Emergency Survival Food Supply Essentials

When preparing for emergency situations, having an adequate food supply is crucial, yet often overlooked.

This article explores the essential items to stock up on so you can be fully prepared with nutritious, long-lasting foods if disaster strikes.

You'll discover the best shelf-stable goods to have on hand, key tools and supplies to complement your stockpile, planning tips to optimize freshness and match quantities to your household, and more.

Introduction to Emergency Food Preparation

An emergency food supply is crucial to prepare for situations where access to food may be disrupted. Having shelf-stable foods and water stored can provide sustenance during natural disasters, grid failures, or other emergencies. This section covers why emergency food preparation is vital and provides an overview of essential items to include in your stockpile.

Defining Emergency Situations

There are a variety of situations where having an emergency food supply on hand can be critical:

Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, blizzards, or earthquakes can disrupt transportation routes and access to grocery stores
Power outages from grid failures, cyber attacks, solar flares, or other causes can leave you without refrigeration or the ability to cook
Economic collapse scenarios like hyperinflation, supply chain disruptions, or financial system crashes can lead to food shortages

In all these cases, having your own reserve of shelf-stable food and water is prudent preparation.

Setting Up An Emergency Pantry

When building an emergency food supply, focus on nutritious, non-perishable items with a long shelf life. Some best practices include:

Store foods in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to prolong freshness
Rotate stock using a "first in, first out" system to use items before they expire
Calculate recommended quantities per person (experts suggest 2,000 calories per day for at least 3 days)
Prioritize calorie-and nutrient-dense foods like beans, grains, nuts, dried fruits, powders
Include comfort foods like coffee, tea, honey, spices to provide normalcy

The key is balancing nutrition, calories, variety, and shelf life to create a sustainable emergency food supply tailored to your situation. Proper storage and rotation are also vital.

What is the best foods to store for doomsday?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to focus on shelf-stable items that provide nutrition and calories. Some good options to consider stocking up on include:

Canned goods: Fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, and seafood canned in water or juice can last 2-5 years unopened. Opt for low sodium versions when possible. Popular choices are canned tuna, salmon, chicken, chili, soups, beans, carrots, peas, corn, pineapple, peaches, etc.
Dried goods: Dried beans, lentils, pastas, rice, oats, and cereal can last up to 30 years if stored properly. These provide carbs and proteins. Consider adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots for additional nutrients.
Nut butters: Peanut, almond, and other nut butters are calorically dense and full of protein. The oils may separate after long storage but are still safe to eat. Powdered nut butters are also available.
Powdered milk: Reconstitutes into a beverage and can be used for cooking and baking. Shelf life of 2 years unopened.
Oils: Vegetable, olive, coconut, and seed oils provide beneficial fats. Opt for smaller bottles to limit air exposure and consider powdered varieties.

When building your stockpile, focus on nutritional balance across food groups and caloric density. Track expiration dates and use a "first in, first out" system to cycle through items. With the right storage conditions and choices, an extensive emergency food supply can safely sustain through extended crises.

What should I pack for emergency food supply?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have nutrient-dense, non-perishable foods that don't require refrigeration and have a long shelf life. Here are some essential items to include:

Peanut butter - High in protein, peanut butter is a tasty item that stores well. Opt for natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils.
Whole grain crackers - Pair crackers with peanut butter for a balanced snack. Look for whole grain options without trans fats.
Nuts and trail mixes - Loaded with protein, healthy fats and fiber. Stick to dry roasted nuts without added sugars or salt.
Breakfast cereals - Choose whole grain cereals and granolas that are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Granola and protein bars - On-the-go options to pack in bug-out bags. Prioritize bars with nuts, seeds and dried fruit over candy-like bars.
Dried fruits - Dried apricots, cranberries, raisins and other dried fruits offer a natural sweetness as well as fiber.
Canned fish - Including tuna, salmon and sardines which provide protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
Canned vegetables - Go for low-sodium versions of veggies like carrots, green beans and tomatoes.

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense, non-perishable items that don't require refrigeration. Prioritize whole food options like nuts, peanut butter and canned fish over highly processed snack items. Check expiration dates regularly and incorporate items into your regular diet, replenishing as needed.

What foods should you stockpile for an emergency?

Having the right foods stockpiled can make a huge difference in an emergency situation. Here are some of the most important items to have on hand:

Canned and Shelf-Stable Goods

Canned meats like tuna, chicken, salmon, and beef are packed with protein to help maintain energy levels. Choose meats packed in water rather than oil.
Canned beans and legumes provide fiber, protein, and nutrients. Kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are versatile options.
Canned vegetables and fruits offer vital vitamins and minerals. Go for lower sodium options when possible.
Canned soups and stews make for quick, filling meals. Look for reduced sodium varieties with meat for extra protein.
Cereals, grains, pasta, and crackers give you carbohydrates for energy. Choose whole grain options when possible.
Shelf-stable milk like powdered or evaporated milk allows you to still consume dairy.
Nuts and trail mixes pack fat, protein and nutrients into a small package.

Tips for Stocking an Emergency Food Supply

Store at least a 3-day supply to start, then build up to 2 weeks or more over time. The ready.gov site recommends a full month of supplies.
Rotate stock continuously, using and replacing items before they expire. Mark purchase dates clearly.
Store foods in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life.
Pack foods that require no refrigeration or cooking for convenience.
Include a manual can opener and eating utensils.
Bring along all necessary dietary items like sugar, oil, spices, coffee, etc. to make meals palatable.

Having the right emergency food supply on hand takes the stress out of any disaster scenario. Stock up on nutritious shelf-stable items, store them properly, and replenish them continuously so they’re ready when you need them.

What to stock up on if there is a war?

If a war or other disaster strikes, having emergency food and water on hand is crucial for survival. Here are some key items to stock up on:

Non-perishable Foods

Focus on shelf-stable foods that do not require refrigeration. Some good options include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, meats
Dried goods like pasta, rice, oats, cereal
Nut butters and nuts
High-protein bars and meal replacement shakes
Canned or powdered milk
Comfort foods like coffee, tea, chocolate

Choose items low in salt to avoid dehydration. Make sure to stock up on a manual can opener as well.

Water

Experts recommend having at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 7 days. Store water in food-safe containers and replace every 6 months. Consider storing water purification tablets or a filtration system as backup.

Other Essentials

Round out your stockpile with other key items:

Flashlights and batteries
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Personal hygiene items
Cash
Important documents

Rotate and replace food/water every 6-12 months. Keep items organized and easy to access in an emergency. Focus on nutrient-dense non-perishables, sufficient water, and items to meet basic needs in a disaster scenario.

Essential Food Types for Emergencies

Details on shelf-stable foods that provide calories, nutrition, and satiety during a crisis.

Canned and Jarred Foods

Canned and jarred foods are essential for an emergency food supply as they are shelf-stable and can last for years unopened. Focus on nutritious options like:

Canned beans - Black, kidney, chickpeas, etc. High in protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Canned vegetables - Carrots, green beans, corn, potatoes. Provide vitamins and minerals.
Canned fruits - Peaches, pears, pineapple, applesauce. Offer sweetness along with nutrients.
Canned meats - Tuna, salmon, chicken. Lean protein sources.
Jarred nut butters - Peanut, almond, sunflower seed. Excellent sources of protein and healthy fats.

When buying canned goods, choose low-sodium options whenever possible.

Dried and Dehydrated Foods

Dried foods are lightweight and have a very long shelf life. Stock up on:

Dried beans and lentils - Pinto, black, garbanzo, red, etc. Soak before cooking.
Pasta and rice - Whole grain options provide complex carbs.
Dried fruits - Raisins, cranberries, apricots. Choose unsweetened.
Nuts and seeds - Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds. Healthy fats and protein.
Beef and salmon jerky - Shelf-stable lean protein.

Rotate and replace dried goods before they expire to keep your supply fresh.

Nut Butters and Fats

In an emergency, more calories and fats may be needed for energy and nutrient absorption. Have on hand:

Nut butters - Peanut, almond, cashew. Look for all-natural options with no added sugar.
Nuts and trail mixes - Calories plus protein and healthy fats. Go for unsalted when possible.
Oils - Olive, coconut, avocado oil. Choose cold-pressed, unrefined varieties.
Ghee or butter - Provides fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids. Clarified butter has a longer shelf life.

When possible, refrigerate opened nut butters and oils to extend their shelf life. Rotate stock every 6-12 months.

Key Tools and Supplies

Equipment that enables safe storage and preparation of emergency food.

Water Storage Containers

Clean water access enables food utilization. Store in food-grade plastic or stainless steel containers.

Having ample water storage is critical for utilizing your emergency food supply. Food requires water to cook and prepare. Humans also need sufficient water for hydration and sanitation. Some key supplies include:

Food-grade plastic water barrels or stainless steel water containers. Make sure any containers used for water storage are specifically rated as food-grade and BPA-free. Look for containers that hold 2-5 gallons.
Water purification tablets or filters. Even if storing water, having backup purification methods ensures safety.
Sturdy water dispensers and spouts for easy access without spilling. Consider dispensers that connect directly to water barrels.

When setting up water storage:

Calculate 1 gallon per person per day for at least 72 hours. Scale up for longer durations.
Store containers in cool, shaded areas to prevent algae growth.
Replace water every six months to keep it fresh.

Having ample stored water will ensure you can fully utilize your food supply when needed.

Fuel and Light Sources

Without power, need alternate heat and light via propane, charcoal, candles, flashlights.

An emergency scenario may involve loss of power, so having backup sources for cooking, lighting, and heating is essential:

Small propane camping stoves and compact propane canisters provide portable cooking ability.
Charcoal grills can be used outdoors for cooking and boiling water. Stock extra charcoal.
Candles and oil lamps offer lighting without electricity. Have fireproof bases for safety.
Hand crank or battery powered flashlights and lanterns ensure hands-free lighting.
Solar powered battery packs can recharge small devices if longer durations.

