramer7986]

Smart choices. Remember to check for critter invasion and dampness even in tubs. Watch dates and a list is good to chart supply. Keep some ready for bug out if in stick built home. Best wishes in your transition.

[@cathyjay2569]

@@eleanorcramer7986 thank you! Kindness is so appreciated and needed!! Thank you for being kind.

[@beadyeyedwomanify]

Best of luck...

[@menevermind2612]

My husband and I have been doing the small additions to our shopping for almost 20 years. And it has come in handy many times. We also got VERY lucky just as the pandemic started. My husband found a small grocery store in town that has just marked down a BUNCH of food. So we made out like bandits. It was great. We were able to save money by not having to go shopping and we were able to feed our in-laws too. It’s really nice to feel secure in our food stores. I recommend it to everyone. Just an extra can or box a week saves a lot of stress.

[@nuclearmaga9694]

if things get bad alot of what we've prepared will be looted by hungry mobs

[@beverlyharward9631]

@@nuclearmaga9694 You're right. All the big, hard core preppers also think they could hold everyone off forever but I guess they've forgotten something called Marshall Law. No one wants Marshall Law yet if things become extreme, governments won't hesitate to enforce it!

[@livewithnick]

@@nuclearmaga9694 it’s according to how bad it gets and how well you’ve prepared for it. You can end up a part of the hungry mob or you can prepare better.

[@johnb6084]

@@nuclearmaga9694 You have 2nd amendment rights. Other ways to prepare are hunting and fishing skills and foraging. Unfortunately we are a soft society and rely on stores which is a recipe for disaster.

[@carolpepe9382]

I've been homeless and lived out of a mini cooper. I promised myself that my family and I would never be in such dire straights again. I have a cargo van now, and believe in being prepared. I have been working on filling two sterlite 19 gallon storage containers with things I buy normally. I go to the dollar store for cans of chicken, tuna, beans and soup. I also pick up boxes of cake mix. No matter how bad the situation gets, we all need a treat. My son has been warning me that things are going to get bad later this year. Great job on getting the word out. Love your channel!

[@jeannecotter2795]

My family always had a garden and we preserved food every year. No one thought we were crazy. Being prepared is not crazy, it is smart!! I always have dried beans and chickpeas and quinoa on hand also. Dollar Tree is a great place to buy some of those items also.

[@treysuniverserv1576]

Bob, you are differently your own man and not driven by the political divide of today. Your information when heeded will make the Nomads life so much better. It is my honor to call you my friend!

[@RVingwithLuck]

I think this is an absolute necessity. Living in the “bricks and sticks”, I always had at least a 30 day supply of food. Now, being a nomad living in an RV, I’ve bumped that up to closer to 60 days. Plus water, and like 3 different ways to collect/purify water.

[@DeliaLee8]

If you have the time would you be willing to share those ways that you collect and purify water? TIA

[@sparkythims4362]

@@DeliaLee8 Filter with sawyer filter then boil or chlorinate, and berky water filtration. Dehumidifier will collect water from the air. Tarp to collect and funnel water to bucket for rain.

[@michellec8273]

@@sparkythims4362 dehumidifier water is not for drinking, could be used for other uses.

[@joanncarey226]

This makes sense. I have one more reason to do this. I am a 24/7 caregiver to my significant other. He is housebound and I don't get much chance to go shopping so I try to keep it to once a week, and because neither one of us eats much we get by nicely on small servings. When I cook I try to make enough for 3 days and I freeze larger batches in meal size bags. We got everything except the travel. Unfortunately it's too late for that. We do most of our "travel" through our tv.

[@vickismallwood2082]

Yes it’s very worth it. I have been doing this my whole life and when the pandemic hit it was a life saver for not only me but I was able to share with my children and friends. My daughters use to make fun of me but not anymore. I was able to show them how easy it was to not even know anything was happening and teach new ways to be creative with cooking. Everyone should do this.

[@barefootincactus]

I have stored several months of food in my minivan. It feels good to be ready for anything. I’m going to fit in one more five gallon water container soon. Thanks for this series.

[@conniewaite1371]

Maybe get a water filter and not relay on city faucets

[@barefootincactus]

@@conniewaite1371 I have Sawyer Minis, but I still want extra water storage

[@barefootincactus]

@@henryottis295 Yes. The Sawyer Mini comes in a pack of two, and each one can filter 100,000 gallons. It is a well respected and often recommended brand

[@willothewispl]

@@conniewaite1371 I moved i to this senior apt building, the water is disgusting. Buy cases and gallons of water, Starting other methods now.Hoping to move put of here too.

