A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area
accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device
includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for
selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is
in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively
actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the
interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity
level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively
actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to
maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure
equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with
an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the
interior area with a pressure outside the housing.