Storing away food for years is foolhardy.
Not storing away food for years is foolhardy.
The trick is to rotate your stock, use the oldest first and replace it as it is being used.
Every can I buy I write the date I bought it on the can or whatever it is with a sharpie.
I don't pay attention to the "Best By" date as some are hard to read and some cryptic.
I don't buy SHTF ration kits that everyone and their dogs are pushing.
I feel a well-stocked pantry with fresh food is a better, at least a more economical option.
I supposed a bag of freeze-dried packets may be a good option if you are going to light out for the woods, but as dverna pointed out, that may not be a wise decision.