[@secondact7151]

Go with smaller water containers. Easier to find places to stash. You might need to hide it. You might need to walk to get it.

[@seanharley6432]

Very sound advice! I remember by grandmothers; my own mother keeping extra canned goods in the house along with some dry goods. These ladies all dealt with the Great Depression; they understood the need to always have extra food on hand. In today’s economic; political and environmental instability; it’s just good home maintenance to always be prepared. Let’s keep learning from our ancestors who lived through two world wars; the 1918 epidemic and the Great Depression.

[@rambling_rob7035]

I use Brian's method. I began about 3-4 years ago after reading an article on the book A Year Without a Grocery Store. Granted, I'm in a small trailer and have storage under my dinette seats. I often "grocery shop" in the dinette storage area.

[@happycook6737]

As someone who has cans stored in some unusual places-- I completely understand. 🤣

[@robinmiller5256]

Not to mention that hunting and fishing are an excellent way to help out when the economy tanks. Can also rent garden space In many areas.

[@willdrivesu7914]

I think this is probably one of the harder things to do with having such limited space available. I think one of the biggest challenges will be fresh water. Something that a lot of people are not aware of, is our fresh drinking water supply is depleting at an alarming rate. Lake Mead serves 50+ million people, and it has gone down 5 feet in the last 15 days. The south west is going to be hurting when it dries up.

[@randzopyr1038]

It's drying up everywhere - Florida is getting so overpopulated (and people are using in absolute excess) that the local aquifer just can't keep up - it's why we keep having issues with sinkholes. And if they keep adding more concrete and asphalt then those afternoon summer showers are gonna start bypassing the state entirely.

[@miamisammy4020]

Under the first-ever federally declared water cuts, Arizona will lose 20% of its supply from the Colorado River in 2022

[@Idahovandal4ever]

Being a nomad might get much more difficult if the Social Security and/or Medicare systems collapse. Perhaps this won't happen if our politicians can make wiser decisions. I was a farmer for 45 years, now retired; and I can tell you that our climate and weather patterns have definitely changed, with weather severity becoming the norm, not the exception. We must prepare the best we can, in every way we can, in a calm and sensible way.

[@Salsajaman]

It'll still be a lot cheaper than renting. I'm just starting my career and I'm not counting on any social security. My retirement plan is to be prepared to do free-lance coding if I really need money by that age. I think it'll help keep the old mind sharp.

[@larsonbwl]

I don’t think the 1930s dustbowl was caused by overpopulation and cars. Farming practices had a small part. Mainly in extreme drought.

[@setsailatnoon]

Irrigation has kept us out of dust bowls since then. But. Aquifers are drawing down, windrows have been torn down, the Cadillac desert in the southwest is in big trouble. Look at lakes Meade and Powell.

[@boblock7588]

I thought I was the only one who thought about social security collapsing with all the the spending our government is doing ..CRAZY stuff going on …

[@chrispaulick]

@@setsailatnoon it would take 4000 years to replenish the aquifer out west now.

[@reedofurantia606]

Great advise! Have been collecting bags of rice ,beans and long lasting dry goods for years now.

[@MySonsMother]

Nomadic Prepper here. For those who can eat high sodium these buckets have it all ready to go for you. Don’t trust in the serving size because it might not fit your actual lifestyle. Making your own emergency kit as far better if you can do that. Buy a bucket get baggies and make your own dry packaged meals. One small tub can hold food for a couple of days. Make individual packets of rice, or minute rice, including dried vegetables and/or dried meats. You can also include small cans of meats in your kit and condiments etc. As powdered drinks and water bottles. Throw in plastic fours/ spoons, knives, napkins, matches, reading glasses, etc.

[@dodgerblue7381]

It is never a bad thing to have extra food. Especially in Earthquake country. If you listen to the "experts" food shortages are coming. If shortages don't come price increases are certainly coming. Remember to rotate and don't forget water.

[@anio1349]

Remember to rotate and don't forget water! EXCELLENT ADVICE!

[@pattitatman6146]

I like being able to choose what I would eat instead of relying on what is packed in a bucket. I have a vacuum sealer to make individual meals to stack in a tote.

[@clawhammer704]

Earthquake country, you can’t have too much water.

[@kaybreece8701]

@@clawhammer704 9 months later and earthquake country does have too much water. Not very usable but does show how things can change.

[@Bellasherbear]

You are entirely correct... Thank you for this vid!!

[@grandmaDecker]

Good advice Bob; we have been prepping for over a year. The cost of some foods has doubled, so glad I did. Beans, rice, flour, canned goods. A little every week adds up. Some of the family thought I was nuts when I started; now not so much. We are buying extra for the people who haven't prepared as well.

