Hoarding versus Stocking Up

I thinking it is important to stock up on food and supplies; and I say "stock up" because there is a big difference between it and hoarding or prepping. Hoarding is typically done when there is an emergency and there is fear of store shelves being empty. Prepping is like stocking up but much more intense. 

Preppers I dare say have picked up a reputation as being some sort of extremists but this is not so. Most of our grandmothers and grandfathers that canned food and grew gardens were "preppers". 

The government also suggests you make plans including stocking up on food (and other supplies) for emergencies including natural disasters. Food supplies are also helpful in a sudden job loss; something a lot of people have experienced recently. 
Here is a link to the government food preparedness page: https://www.ready.gov/food

The time to stock up on food is before disaster hits. You can do it a little at a time so that you are not emptying shelves or emptying your wallet. There should never be any need to panic buy unless you waited too late and you find yourself grabbing for the last of whatever food and supplies are available. 

Although Ready.gov suggests storing an extra three day supply, I think that its really kind of a personal thing; something we each have to decide on our own. If you lose your job and THAT ends up being the emergency, chances are you will need more than an extra three day's supply of food. For some it will be a month's extra, others will want six months extra. It's up to you. The key is to get started and get started as soon as possible. 

Some things to keep in mind:

1. Think outside of the box on where to store your food. It doesn't have to be in the kitchen but it does have to be the proper temperature. It can be an extra closet or under an end table with a table cloth over it. 
2. Buy what you normally eat. Canned goods are easy to store. If you start storing lots of flour and dry products you will need to look into repackaging them with dessicants. 
3. Mark the Month/Year on your food. Rotate food so nothing gets old on you. Replenish what you use.