Even if things are going right in your life, it is still a good idea to have upwards of six months worth of food stored away. Natural disasters, government-created chaos, and economic instability can create food shortages in the blink of an eye. I recommend that everyone invest in a secondary freezer (a deep-freeze, if you will) and that you designate an area in your dwelling to food storage. I live in an apartment so I understand that space can be tight, but in the long run its a smart idea to try and have a full pantry that is regularly rotated out.
Below is a ever-updating list of common foods that can be stored for months or even years.

Pasta:

When looking at different brands, Barilla was found to have a longer shelf life than the store bought brand, however the difference is almost negligible. I live in the Midwest so this brand, along with the HyVee brand, are two of the more common names you’ll see.

Canned Vegetables:

Clover Valley is the “store” brand that the local Dollar General carries. Most of their canned vegetables give you a two year shelf life.

Applesauce:

HyVee Brand only gives you a year long shelf life. Apples are something that you can can or mash up and preserve on your own.

Spaghetti Sauce:

Prego only has a year and a half shelf life which seems short, but if you think long term you will more than likely be canning tomatoes from your own garden by the time this is unable to be used.