Preparing for emergencies doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. In fact, the best way to begin is by taking small, manageable steps. Your goal is a 3-month food supply, but the first step? Just a little extra at a time.

Step 1: Start With What You Already Eat

Begin by stocking up on foods your household already consumes regularly. This includes pantry staples, easy meals, comfort foods, and anything you’re used to buying during your routine grocery runs. There’s no need to overhaul your diet or purchase unfamiliar survival foods just yet.

Pro Tip: If your family eats pasta and peanut butter every week, stock up on pasta and peanut butter—not freeze-dried meals no one’s ever tried.

Step 2: Add a Little Extra Each Shopping Trip

Rather than buying everything all at once (which can be expensive and stressful), simply buy one or two extra items every time you shop. Perhaps a couple of soup cans, an additional jar of pasta sauce, or an additional bag of rice. These minor improvements add up to a strong foundation over time.

Begin by stockpiling enough food for a week. Once you hit that milestone, keep going and stretch it to two weeks, then a month, and eventually up to three months.

Step 3: Rotate Your Supply Regularly

To avoid waste and spoilage, make sure you rotate your stock. Use the “first in, first out” method—older items get used first, and new items are placed in the back. This ensures that your food stays fresh and nothing goes to waste.

Keep it fresh, keep it moving. Regularly check expiration dates and adjust your supply based on what you eat most.

Step 4: Track What Your Family Actually Eats

We tend to eat the same meals week to week. That’s a good thing—it makes planning easier! For the next two weeks, keep a simple log of all meals and snacks your household consumes. This will give you a clear picture of your real food needs.

Use the chart below to track meals over 14 days: