Here is a simplified chart for determining your family's milk storage based on the USDA minimum daily recommendation:
| Family Member | Daily Recommendation | 1 Year Food Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Child age 1-8 | 2 cups equivalent | 730 cup equivalents or 46 gallons |
| Female age 9+ | 3 cups equivalent | 1095 cup equivalents or 68.5 gallons |
| Male age 9+ | 3 cups equivalent | 1095 cup equivalents or 68.5 gallons |
According to the gender and age of your family members add your family's total minimum one year supply of milk in cup equivalents or gallons.
What is a cup equivalent? In general, a cup equivalent is equal to 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1 1/2 oz. hard cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, parmesean), 1/3 cup shredded cheese, 2 oz. processed cheese (American), 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 cup pudding, 1 1/2 cups ice cream. Please note that a cup equivalent is not always equal to the serving size on a food package label. We often eat 2-3 cup equivalents in one serving.