[@felixveja8154]

What a guy, I wish I have his mental strength at that age. Not wasting money on everyday expenses, just living a free life. Best of luck 🇬🇧

[@lizphoenix1826]

I have food storage at home. Water too. I just want to be prepared for anything.

[@larrychappell207]

There are many ways to have fresh greens and even strawberries, but you may have to learn some new skills. If you have a van or any vehicle, you can make a pop bottle garden on the inside of your doors. You get to camp and you open the doors so the plants can have sunlight. You plant your lettuces and when you cut them, only take half. They will grow back. Ramen are actually really good noodles. If you are worried about the salt, just don't use the seasoning packet. Make refried beans. Spread them thin and dry them. Get a vacuum sealer. If you remove the air from food like your powdered peanut butter, they will last a lot longer. Great job guys!

[@lilvalentine545]

I like to keep sprouting grains in my food stash as well. Things like alfalfa , lentils , chick peas etc. If you find you have to live off your food stash for a week then sprout some grains so you can get some nutritious fresh salad as well 😊

[@heythave]

Great idea.

[@Trendlespin]

You are so right about people not able to talk things over anymore.

[@lorimac0260]

Also, note that on the FEMA web site, it states that canned goods last far beyond the expiration date.

[@biblestudysongwritingjoyce1981]

I'm counting on that to be true. I've stored a lot of the canned goods I like best.

[@Zelda4U]

Amazon has the large buckets listed for sale @ $119 with a shipping date of 1 to 2 months. I hope this helps someone. My parents were teenagers during the depression and taught me how to save and preserve food. They grew up on the farm so even though they were poor, they had food. Over 90% of America's population lived in rural areas so they could produce food. Now most people in the citied don't even know how food is produced. It's going to be a devastating event when they run out of food. And that could be sooner rather than later.

[@anybodyoutthere3208]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[@babysisdolls3336]

i use to live in truck camper..but now in 788sqft apartment...i was trying to figure out how to have year's supply of food stock...so 3 months of dried, 3 months cans..3 months in freezer and 3 months 25 years dehydrated.. thank you i was happy to buy on sale..i will be 85 years old when it expires..lol

[@noelleagape8684]

This doesn't sound like conspiracy theory, this sounds like facts, since many manufacturers compounds have been burned down, in conjunction with fires and droughts - we will have food shortages. Thanks for the thumbs up for reasonable price food to store.

[@TimHayward]

I have had great success with mylar oxygen barrier bags.

[@lindarodgers1401]

Where do you get your supplies

[@tinagilmore6373]

Thank you for this!!! I am currently in process of stockpiling over the past month. I also tripled my raise bed gardening! It’s getting worse daily on food and fuel, so I’m going to can meats and veggies out of my garden and also dry foods like the backpacker is. I have a great start but am not slowing down’ Blessings to you!

[@leaclayton3598]

I live in sticks and bricks but plan on going nomad in the next few years. I prep as well and have been thinking a lot about how to do that on the road thank you for so many great ideas

[@jgm9927]

We have much of those things on hand always. We live in the country and were raised to be prepared for difficult times. What you are teaching here is ALWAYS a good idea.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Great video Bob... A very important lesson that we all need to listen to. This world is very unpredictable right now and we need to be prepared as best we can. Thank you for putting this out there because it is very important. Stay well and safe travels. 👍

[@dxradioman6351]

For a short storage item, Hormel Compleats are pretty good. They are microwaveable, but you can just heat them in hot water to heat them up (10-15 mins). They are ready to eat and run 250-330 calories. Many kinds...Mac and Cheese, Salsbury steak, Swedish meatballs, chicken alfredo, etc. Available at Walmart for $2.12 ea. Store for about a year.

[@deborahgonzales-hics346]

Pl8u11￦11

[@mariarobles6426]

So much easier in the USA , so many facilities

[@ef5842]

We have more than one e-fund. You gave two good examples. Car and food. Thanks for your tips on these categories. I 've found that $6,000 a year is about right for car repairs and insurance, (in my experience), and for food, we always buy for more than one week 's worth at a time on. We buy fruit and vegetables one week at a timeand refrigerate them. Then condiments, meat water, enzymes and probiotics we buy for the month, and freeze the meat and refrigerate the probiotics. We even buy micellar soap by the gallon for all washing needs. You can dilute it for all uses, and also use it in a foam pump for convenient hand soap, etc. Thanks Bob! HAPPY TRAVELS.

[@melusine826]

Compassionate, resilient, mobile communities

[@srrfounder1]

A combination of both ways is wise, especially these days when nothing is predictable!

