Food Shortages Coming This Year:
What You Need to Know

Are there likely to be food shortages coming this year? The answer is yes—it’s possible and even likely in some areas. Between global conflict, unpredictable weather, and rising food costs, essentials like bread, canned goods, and corn may become harder to find or more expensive.

tractor in a field with farmers working the land

Now’s the time to plan ahead, protect your pantry, and take smart, simple steps to stay prepared.

Which Foods Are Most Likely to Be in Short Supply This Year?

If we’re hit with another crisis—whether economic, environmental, or geopolitical—the first to vanish from grocery shelves will likely be staples like bread, canned goods, and corn-based products. Sound familiar? It should. These were among the first items to disappear during the early days of the pandemic.

In the U.S., bread production has already slowed due to skyrocketing wheat prices. With global wheat exports disrupted by conflict (such as the war in Ukraine) and rising fuel and fertilizer costs, commercial bakeries are scaling back. That means higher prices and fewer loaves on the shelves.

Canned foods—from soups and veggies to beans and pasta sauce—are also at risk. Metal shortages and supply chain hiccups have created a bottleneck, and prices continue to climb. If you’re relying on these shelf-stable options, it’s time to stock up while they’re still available.

Corn, another pantry cornerstone, is being diverted into everything from biofuels to industrial uses, making it harder for food producers to secure supply. That affects not just cornmeal and frozen corn, but a whole range of corn-derived products like tortillas, cereals, and snack foods.

👉 If these trends continue, are you ready to face a future where basic foods aren’t just expensive—but simply unavailable?

Now is the time to think ahead, while shelves are still (mostly) full.

What Can We Learn From Past Food Crises?

Socialism: people wait for bread
Capitalism: bread waits for people

paraphrased from LibertyCliff on X

Socialism:
people wait for bread
Capitalism:
bread waits for people

paraphrased from
LibertyCliff on X

Why Are Canned Foods Still Facing Supply Issues?

Since COVID-19, prices for canned vegetables, soups, beans, and meats have risen sharply—and they haven’t fully come back down. While manufacturers have ramped up production, lingering supply chain delays, labor shortages, and material costs (especially for aluminum and steel) continue to affect availability and price.

Now, looking ahead to mid-2025, tariffs may also be contributing to those price hikes. Whether on imported metal, fuel, or goods tied to international trade agreements, tariffs can raise the overall cost of getting canned products to shelves. While I understand and respect the intent behind these trade policies—to support local industries—they can still impact our grocery bills.

So what’s the takeaway? Be proactive, not panicked. You don’t need to hoard, but it’s wise to grab a few extra cans each time you shop—especially your family’s favorites. Building up your shelf-stable stockpile now could save you money and stress later, especially if shortages return.

A couple planting seeds in their garden

Should You Save Corn and Grow It Yourself?

Corn might not seem like a luxury item—until you can’t find it on the shelf. In recent years, corn supplies have tightened due to increased demand across multiple industries. It’s not just for the dinner table anymore: corn is used in fuel (ethanol), packaging, pet food, and even medical supplies. As a result, what used to be affordable and abundant is now at risk of becoming expensive and scarce.

If you're struggling to find cornmeal, canned corn, or even tortilla chips at a decent price, you're not alone. Farmers are under pressure, too, facing higher costs for seed, fertilizer, and fuel—which all trickle down to consumers.

So, what can you do? If you’ve got a garden patch or even a few raised beds, consider growing your own corn. Save the healthiest cobs and use them as seed next season. It’s not only empowering—it’s a way to hedge against future price spikes and supply gaps.

Even if you don’t grow your own, now’s a great time to stock up on corn products while prices are still reasonable. Corn is one of those foods that shows up in countless forms—so keeping it in your pantry means more than just corn on the cob.

produce on a wooden table outdoors

Why You Should Buy BOGO and “Ugly” Produce

Ripe pear with a bandage on it

Get out of the car and scour the roadside produce stands. On the weekends? Visit the farmers' markets. There's a great one down in Fort Pierce, Florida. Live music, good food, and lots of fun!

