xtry51
NES Member
On a budget? Every time you go to the grocery store, buy a few extra cans of something you like that's shelf stable. Really - every time. Put dates on the lid with a Sharpie indicating when the can was purchased so that you know what to eat first. A FIFO rotation will maximize your shelf life. Also put aside some water - you'll want some water up front (you decide on how long you want to set aside for) and a system to use for collecting and cleaning an external source of water when you run out. This is just as - if not more important than - food supplies.
When you get more involved, you can look at bulk purchases of processable or ready to eat foods, methods for storing and handling it, etc. But the best place to start is the simplest; extra canned goods.
This.
And actually take advantage of your local stores sales cycles. For example the BigY near me has a week each month where it sells meats buy one get two free. I only buy meat during this time and store it in the freezer. At some point a brand of pasta and pasta sauce are $1 per box/jar. Also look at things like generic chunk light tuna, which is usually $.70-.80 per can versus $2-2.50 for solid white.
Also actually use coupons or get a discount card if your store has one.
When you move to bulk long term storage join a Sam's club or BJs immediately.