[@herniedog4641]

Wife has always shopped this way because of working in construction. Thanks guys.

[@grimberet1570]

With some dry storage companies you can buy a taster variety pack. It's important to like your emergency food! I also have a small stock of mre's, in times when out of water..

[@LaVonneEllis]

So true! I remember reading a few years ago that back during World War II in Britain when food was rationed, some elderly people starved because they didn’t like the food they were able to get. Shocking but true.

[@donharbort4203]

You may have read about starving during the second world war but I lived it. I remember the only thing we had was one can of carnation condensed milk to split between five children I was one of the children. Like Bob, I highly highly highly recommend getting a food storage program going. Our country is collapsing at a rapid pace.

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@LaVonneEllis Most people won't even resort cannibalism. I guess some cuisine isn't for everybody, even in survival mode.

[@happycook6737]

Very true about needing to taste that long lasting food. Some of it is really awful but then again truly hungry people will eat anything.

[@CBAmakingAusername]

I do the extra bits and bobs every time I go shopping. It comes in handy even if you are short of money one month x

[@sciologist]

From Wal mart, I just bought a 100 Lbs of rice; long, Jasman, and brown rice. 100 lbs of beans; lentils, navy beans, red beans, black beans etc. Lots of pasta. And a lots of salt, pepper and spices. And 50 cans of cheap meats.

[@MySonsMother]

That’s a great start. Don’t forget that brown rice gross rancid far quicker than white rice. A lot shorter shelf life

[@georgekane1985]

The only thing negative I have to say about dried/freeze dried food is: it tends to make you constipated. Something fresh and alive like sprouts, can really round off your diet and save you lots and lots of money, while providing lots of vitamins. Sprouts are dried seeds, which will last for a few years until you add water, soaking them for some minutes or hours, and then you rinse them a few times a day until they reach optimum size. I’ve done this before, and I can say that a diet rich in sprouts will give you lots and I mean lots of energy, because they are alive!

[@nancyt2811]

I was going to suggest seeds for sprouts too!

[@dlcasey4u]

Thank you so much for this video, I thought I was an "only lonely" on this subject. Yes, be prepared. Two of something is One, because if you're out in the sticks and you only have One of a thing and it breaks you have None. So definitely plan ahead and stock up. You'll be glad you did.

[@dinamarie6646]

I did a combo of both, especially since I caught some in the clearance aisle at Walmart. Mostly now just buy a little extra of everything, especially since I'm more than an hour away from a Walmart now.

[@susanpoole3132]

I have been storing food for years. You just need to rotate your food when you add to your storage supply.

[@Drmikekuna]

At the turn of the century (2000), I bought some extended foods in buckets. Unfortunately, my wife gave me so much grief about it that I have been reluctant to go the dehydrated route since. However, I do have a supply of non-perishables (like rice and beans) as well as canned/jar items that last a long time. I try to rotate the cans/jars in and out and I buy foods (like canned tomatoes) that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. I also have a converted van/camper and in it I have a pack of survival biscuits. I use the van year-round and I wanted to make sure that I had at least something if I was stuck in the snow for a day or two. The survival biscuits are like big sugar cookies, so they would not be for long-term but they would be better than nothing. Naturally, when I go traveling in the camper I have a full stock of food on board.

[@aspitofmud6257]

My parents grew up in the Great depression. My dad's family grew corn and my mom's family grew potatoes that was the basis for most of their meals and they would get almost sick from eating potato 🥔 soup and stuff like that. My Dad was given a shotgun to hunt the deer that ate the families corn. My Mom's hero was the knight in shining armor who always had gifts of fresh venison to rescue her from the dreaded potato 🥔 meals. The rest is history. 🥰😎

[@aspitofmud6257]

Hunting and fishing adds A LOT to that bucket of rice.

[@kdc1153]

@@aspitofmud6257 So does learning how to GROW your Own food in the environment you are in (or go to) in a sustainable(organic, because not only are the chemicals awful, they won't be available!) and nutritious way. 😁

[@SheridansSojourn]

After the sticker shock I experienced at our least-expensive local grocery store today, all I can say is this is timely and sage advice. We live in a location where the power goes out a few times a year so we keep some extra food and fuel on hand---enough for a few days. I think I will gather supplies like the ones you show to hedge against further inflation. Thanks, Bob. It may feel like we as fellow countrymen are having a hard time talking to each other, but if I am ever able to hit the road, I will always be happy to listen and talk to other fine folks like you.

