I’ve written about this before, but for the benefit of all the new visitors to this site I would like to expand on the subject. Jeannie and I have been involved in the food storage business for over 20 years now, and we have experienced an interesting phenomenon that repeats every four years without fail. I call it the Election Year Effect.

Every time there is a presidential election in the USA, a number of things predictably occur. I don’t undertstand all the reasons, but the pattern is unmistakable:

1. There is a threat of economic recession (or a real recession).
2. There is a threat to the food supply (sometimes serious, sometimes just overhyped).
3. There is widespread speculation about awful things that will happen if the wrong person is elected.
4. Fuel prices go up (generally without a satisfactory explanation).
5. In a panic, people begin buying up bulk foods and emergency supplies.
6. Due to high demand and low supply, food prices skyrocket.
7. Dozens of new food co-ops and food storage businesses spring up.
8. Food producers and wholesalers, unable to keep up with the demand, get far behind on filling orders.
9. People become frustrated as they are unable to get products. Most of the new food businesses fail.
10. The election occurs and things gradually settle back to normal.

We are now in the middle of this cycle again. Most food suppliers are currently 6 to 10 weeks behind in shipping out orders, and that will undoubtedly increase. People are buying in panic and becoming frustrated with the delays. Many food and emergency items are in short supply or completely unavailable.

Now a few words of advice: First, recognize that this is a cycle. If you have not yet obtained a supply of emergency provisions for your family, you should definitely get busy and do so. But do not act in panic. There are still bargains to be found, and prices will most likely begin to come down after the election. There are many things you can do at little or no expense, such as creating a family emergency plan and putting together a 72-hour emergency kit. Check any supplies you do have, and determine what needs to be used up or replaced. Set some money aside for food storage, and spend it wisely as good deals become available.

I am certainly not advising anyone to forget or procrastinate preparedness. Things are getting worse in the world and will undoubtedly continue to do so. It is definitely time to act. But there is no need for panic. Do not go into debt for the sake of preparedness. Do what you can, do it regularly and consistently, and you will be surprised how quickly your supply builds up. As in all things, wisdom and moderation are the sure keys to success.

In a way the election year phenomenon is a good thing because it helps procrastinators get moving on their preparedness efforts. To the wise it should serve as a reminder that preparedness is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.