Don't miss out and skip buying bruised or misshapen fruits and vegetables. They all taste the same, whatever size or shape they are!

I'm really pleased that there are many organizations that deliver slightly imperfect foods directly to our doors.

Where to Order Imperfect Produce Online

Scarecrow in a corn field at dusk

Are You Really Prepared for a Food Emergency?

There's nothing quite like the feeling of security when you know your family will be fed in times of natural disasters. Be prepared for possible food shortages coming our way...


9 meals away from going hungry

DID YOU KNOW that the average person's pantry has only
enough food stored to get them through THREE days?

What can you personally do about it?
Get busy dehydrating food!

DID YOU KNOW that the
average person's pantry has only
enough food stored to get them
through THREE days?

What can you personally
do about it?
Get busy dehydrating food!

Learn How to Dehydrate and Store Food the Right Way

Get our free eBook and learn the quick Six Simple Steps on how to safely dehydrate fresh fruits 'n' veggies (and cooked meats). Not only that, you need to know how to safely store your fruit and vegetables too!

It's easy to be prepared for food shortages coming this year (or any year!) if you know how. We make checklists before going on vacation, heck, and grocery store lists, so why shouldn't we have an emergency food list?

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Dry goods (salt, sugar, flour)
  • Canned goods

America is TOUGH—and we CAN and WILL get through anything, but help yourself first so you're able to HELP others in a time of need.

WE CAN DO IT, America!

We need to be prepared for possible food shortages coming this year - or any year.

What Can You Make With Dehydrated Food?

eBook

20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes Containing Dehydrated Food eBook shown on a cellphone
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Paperback

20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes Containing Dehydrated Food Paperback
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Hey, when you've learned how to dehydrate your garden's goodies, put your dehydrated food ingredients to the test in our easy recipes.

Be prepared to be blown away by how good these dishes taste, and how easy they are to make.

Also included in the 20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes eBook (and Paperback) are the fresh ingredient amounts to use instead of the dehydrated food amounts listed in the recipes - when you have fresh food on-hand.

Why Growing Your Own Food Is a Smart Backup Plan

Have you ever considered growing your own fruits and veggies? I did. I started a compost bin and all. What happened? We moved house! Grrrr. If you're lucky enough to live on acreage—be it an acre or ten acres—then why not grow veggies? Plant a few fruit trees too while you're at it!

While I'm on the subject, you'll probably need a greenhouse to get your seedlings started in colder climes. Check out this super greenhouse made from recycled items! Love. It.

Suggestion: Check out Mother Earth News™️—they are a substantial source of gardening inspiration!

Thanks for taking the time to read about possible food shortages coming this year. Don't be caught without bread (and butter).

Get our Six Simple Steps TODAY.

FAQs About Food Shortages Coming This Year

What causes food shortages in the U.S.?

Common causes include extreme weather, wars (like Ukraine or Israel), supply chain breakdowns, labor shortages, and inflation. These disrupt production and distribution of essential foods.

Will bread and canned goods be affected?

Yes. Rising wheat prices and manufacturing delays can reduce bread and canned food availability. It's smart to stock up when you can.

How can I prepare for food shortages at home?

Start by dehydrating fruits, veggies, and meats when they’re in season. Stock up on dry goods, canned foods, and cook with shelf-stable ingredients.

Is it worth buying bruised or imperfect produce?

Absolutely! Imperfect produce is just as nutritious and often more affordable. Use it fresh, or dehydrate for later.

What’s the best way to store food long-term?

Use vacuum-sealed bags, mylar pouches with oxygen absorbers, or glass jars with desiccants. Keep in a cool, dark pantry.

Thanks for taking the time to read about food shortages coming this year. You don’t need to panic—but you do need a plan. Start small by dehydrating in-season produce, stocking up on BOGOs, and learning how to cook with shelf-stable ingredients.

Download my free “Six Simple Steps” eBook and take control of your food security today—because being prepared feels a whole lot better than being caught off guard.

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