[@niftytraveler]

With food cost going up, I really try to pay attention when a particular favourite is having a big sale. Especially for a shelf-stable food. I will often buy whatever maximum they allow and store it. But then it's important to mark expiration in big bold letters, so you can rotate your stock. I'm still in Sticks and Bricks so I have a different plan right now than I will when I'm hitting the road. On the road I think I will plan a food organization maybe once a month in order to inventory what I have, and help me find a balance between not too much, and enough. When I start I'll be in a minivan so there is only so much storage space that is available.

[@Northwestshenanigans]

This is a way of life for some of us. Not purchasing, but preparing food for storage. Dehydrator, juicer, canning supplies, and knowledge. You can make delicious bread with sprouted wheat berries, worked till it looks like dough, and baked slowly on a hot desert rock in the sun. Various fresh sprouts are a great way to get fresh greens. Etc.

[@MySonsMother]

I do my own canning and dehydrating. I wish I had time to research how to do the sprouted bread. I like to buy, but it’s costly.

[@MySonsMother]

I have a year supply of food storage which includes the large bag of wheat berries.

[@Northwestshenanigans]

@@MySonsMother sprouted bread is very easy. Ancient essene bread is exactly what I described, just sprout the grains as you would do any sprouts. They are ready just when the white emerges. Mash, food processor, beat, whatever, until it looks like bread dough, with active gluten. Bake it lonng and slow, over 250f kills the enzymes. Can be frybread too. Nothing is added unless you want variety, nuts and seeds, etc. Second way, sprout the grains, then dehydrate them, and you can turn the dried sprouts into flour and do whatever. Grains can be mixed; wheat, rye, flax, barley, etc.

[@stanbyme7874]

Since heading out in my Subaru Crosstrek, I’ve been aware of food supply. I can only carry so much. There are certain items I always have. Dried fruits. Oatmeal. Pancake mix. Tortillas. Powder peanut butter. Dried beans. I carry (Costco) packs of shelf stable Almond milk. I’m from Oregon so fire & the ability to get out fast is imperative. All my supplies are shelf stable, lightweight & most importantly, they are high in protein. I have a freezer & if I pass a upick farm I will grab a bunch of veggies, blanch & freeze. My primary concern is water. I have filter options but am acutely aware of my water supply. Backpacking teaches you how to conserve but stay healthy. Being nomad & vegetarian is actually very easy.

[@kdc1153]

That's good to hear! I'm also vegetarian and not on the road yet but had some concerns about it, being basically allergic to peanut butter.

[@patriciabennett5155]

This is a great idea even for those of us who live in a house on a fixed income. Prices are increasing daily for food. Buying extra is a necessity to survive in the future. Thank you for the information and great ideas.

[@johnb6084]

This is great info for everybody, even sticks and bricks like myself. Being ex military I can relate, things could get much worse. It doesn't hurt to be prepared.

[@morrisshepherd1637]

This is a great idea with lots of info we all need to think ahead. Thanks Bob and Brian!!

[@laus7504]

25 year shelf life is the ticket! I've had those extra canned goods expire after a few years. I have to make an effort to use them. Even canned foods start to degrade after 5 years and need to be eaten before that. Felt like a big dummy when I had to toss canned foods.

[@MySonsMother]

Acid products, example tomato, should be used in a shorter time though I’m not sure exactly what time limit before the can starts eroding. People mistakenly think the Best Buy date means it’s no good. It means at that point soon after the taste starts being affected but the product is healthy to be used for quite a few years has has has been proven by many people

[@patcummins6036]

Back early 1998 I bought a convenience store in a small country town in Australia, I then proceeded to renovate the 50 year old shelving. One of the shelves was held up by four large cans. One of these cans still had a readable label so I knew that they contained whole chickens. I asked customers as they came in if they knew of this way of eating chickens. Two elderly customers had eaten chicken this way back in around the 1950’s! So we opened one of the cans. The chicken was not rotten! I reckon a starving person would have readily consumed it!

[@laus7504]

@@patcummins6036 Oh wow! Did you eat the chickens? How were they?

[@willothewispl]

@@MySonsMother I try to store acidic things like sauce in the jars you buy it in, rather than cans if I can.

[@lindamarsteller4582]

I plan to give my can goods to a homeless shelter when they get close to expiring. Sometimes they are good past the use by date just a little less nutritious. Don't ever throw away good food. There are lots of needy people out there!

