Prepping Emergency Food

It could be argued that we are currently residing in a period of uncertainty, but it has always been the case throughout history. Even a century ago, families wouldn’t enter the winter season without ensuring they had enough food to last, whereas nowadays it is common for us to wake up without sufficient food to prepare dinner.

Thanks to the advanced planning of our ancestors, emergency food supplies have allowed numerous generations to prosper under unfavorable circumstances, and this is why we exist today.

EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY CONSIDERATIONS

When considering the best emergency food supply, it is important to take into account both your family’s requirements and the nature of the emergency. The emergency may be a brief one, such as a temporary power outage that disrupts cooking, or it could be a prolonged situation where you will lack provisions or services for several days or weeks.

• Calories – The first consideration for most people, will this emergency food provide enough calories to fuel your body?  The average person needs 2,000 calories when not active, but as much as 3,500 calories during times of stress and exertion.
• Nutrition – Beyond just straight calories, it’s important to consider both macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) as well as micro nutrients like vitamins.  You can live on hard tack and basic provisions, but you can’t thrive on it.
• Flavor – Is it something my family will eat?  There’s no sense in storing things you’re family just won’t (or can’t eat).  The flavor is incredibly important, and while you may say “I’d eat anything in an emergency,” you’re planning ahead so you don’t find yourself eating rats.
• Cook Time – Is the meal already prepared (just add water) or “heat and eat” like an MRE, or will you need a whole kitchen on hand (pots, pans, stove, etc) to get the meal on the table?
• Effort – Not just effort to cook, but effort in terms of meal planning in the midst of a crisis.  Pre-packaged ready-made meals are low effort, and cooking from a deep pantry of flour and beans is high effort.  Packing away pantry staples yourself also involves a lot of planning and effort, not to mention the cost of packaging.
• Cost – Generally higher effort homemade emergency food supplies (ie. stored beans and rice) cost the least.  You’ll need to pack them yourself, and they’re more work to prepare, but they’ll save you money initially.
• Packaging – If you’re just keeping a deep pantry and cycling your ingredients, then packaging can be anything that keeps insects and rodents out on a day-to-day basis.  If you’re putting away a long-term food supply to seal until you desperately need it, packaging becomes incredibly important to prevent spoilage.

FOOD CHECKLIST

The recommendations for the duration of food to stock in your emergency food kit range from 3 to 14 days. By opting for freeze-dried meals, such as those offered by Backpacker’s Pantry, you can ensure that you have a greater quantity of food available during emergencies due to their smaller and more condensed form.

CLEAN DRINKING WATER

The first thing to consider is including a sufficient amount of drinking water in every emergency kit. It is advisable to avoid using single-use plastic water bottles and instead opt for purchasing larger water jugs that are not only convenient to store but can also be stacked easily.

According to FEMA, it is recommended to store a two weeks supply of water in your emergency kit, which equates to 1 gallon of water per person per day (or 14 gallons per person). If storing the recommended amount is not possible, it is advised to store as much as you can and consider including a water treatment method with your emergency survival supplies.

JERKY AND OTHER DEHYDRATED MEATS

Jerky offers an excellent protein source and is available in various flavors, including conventional beef as well as more uncommon options like ostrich and lamb. To maintain its freshness, jerky should be stored in a sealed, airtight container. When appropriately stored, jerky can last for several years.

CANNED FRUITS, VEGGIES, AND LEGUMES

Although dry goods and prepared foods that are rich in salt, carbohydrates, and protein are commonly associated with emergency food supplies, it is equally important to include fruits and vegetables in your stockpile. While these perishable items may require careful storage, they should not be overlooked. Canned foods are frequently discounted at grocery stores, so it is worthwhile to keep an eye out for affordable prices on essential emergency items. Adding these items to your food supply will not only introduce more variety to your meals during an emergency but also ensure that your diet remains rich in vital vitamins and nutrients.

CANNED SOUPS AND STEWS

Although many canned soups and stews contain high levels of sodium, it is still worth including them in your survival kit. Seek out soups that are convenient to prepare and serve, like our Three Sisters Stew.

CANNED MEATS

You have other choices besides tuna when it comes to canned meats that have a long shelf life. Salmon, sardines, freeze-dried chicken, and various meats are also accessible. By using some imagination and adding a touch of seasoning, you can quickly prepare a delicious meal.

DRIED FRUIT

Dehydrated fruits, like jerky, have a long shelf life if properly sealed. You can make your own using a dehydrator or purchase them from a grocery store. If accessible, Trader Joe’s or similar stores offer a range of tasty pre-made fruit mixes. The availability of healthy snacks is valuable, particularly since many emergency survival foods prioritize longevity and calorie content.

CRACKERS

Crackers have a longer shelf life compared to bread, which makes them suitable for inclusion in an emergency food kit. By consuming crackers alongside canned meat, you can swiftly prepare a satisfying meal or snack. However, it is essential to regularly verify expiration dates, as the majority of crackers remain fresh for multiple months.

SHELF-STABLE BEVERAGES

Shelf-stable beverages remain unrefrigerated until opened. Options such as canned or boxed milk, almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, and juices are recommended. Electrolyte drinks, including Gatorade, can be beneficial as well. It is advisable to steer clear of sugary beverages like soda, as they may worsen dehydration.

GRANOLA AND PROTEIN BARS

When it comes to a convenient snack, protein bars or granola is hard to beat, such as our Granola with Bananas, Almonds & Milk. To have some extra energy while waiting for the power to come back on, it’s a good idea to keep a couple of your favorite bars or granola packages in your food kit. Adding powdered milk can also be beneficial, as it prevents you from only consuming dry cereal.