Are Preppers Crazy or Just Misunderstood?

As a food manufacturer offering long term food storage products, we are often asked, “what type of person buys your products” and “are these people just a bunch of crazy, zombie-apocalyptic doomsday preppers?” or “What do they know that the rest of us don’t?”

In case you don’t know, preppers (although mostly an American term), are typically individuals who prepare for various types of emergencies by stockpiling supplies. They have long been a subject of intrigue and controversy. While some people view preppers as paranoid, others see them as cautious and forward-thinking.

In this blog, we'll explore whether there's any merit to this practice or if it's just an excessive obsession and if preppers are really crazy or simply just misunderstood.

The Stigma of Prepping

Prepping has garnered a reputation as a niche, extremist activity reserved for conspiracy theorists, Zombie apocalyptic and doomsday believers. Reality TV shows, like "Doomsday Preppers," have contributed to the stereotype of preppers as outlandish characters preparing for unlikely scenarios. While it's true that some preppers take things to the extreme, it's important to recognise that not all preppers are preparing for the apocalypse. Many are simply securing their families' well-being in case of emergencies such as natural disasters or economic downturns.

The Importance of Long-Term Food Security

Food security is defined as the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food. While most people in developed countries enjoy a relatively stable food supply, disruptions can and do happen. Natural disasters, pandemics, and political tensions can all impact our food supply chains, leading to shortages and price increases.

Vulnerable Supply Chains

Long-term food security is particularly vital in the context of political, civil unrest and rioting. Conflicts, social upheaval, and governmental instability can severely disrupt supply chains, limit access to resources, and strain the availability of essential goods. In regions experiencing turmoil, food shortages and price spikes often exacerbate existing tensions, further undermining stability.

The Scarcity Mindset

During times of crisis or uncertainty, people can experience heightened stress levels that can lead to various psychological changes. This heightened stress can trigger a "fight or flight" response, causing individuals to act more defensively and prioritizing their own well-being and survival above others. As a result, seemingly irrational behaviours, like fighting over toilet paper in supermarkets, may emerge. The scarcity mindset, fuelled by fear and anxiety, can cause people to engage in panic buying and stockpiling of essential items, even when supply is not critically threatened. Such actions are often driven by the need to regain a sense of control and security in an unpredictable situation.

The Benefits of Prepping for Food Security

There are several advantages to having a long-term food supply on hand:

• Reduced reliance on external systems: Stockpiling food reduces dependence on supermarkets and other external systems, which can be disrupted during emergencies. In times of crisis, having a food supply at home can help families weather the storm without panic or desperation.
• Financial security: Food prices can fluctuate, especially during times of crisis. Having a long-term food supply can save money in the long run, as it allows individuals to purchase items when prices are low and avoid price hikes during shortages.
• Health and nutrition: Maintaining a stockpile of nutritious, non-perishable foods ensures that individuals and families have access to a balanced diet, even during emergencies. This can contribute to better overall health and well-being.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you have a plan in place and provisions on hand can alleviate stress and anxiety during emergencies.

The Challenges of Prepping for Food Security 

While there are clear benefits to prepping for long-term food security, there are also challenges to consider:

• Storage space: Stockpiling a significant amount of food requires adequate storage space, which can be limited in small homes or apartments.
• Cost: Purchasing food in bulk can be expensive upfront, particularly for those on tight budgets.
• Rotation and expiration: Properly managing a long-term food supply requires careful monitoring of expiration dates and regular rotation of items to ensure freshness.

Overemphasis on Prepping:

Some individuals may become overly focused on prepping, potentially neglecting other important aspects of their lives or becoming socially isolated. The debate about whether preppers are simply paranoid or actually prudent is complex and nuanced. While some individuals may take prepping to an extreme, there's no denying that having long-term food security can provide valuable benefits in case of emergencies or survival situations.

Striking the Right Balance

As with most things in life, balance is key when it comes to prepping for food security. It's important to weigh the benefits against the potential downsides and adjust one's approach accordingly. Here are some tips to strike the right balance:

• Start small: You don't need to build a massive stockpile overnight. Begin by gradually adding extra non-perishable food items to your grocery list, focusing on staple items like freeze-dried meats, fruits and vegetables.
• Use a rotation system: To ensure your stockpile remains fresh and edible, implement a first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation system. This means using the oldest items in your stockpile first and replacing them with newer items as needed.
• Budget wisely: Rather than spending a large sum on bulk food purchases all at once, allocate a portion of your monthly grocery budget to prepping supplies. This will allow you to build your stockpile over time without breaking the bank.
• Diversify your food supply: Don't just stock up on canned goods and standard packaged foods. Consider adding shelf-stable alternatives like freeze-dried meals, as well as emergency food bars, to your stockpile.
• Educate yourself: Learn about emergency preparedness and food security, including the basics of food preservation, gardening, and cooking from scratch. This knowledge will not only help you become more self-sufficient but also allow you to make better decisions about the food you store.
• Don't neglect other aspects of preparedness: While food security is essential, it's also important to consider other aspects of emergency preparedness, such as water storage, first aid supplies, and communication tools.

Conclusion

Embracing a preparedness mindset appears to offer a valuable perspective when considering long-term food security. The adage "better safe than sorry" holds true in this context, as having a well-stocked food supply and ultimately not needing it causes little harm compared to facing a crisis without any provisions. By ensuring long-term food stock, everyone can gain a sense of control and peace of mind, knowing that they are equipped to handle unexpected situations. Preparing for potential emergencies not only reduces the risk of being caught off-guard but also minimises the strain on limited resources during a crisis.

Ultimately, the benefits of preparedness far outweigh the potential drawbacks of having unused supplies.