[@lorid2092]

I have an eclectic science degree, majoring in botany. I chose to take a holistic approach, adding extea plant pathology, wildland fire science, native American anthropology, and environmental ethics to my course load. One thing that is not emphasized enough is human practices that contribute to the droughts, catastrophic wildfires, and other environmental degradations we are seeing. Exponential human population increase coupled with extremely wasteful water use and food waste, conventional monoculture agriculture, etc., are the reasons we are in this mess. Look into permaculture. It is the way💚

[@eqmuse]

Yes! I got certified in 2011. Perennial based polycultures by any name certainly look to be the most resilient. I love the permaculture ethics & design steps. Many people forget to include assessment of their particular climate & native biome & throw on something from another climate & call it permaculture. For example, food forests do not belong on temperate grasslands (the most endangered native ecosystem on the planet). Grasslands need ungulates, burrowers (prairie dogs increase transpiration/create rain), & predators (including humans & their dogs) to keep ungulates on the move to prevent overgrazing. I'm a big fan of rewilding in the long run. Zone 5 is the ultimate teacher.

[@metalbootlegslivearchives]

Ok We have started on our van and hopefully will move in during the month of October 2022. We are big into doing prepping and Its really nice to see that its something that can be done in a van. I've been pretty worried that it might be too hard to have like 6 month to a years worth of food in the van for 2 people and our pets. But this has given me a bit of hope on how we can still prep and do vanlife.

[@barackmycat9448]

I keep a food pantry that I just add when I find good deals on stuff. You`re right on here Bob.

[@Agent-jj4cc]

I like to keep some foods that can be eaten without cooking if necesaary. Today I bought some cans of Chef Boyardee ravioli for instance. I'm not a nomad but I've been in survival mode for 4 years since becoming a widow. If I see a low price I buy it. Learning to make new recipes and using more spices than ever before to jazz up bland foods. Life is an adventure!

[@nanciehuaracha6079]

Thank you so much Bob 😊

[@lea801]

Thanks Bob. So important. I bought one tub because of you. I think I'll get another.

[@heidigib01]

One of your best videos. We are in the beginning of a world changing. Our country is changing, we have been building debt, our people are being hit by inflation, crazy housing costs, increasing disasters. You’d be crazy to keep a normalcy bias at this point. Our politicians care more about making millions in stock market on inside trader info that they are privy to, than helping the average American. Having a little extra food, water, toiletries, first aid, just makes sense.

[@mkl01_99]

I’d like to see you prepare some of your favorite meals on the road.

[@eugeneenslow8563]

We absolutely need to be putting aside for "a rainy day". Although it isn't practical for the nomad lifestyle, gardening and canning skills are essential for anyone with any yard space. Another crucial prepping item is water procurement, purification and storage gear.

[@lauracashatt993]

Bob, You have been so inspiring to me. I recently lost my job and I am making plans to move into a Nomad Lifestyle. I have been studying the RV/vanlife/ nomad living options for several years, and you have addresses a lot of vital concerns. In looking at ways to prepare for whatever might come, I found this couple who address practical issues focused on basic needs. They are entertaining and don't push radical ideas; they just present good ideas in an engaging way. Their site on KZbin is "Under the Median." If anyone wants to check them out. They aren't nomads, but their ideas definitely line up with the minimalism of life on the road. Keep up the good work of advocating, encouraging and educating people who need options!

[@TheJamesbarry]

You guys are great. Every nomad needs this info. Great ideas.

[@egilbe2003]

I had to laugh when I saw Brian's food. I called to my wife and said "He's a hiker!" Same food we carry hiking on the AT and Long Trail. It's kinda carried over to our nomadic travels, too. Basic, simple, high calorie to weight ratio food. Fresh food on town days. Eat the heavy food first. Mostly long shelf-life food that needs no refrigeration. Long distance hiking really prepared us to live with very few creature comforts. Living in a 7x14 CTC is a castle compared to spending 16 hours in a hurricane in a 2 person backpacking tent.

[@kathy1846]

Good ideas! seen this coming 3 yrs back. . bless you all and take care of yourself and others ❤️

[@kathleendittmer2447]

Absolutely essential advice with food costs soaring.

[@mariarobles6426]

After will not be food to purchase at any time 😭

[@kdc1153]

@@mariarobles6426 Which is why you should Also know how to grow a garden too🤗

[@kdc1153]

@@mariarobles6426 AND have heirloom or organic seeds on hand. If you buy the "regular" seeds at the store, they most likely will Not be useful for being able to Save the seeds from the food you grow, to plant a 2nd garden. So very important to have the non genetically messed with ones! There are Seed Exchange organizations online where you can get free/low-cost seeds as well as heirloom seed companies that sell reasonably priced, Really good and interesting varieties of veggies and fruit. From those first purchases, you can learn to save the seeds from what you grow (book/online 😊) and then you won't have to buy them again!

