emergency supply food
Introduction
Emergency supply food is a must in emergency cases. When disaster hits and fresh food is scarce, these supplies keep you and your family fed until help comes. By stocking up, you ensure enough food to survive the emergency and stay healthy afterwards.
Knowing what kind of food to store is just as important.
In general, these should be non-perishable and long-lasting. Comfort foods that are easy to cook and enjoyable to eat can also bring relief during tough times. Common pantry items like canned goods, dry goods, energy bars and frozen foods are great for an emergency kit.
Canned fruits, veggies, meat and fish, plus items like instant rice or dry pasta, make complete meals. Combining different products gives you a range of nutritious options, that last without spoiling.
Types of Emergency Food
Emergencies can be tricky. Having a secure food source is super important. Let's talk about the types of emergency food we can get.
- Freeze-dried
- Canned
- MREs
Knowing the different types helps us make a great food storage plan.
Non-Perishable Foods
Non-perishable food items like canned goods, sealed packages, and dried foods are key for any emergency stock. They are important for survival since they can stay good for years. To ensure you have different types of nutrition, here are some to consider:
- Canned goods like fruits, veggies, soups, stews, and meats. Most last two years before expiring.
- Dried foods such as beans, rice, pasta, nuts, and seeds are great for protein and carbs. They are also light and simple to store.
- Powdered milk provides calcium and Vitamin D and lasts up to twenty years unopened or five years opened.
- Cereal, granola, and granola bars offer quick energy during an emergency. They are often forgotten, so remember them!
- Jerky and dehydrated meats are great for protein and space-saving. Perfect for hikes and camping!
Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Foods
Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods are two types of emergency food. Store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for longer shelf-life. Freeze-dried food is frozen very quickly, then put in a vacuum chamber which vaporizes water molecules. Dehydrated food is heated for long to remove most water without damaging the cells, making it great for storing perishable items like fruits, veggies and meats.
Both require processing which can add salt, sugar and preservatives. Read the labels before consuming.
Freeze-Dried Foods: They have no moisture, so are lightweight and have a long shelf life (up to 25 yrs). Rehydrate quickly with hot or ambient temp water for soups/stews. Common items:
- fruits (strawberries, blueberries, apples);
- veggies (broccoli, corn, potatoes);
- meats (beef, pork, poultry);
- eggs;
- nuts;
- cheese;
- grains (wheat berries);
- legumes (black beans, chickpeas, lentils);
- sauces;
- seasonings;
- spices;
- dairy (milk powder, powdered buttermilk);
- coffee grounds;
- baking mixes;
- butter powder;
- pet food.
Dehydrated Foods: Nearly all moisture is removed, preserving nutrients. Shorter shelf life (up to 5 yrs) and weigh more due to retained moisture. Popular items:
- potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, chicken broth, beans, flours, spices, dairy (instant nonfat dry milk, butter powder, lemonades, teas, coffees), soups, chili’s, gravy mixes, yogurt, muffin mixes, snack crackers, cereal bars, granola clusters, macaroni, pasta, chips, marshmallows, cookies, brownies, strawberries, banana slices, applesauce, fruit pouches, bay leafs, parsley, oregano, basil, chives, thyme, dill, rosemary.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great addition to any emergency food list! They can stay fresh for years and contain essential nutrients. But, they should not be the only source of nutrition in times of crisis.
Here are some canned items you can include in your kit:
- Fruits and veggies
- Canned meats
- Beans
- Soups
- Rice
- Pasta
- Protein bars
- Energy snacks
You can also buy “ready-to-eat” meals that don't need much water to prepare. Adding canned food to an emergency kit is a great way to stay nourished and reduce worry.
Benefits of Emergency Food
Emergency food can save you in an emergency! Natural disasters, power outages, or other tough times can be made more bearable with an emergency food supply. You'll get the nutrition and energy you need to stay healthy, even when regular food sources are hard to come by. Plus, having emergency food gives you peace of mind.
Let's explore the benefits of having emergency food at the ready:
Long Shelf Life
Emergency food storage can be a lifesaver in an unexpected crisis. Most emergency food supplies last up to 25 years. Canned goods, dry mixes, and dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and meats are ideal for an emergency pantry. Companies also offer snack bars and drinks with a shelf life of 5 years.
Having ready-made meals can be helpful if stores are closed. This way, you won't have to worry about getting nutrition for yourself and family. Having enough essential items on hand can reduce stress in uncertain times.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Busy families need quick and easy meals. Emergency food pouches and buckets are perfect for them. They contain pre-cooked, freeze dried meals. Just add hot water, mix and you have a meal ready! No preservatives or artificial ingredients. Natural delicious flavor for lunches, dinners or snacking on the go.
