Virgil, that’s my take, too (and I quote in the column that very passage you wrote). As I wrote, I knew I would receive scorn from the cynics for even bringing up this subject, but I honestly struggle with this issue, partly because I’m poor and have little extra space (other than a garage that’s not air conditioned), and partly because I don’t see the Lord clearly telling us to hoard provisions.
In that case the first step, I suggest, would be to prepare your heart.
"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD." 2 Ch 12:14
You, me and others miss God's direction because we get busy and don't seek Him....I missed Him speaking to me and it cost me dearly but now I see He tried to tell me before. On the other hand I've missed serious injury, maybe worse, because I was listening at His prompt and responded.
Y'all should see that differently. Natural disasters happen, no matter where you are. It only makes sense to have food stored up, as any of our forefathers' generations would confirm. They didn't have the choice, because the supermarket wasn't just down the road.
As to being poor, and not having space, A garden and canning (and hunting, smoking) don't hardly cost anything, especially if you are in a rural area, where such things (and knowledge, and supplies) are commonplace. Or freeze-dried goods which cost around $250/30days/person - Which is some money, I'll admit, but not too bad if you go at it a little at a time.
Shoot, I'm poor as a church mouse - If it weren't for the garden and hunting and fishing, I would not be anywhere near as well as I am. And I AM well, at least till the electricity goes off. Even if I lose my freezers, I know I can get by for 30-60 days. And I have winter to contend with. REAL winter.
To have 3 months stored up is pretty easy to do.