[@superdramaqueen21]

This is a great idea. I shop like Brian does, and make emergency survival kits for me and my family and insist that they keep them and emergency bedding and clothing in the trunks of their cars, just in case they have to head for the hills. Flash floods are becoming more prevalent in parts of the East Coast and you may not have time to run home before evacuating before a storm hits.

[@jamelcampbell4984]

I started getting some of all of it. I started putting extra groceries in boxes, also m buying some auguson farms foods each month. When covid hit, I was not prepared, I'm getting there now, also putting away a roll of TP each month or two. Small laundry and dish soap, extra bars of soap, toorhpaste, shampoo and conditioner. A little bit adds up over time. I love the Tuna and Salmon in the pouches, Walmart brand is $1 each max.

[@margarethutchens5463]

I've done this for a long time because 1) I don't like to shop, 2) I like to have something handy and easy if I don't have time to make it from scratch, 3) if the power goes out. There is one thing you forgot to mention. Rehydrate with potable water. Our water treatment plant flooded out a few years ago. We had no clean, safe water for over two weeks. The national guard trucked in water and portapotties went up all over town. Even now I will neither drink nor cook with tap water. I won't even let my pets have it. It's important to not only have a filtering system but a water sanitizing system. Boiling water will kill bacteria and some viruses. (think hepatitis B) Also plastic will leach into water over time just like aluminum leeches into canned goods over time. Rotation is important too.

[@sunnydaze229]

I keep bulk items that store well & put the experation date in big numbers on them. When the expiration date gets close I donate the goods to a food bank, and buy more.

[@Ocean-kayak]

I dehydrate my own food. It’s a great space saver and last a long time if done right. Plus I can make what I like.

[@sparkythims4362]

Thanks for addressing this pressing issue. 🙏🌸

[@RENEE2547]

As of 18 Sept 2022, Amazon is pricing the 30-day container at $254.73. Purchasing separate ingredients would be healthier and cheaper. Great ideas and presentation. I'll go for the smaller products, for greater variety. Thanks for all you do!

[@valleanerfranklin6428]

Great idea Bob have to try a few to see how much we like it. Thanks!

[@miamisammy4020]

This strategy is so helpful for emergencies due to natural disasters. We should all have a kit like this at home, in our vehicles, in a bug out bag and maybe even in a bunker stash somewhere.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I firmly believe that right now would be a very bad time for me to be on the road. I live like I am but I can grow a garden at my home. I’m a 100% disabled veteran. I grow and dry quite a bit. I powder much of my dried goods except beans and corn. New Mexico is on fire right now.

[@kdc1153]

I would be interested in knowing about how you powder/store the dried goods. Thank you!

[@Ekinnajay]

@@kdc1153 dry them in a dehydrator and then grind that up in a food processor or coffee grinder. I store mine in canning jars, air sucked out with a brake bleeder, with an oxygen absorber tossed in.

[@Dreamysunshine23]

I've been doing it slowly at home... I like both concepts

[@josephproxmire7601]

Good job Bob and Brian. Liking this series of videos, surprised I hadn't gotten to them until now. Good points/recommendations for long-term foods (dehydrated) and shelf stable. Definitely have both. Activities and dietary requirements will also dictate/change the type, calories and "stated" quantity (i.e. 30 days supply).

[@kdc1153]

I absolutely think this is a good idea. As you (and many, now and throughout the ages) have said, you don't know what the future will hold. Personally, I will be getting the cans, although not that brand, because #1. I want to have organic, vegetarian/vegan food and #2. I need to have freeze-dried food which you Don't HAVE to add water to, technically, you can just eat it right out of the package and it just kind of dissolves in your mouth with minimal chewing which #3. is important to me because I don't have teeth anymore!(As many people know, dentures don't really count when you are trying to eat....😢) Thanks again, Bob and Brian!

[@christychristy4563]

Thanks for all the information you share!

[@treedeblue]

Why can’t Bob Wells run for President, he has my vote!!

[@marcbee1234]

He probably wouldn't want that level of stress!

[@janchapman3746]

This world would be much better if he was president. At least the u.s.a. love that bob and cody. Thank you bob. You are super.super.super. fabulous. Thank you. A big fan han from texas. Love you all.

[@rioseven9123]

Because he is a smart man.

[@rickrivera2734]

Great topic guys! I think for me being a Sr alone, food storage is a great idea. I don't care for buying the buckets of food Bob showed as much as buying the packaged dry goods that should last maybe 5 years. I'm sure I'm not going to be here in 25 years to eat that food and hope I have at least 5 more years. I just think you absolutely need to have safe storage containers to keep your food safe from bugs and mice. Maybe buy the cheap harbor freight buckets to store bags of cereals and flour products. I do use air tight containers for rice and Grains which I eat and rotate stock.A good thing to know about storing dry goods in containers with lids is to put a small piece of bar soap and it works to keep bugs out. Something like scented dove or Irish spring. Just a small piece maybe size of a ping pong ball. You can air out the food when ready to eat it. Thanks again for this video.