- Breakfast items like maple granola bars and instant oatmeal can be eaten dry or rehydrated with water.
- Soups with heat-and-eat convenience provide vitamin packed flavors.
- Main dishes like macaroni & cheese, beef stroganoff or lasagna with beef and cheese are tasty ways to nourish your body during disasters or unforeseen circumstances.
Nutritious and Delicious
Emergency food supplies can give your family delicious, nutritious meals during an emergency. They usually don't need cooking or extra preparation and don't need a gas stove, grill or campfire. Kits offer balanced whole grains, proteins and fats for energy and nutrition. Freeze-dried meals are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and pre-portioned to avoid waste.
Freeze-dried fruits and veggies keep their vitamins and taste like fresh produce. Protein sources like nuts, seeds, peanut butter, canned meats, and eggs give essential amino acids. Canned soups and pasta have a range of flavours to please everyone.
You can make quality meals even when appliances like electric stoves or microwaves aren't available. With emergency food supplies, you can be sure your family has access to nutritious foods that still taste great!
Where to Buy Emergency Food
Emergency food is essential in any situation. Buy it online or in brick-and-mortar stores. Prepping? You need to know where to buy it! Here's the deal:
Where to find emergency food? What are the best options? This article has all the info!
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are great for emergency food supplies. You can find ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, cereal, and dried fruits. Some stores even have freeze-dried dinners, granola bars, and powdered milk. Check the expiration date! Many stores have a section for food near or past its expiry, and discounted prices.
Look for any special storage conditions. Ex: refrigeration after opening. You’ll also need enough water and containers for perishables. Buy extra each time you shop and rotate supplies. Lastly, don’t stack cans too high off the ground or near a heat source (e.g. radiators or furnaces) – it can cause bulging.
Online Retailers
In a natural disaster, civil unrest, or other emergency, it's important to have food and water ready. It's best to make your own preparedness kit, but you may need to buy supplies online. There are many online retailers that sell pre-made emergency food kits.
When shopping, look for meals that don't need much preparation and don't need a freezer. They should last two to five years, depending on storage and the brand. eFoodsDirect, My Patriot Supply, and other companies offer long-lasting noodles, soups, pasta dishes, and baking mixes.
Prepared Pantry and Ready Reserve Foods offer gourmet selections with freeze-dried entrees. They have restaurant quality ingredients and taste good.
For a broad selection and resources on nutrition, safety, and more, try Mountain House Outdoor Store or Emergency Essentials. They have bake-in-bag items that need water, wheat berries, pinto beans, rice, oats, barley, and ready-to-eat dishes like breakfast bowls. They also have kits designed for camping trips and power outages.
Specialty Stores
For those in need of emergency food, specialty stores are a great choice! These stores have quality products that last longer than most food types. Examples include dehydrated meals, freeze-dried fruits, canned meats and other canned food items. Popular brands are Wise Company, Mountain House and Augason Farms.
It's important to note that these items cost more than other sources. You'll also need a place to store them. Air-tight, waterproof buckets are great for long-term storage without refrigeration.
Conclusion
For a successful emergency food supply, cover all essentials. Quality matters – focus on long-lasting, non-perishable items for good nutrition. Store your food in a dry, bug-free place. Seal openings tightly. No reusing plastic buckets – contamination is hazardous.
Have a plan to rotate supplies regularly – freshness is key. Invest in quality today – this will ensure you have enough nutritious meals for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of emergency food supplies should I have on hand?
It's important to have a mix of non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare and provide essential nutrients. This can include canned fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods like canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, crackers, and granola bars. Also, make sure to have a supply of clean water and a manual can opener.
2. How much emergency food should I store?
The rule of thumb is to have at least three days' worth of non-perishable food and water for each member of your household. However, it's a good idea to aim for a week's worth if possible.
3. How should I store my emergency food?
Store your emergency food in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or temperature extremes. Make sure to rotate your stock regularly to ensure that the food stays fresh.
4. What should I do if my emergency food supply runs out?
If your emergency food supply runs out, first and foremost, seek assistance from local emergency services, shelters, or community organizations. Additionally, consider rationing your remaining food or using alternatives like hunting or foraging (if safe and legal).
5. Are there any foods I should avoid stocking in my emergency supply?
Avoid foods that require refrigeration, as well as foods that may spoil quickly or require a lot of preparation time. Also, be mindful of any food allergies or dietary restrictions that you or your family members may have.
6. How long can emergency food supplies last?
The shelf life of non-perishable foods varies, but generally, canned goods can last for up to five years, while other packaged goods like granola bars may have a shelf life of a year or less. Be sure to check expiration dates regularly and rotate your stock to ensure freshness.
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