I can't tell you what items to keep in your own home for emergency storage. This is to be determined by your own family likes, nutritional needs, storage options and, of course, budget. You should be able to determine how much you use in a month and then just start multiplying.
My suggestion is that you look into your pantry today and make a list of the items that you have. Make a note of which items you use often, which items you use occasionally, and which items you keep on hand for special times or for "comfort food". In my own home we use a lot of pasta, whole grains and natural oils, so we stocked up on non-conventional grain items such as millet and barley, but we also enjoy hot cereal made with hard, red wheat that we slightly grind and then steam.
One of the problems that I've heard die-hard food storers complain of is palate fatigue. They tire and bore of eating the same food over and over again. Even adults complain of eating rice if they eat it every day for a week, so if you have kids you need to factor in the need for variety in order to get them to eat. Don't forget about the value of candy, cookies, cakes, etc., and you don't have to go without these things if you plan and you learn how to prepare them in a different way. I've baked cakes over an open fire in a dutch oven that have been devoured eagerly by kids. For the most part, it's about having the right tools, practicing their use, and learning to adapt.
I have purchased many dehydrated and freeze dried items from a company called Emergency Essentials. I opened two cans of their product to try them and they are really quite good, so I ordered a few more items: Powdered Whole Eggs, Powdered Butter, Powdered Shortening, Freeze Dried Shredded Cheddar, among other things. I really appreciate these items since some perishable items will not be available.
If you've ever been in an extended power outage (2 or 3 weeks at a time) you've had some experience with cooking like a caveman, but you knew the lights were coming back on and the stores would be open again soon. WTSHTF we won't know when the stores will have food, and really, do we want to be out there fighting over a loaf of bread?
My food storage needs assume that you'll be hunting for meat and that you'll use your stored foods to supplement your nutritional needs. You don't hunt? Learn. You can't field dress, gut, and skin an animal? Figure it out. Once you've done it a few times you won't even notice the urge to vomit and you'll enjoy the meal you prepare. I also assume that you'll be gardening or foraging. Get a field guild for your area and learn which plants you can and cannot eat. Tiger lillies grow wild near my home and their stems and flowers are edible. The lower half of cattails are also quite rich in vitamin C and potassium and can be sliced and eaten raw. I am not Bear Grylls, so I won't be eating any grubs, nor am I Ozzie Osbourne, so biting the heads off of bats if out of the question.
I suggest that every home have a decent grill that can be used outdoors. If you have a fireplace get a grill apparatus to place inside. Pick up at least one large cast iron skillet and a large cast iron dutch oven (it needs the flat top for baking). Make sure that you have plenty of long handled, firesafe utensils and some very long oven mitts.
Do you have pets? Don't forget about storing food and supplies for them, but remember to store their food separately from your family food. Box and labels these items very clearly.
Buy enough items that you can use as barter goods. Don't smoke? Buy some cigarettes anyway and have them on hand to trade for food or fuel. Don't drink? Keep a few bottles on hand.
Don't neglect the power of condiments. Mustard is a great burn ointment. Vinegar can be used for antiseptic purposes, cleaning and preserving. Olive oil can be made into a lamp. Honey is a universally accepted antibacterial preparation. And don't forget to make sure that you have plenty of salt on hand - and I do mean PLENTY. Salt is crucial to maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance.
I will include a list of several links for your reference, but I want you to start with one that is easy to understand: www.thesurvivalmom.com.
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