[@Lore67]

Yes i. Think everyone should be prepared !!

[@maryolson411]

Before I went to Quartzsite I bought a bunch of Tasty Bites packets along with packets of salmon, chicken and tuna. I still have some left so for me it worked.

[@nc8524]

Thank you so much for this message! This is absolutely not crazy. Depression times and most of history, this was necessary and wise. Definitely throwing the p' tics out the window here. We're all different- always have been/will be - we aren't all just a bunch of boring 2D paper dolls! We're all here to lift each other up and muscle through this. 💪❤

[@jamessizemore1446]

You are the man, thanks, Bob.

[@forestanderson3267]

I use both of your ideas, I also use seal a meal vacuum system to keep my dry goods safe like salt sugar flour and so on

[@bque9444]

Keep reminding us to prep.

[@teapotrose2]

You are a sweetheart to look out for us, Bob. Thank you so much for your informative videos. Regarding the less than pleasing taste of these dehydrated foods, keeping powdered seasonings like garlic, chili powder, etc, can really help make these foods more palatable. Just experiment.

[@dalekundtz760]

Hi Bob. Thanks for the informative video on the dehydrated food. Having been a Boy Scout, I've been a user of dehydrated foods while hiking and camping. Most of the expenses are the initial outlay, but works better as time goes on where you can pick up smaller individual packets and store them in the larger containers. Most of the dehydrated food, as you pointed out, will last for a long time and if you follow the instructions taste pretty good. Go online and find from your camping stores or just Google for dehydrated foods and you will find the best buys for the money. I have used dehydrated food in my sticks and bricks also. Sometimes we can't get out to the store so dehydrated food keeps us from starving. Keep up the good videos Bob we do appreciate your help! Stay safe and healthy on the road.

[@skooliecarol8542]

Alĺ excellent...thnk you both...Bob....I,ve read your books,watched a kazilloon videos,,,,so I could live smart and happy,FT...in my short Skoolie...Three years now...and I ll soon be 74.Per your advice...I stop and work...last October,did Beet harvest in ND...made $5,000...this May,scored a 5 month long camp host job...in one of yoùr favorite places...Nat,l forest,8,000 ft up...in Colorado,near Durango.So,Free rent ,plus wages...so thnx for All your fabulous advice and teachings....YOU TOO BRIAN.AND,I met you 2020 in Scadden Wash meet table and last year at RTR...when you asked people to come up when you did the Bluetti Demo...THNX FOR ALL YOU DO

[@pamelalambe1356]

Every time I think you can't get better, you do! Food is savings and an investment. Bob , you rock.

[@msmargiek48]

We were big time preppers before we hit the road last year. It was hard to get rid of my prepper stock and to stop prepping. So on the road we do both. I squirrel away what I can in the space that I have. Remember the big bucket is 30 days for one person, two people it's only 15 days. We have several #10 cans of Sweet and Sour pork which is more meal like then just having a mix of something. BIG to remember, there serving size on the can is WAY smaller then what people normally eat. We get under half the serving size per can. We also buy extra pasta, sauce, rice and beans because I use a small instant pot that uses very little energy and you can cook the pasta in only 2 and1/2 cups of water. A bit of both is always better so you don't get food fatigue.

[@2SelfBTrue]

Awesome video and good advice, I am now carrying at least 30 to 60 days worth of food, and slowly picking up more as I go. Space is surly a factor in how much I carry. The shorter term life of food makes sense to me, who is going to live 50 years and be able to use it. But there is great advice from both of you about what to do for now and a longer time for keeping food available. My son has been a long time prepper ten or more year, he is set up well. But I probably wont be near him when this happens, or if it happens. I agree insurance, you can always use it and replenish it to keep up to date food on hand.

[@primrozie]

Great video. My pantry storage food has things like canned salmon, tuna, chicken. Really nice to have some quick meal ingredients. I make salads with them with the addition of celery and onion. Salmon spread on bagel is good! The boxed Red Beans and rice and Dirty Rice meals from Aldi. I add ground beef to the dirty rice and beef sausage to the red beans and rice. Hummus ingredients. Sometimes I'll have hummus and veggie dippers for lunch. Instant potatoes has a long shelf life. Add some instant barley or rice to even canned soup to make it more filling. Whether for convenience or emergency we can find many shelf stable foods to keep on hand.