HOLLY NOTE: In recent days, numerous stories detail crop and livestock damage. Drought, floods, hail and freezes have bitten our foods, but whatever the cause, the result is the same — destroyed or damaged food supplies. These ultimately lead to higher store prices, shortages and in more extreme circumstances, rationing.

California and Texas – America's main food growing states – have experienced severe, ongoing drought. California is suffering through a 4th straight year of horrendous water shortages, which has impacted every single crop it produces. See California's Vital Role in Food Production for an eye-opener of what this states brings to your table.

Parts of Texas are experiencing the worst drought ever and fears are surfacing that it may be here to stay. Extreme drought is impacting everything that Texas produces. Marketing economist Dr. Mark Welch expects drought to cut Texas' corn crops by 45%, sorghum by 69%, and wheat 62%. Cotton fields are so dry they're being abandoned. These aren't the only foods in trouble. Vegetables, horticulture plants, peaches and their world famous pecans have also taken severe hits. April freezes wiped out some Texas grapes leaving wineries in tough shape.

Drought in Wisconsin has pushed farmers to the edge and where it hasn't destroyed crops and livestock outright, crops are at least 3 months behind. In Iowa, hail losses try farmers' hearts.

To the north, the story is the same. Some Canadian farmers expect to harvest only 20-25% of their usual yield.

And don't forget livestock... At least 40% of Texas’ cow herds live in exceptional or extreme drought areas. Little or no hay has been baled this year and cattle are suffering. Farmers have been forced to sell underweight animals because there's no grass in the fields. In July it was deemed "critical" that Texas receive serious rain to maintain their animals. Now a month later, still no rain. This massive moisture blow has also affected goat, sheep and horse herds as well as honey production.

Wyoming's herds have thinned by 300,000 head. The culprit? A decade-long drought.

Canada too, feels the harsh impact with farmers struggling through the worst drought in 50 years and forced to sell their herds. Ditto in Argentina except their animals are dying before they get to market. Cuba and Guatemala are also experiencing food worries.

The UK Telegraph writes that El Niño Threatens Food Shortages. Longer-term consequences are detailed in Global Starvation Imminent as US Faces Crop Failure. While we are not at this point now, grouped together, current news stories paint an unsettling picture.

We are a global community depending on other countries' imports and exports. The US has many long-standing contracts promising to deliver millions of tons of grains and meats to other countries. Pakistan, India, Africa and China – all very large countries/continents – have trouble growing enough food in normal times. Due to drought, they are in terrible shape. These are countries that regularly buys US foodstuff. What happens when are own supplies are in jeopardy?

If mainstream news has one big fault, it is in leaving a mass of unconnected dots. We read a story here, miss a headline there, skip news for a day or two and we're out of the loop. We fail to grasp the big picture. Conversely, news providers get caught up in an attention-grabbing story and proceed to beat it to death for days; e.g. Michael Jackson, John Edwards' love affair, Madonna's bulging biceps (does she or doesn't she use steroids?...)

Unfortunately there's nothing sexy about drought or floods so it often takes back seat to these juicier stories. However, whether Michael Jackson was bald at the end of his life or not, in the long run, will have little to do with your personal well-being and survival.

In light of these stories, take serious stock of your food storage inventories. With possible sugar shortages hovering around the corner, make bulk purchases. Sam's Club still has 25 pound bags for $13.75.

With cattle being sold off early, expect beef prices to plummet before the big hike when farmers have to replenish their herds. Instead of a Christmas present that may soon be forgotten – the big day is just 4 months off – think about buying a freezer and stocking it with bison and beef. This will keep your family well-fed long after a gift is tucked away.

Look at your grains. Have your thought about how many foods contain wheat, corn and rice? One or more are in nearly every packaged food from candy and soft drinks to cereals, baked goods and snacks, packaged dinners, deli meats to pet foods and animal feed.

Read this article as a heads-up to purchase what you need now for the months ahead and pack safely for long-term storage. Packed properly, these foods will keep you well-fed years down the road and "your grocery store" will be no further away than your pantry. You'll remember your cleverness of foresight should H1N1 quarantines become a reality.