While storing food outside in the snow may work in a pinch, long term storage is not advised.
Placing food in the snow will not necessarily protect it. Frozen food can thaw when exposed to the sun’s rays even when the temperature is very cold. Food may become too warm and foodborne bacteria could grow. The outside temperature can vary hour by hour and the temperature outside will not protect refrigerated and frozen food. Additionally, perishable items could be exposed to unsanitary conditions or to animals. Animals may harbor bacteria or disease; never consume food that has come in contact with an animal.
Power outages and other disasters can happen any time of year. See Disasters and Power Outages at K-State Research and Extension Food Safety website.