Extra fuel sources enable cooking food without power access. Backup lighting improves safety and morale. Make sure to store all flammables safely away from food. Practice cooking meals on alternate fuel sources before an actual emergency.

Manual Can Openers and Cooking Equipment

Open cans without power. Cook over grills, camp stoves, or simply boil water.

To access and prepare your stored food without power requires some specialized gear:

Manual can openers allow opening canned goods without electricity. Have a couple on hand.
Mess kits, pots, pans, utensils fit for camping help prepare meals.
Insulated food carriers and coolers keep food safe if refrigeration is unavailable.
Paper plates, cups, towels minimize water needs for cleanup.

The ability to open cans, cook food, and have basic utensils enables safe utilization of your emergency food supply without power or water access. Make sure to test out all gear and become comfortable using it before an actual emergency scenario.

Specialized Emergency Foods

Prepackaged dishes or bars designed for convenient nutrition during disasters.

Freeze-Dried and MRE Packets

Self-contained meals requiring only water. More expensive but very convenient.

Freeze-dried meals and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are some of the most convenient emergency food options. They come in vacuum-sealed pouches or packets and require only water to prepare. While more expensive per serving than bulk ingredients, they save precious time and effort when cooking may be difficult.

Popular brands like Mountain House and Wise Foods offer freeze-dried dishes ranging from pastas to chili. Look for a variety of calories, proteins, and nutrients. MREs also provide complete hot meals but tend to be more expensive. The military-spec versions last 5+ years but civilian pouches are less durable over time. Consider both short-term emergency supply along with longer-duration stock.

Energy and Protein Bars

Portable bars that provide quick calories, protein, carbs for active situations.

Energy and protein bars are useful for conveniently packing nutrition when space and preparation time are limited. Look for options with a balance of carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle recovery, and healthy fats. Track overall calories as well - most bars provide 200-400 calories.

Seeking organic, low-sugar bars with nutrients from quality whole food sources is ideal. Homemade bars with oats, nuts, dried fruit, nut butters, etc. allow customization too. Having both homemade and commercially packaged bars provides flexibility.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Limited diet risks deficiencies, so have multivitamins and electrolyte mixes on hand.

During emergency scenarios, food variety and freshness may be restricted. Lacking proper nutrition can impair health and cognition. Packing multivitamins helps fill common gaps like Vitamins C, D, zinc, etc. Electrolyte mixes replenish minerals lost from sweat, stress, or illness.

Seeking slow-release or whole food-based supplements supports better absorption. Also consider oils like fish, krill, or algal to supply healthy omega fats. Rotate stock as expiration dates near to keep potency. Pair with baseline bloodwork to identify specific deficiency risks beforehand.

Key Planning Tips

Strategies for building an adequate and practical survival stockpile.

Take Inventory and Set Expiration Reminders

It is important to take stock of your current emergency food supplies and set reminders for when items expire or need to be rotated out. Here are some tips:

Make an inventory list of all your shelf-stable foods like canned goods, MREs, freeze-dried meals, etc. Note quantities, purchase dates, and expiration dates.
Set calendar reminders on your phone or computer to alert you when food items are nearing expiration. This allows you time to use up and replace soon-to-expire items.
Set additional reminders to use and rotate your stockpile. First in, first out. This ensures nothing expires before you get a chance to use it.
Update your inventory as you acquire new items or use up existing supplies. Keeping an accurate log avoids duplicate purchases or wasting money on items you already have plenty of.

Proper inventory management and expiration date tracking helps maximize your investment in an emergency survival food supply and prevents waste.

Store in Cool, Dry, Dark Locations

Storing your survival stockpile properly preserves shelf life and food safety:

Store food in cool, dry, dark places to prevent temperature fluctuations and exposure to sunlight that can accelerate spoilage. A basement, closet, or cupboard works well.
Have backup storage locations in case your main area is inaccessible due to a disaster blocking entry. This provides contingencies to access your supplies when needed most.
Ensure storage areas are vermin and insect proof. Seal foods in airtight plastic bins or metal cans to prevent pests getting into your supplies.

With the right storage conditions, most shelf-stable survival foods can last 5-10 years or longer unopened. Proper planning preserves your emergency survival food supply when you need it most.

Match Quantities to Household Size

When building your stockpile, tailor quantities to the number of people in your household:

Recommend having a 2-4 week supply of food minimum, accounting for 2,000-2,500 calories per person per day.
Include a variety of essentials like grains, legumes, oils, salty snacks, comfort foods, etc. Variety prevents menu fatigue.
For longer duration emergencies, plan for ~1,800 calories per person to stretch supplies. Supplement with fishing, hunting, gardening, etc.
Allow extra supplies for pets, infants, elderly, or those with special dietary needs.

Right-sizing your emergency survival food supply avoids waste while still meeting your household's unique nutritional requirements in an emergency.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Having a well-stocked emergency food supply is critical for disaster preparedness. The key categories to focus on are shelf-stable canned goods, whole grains, dried fruits and vegetables, nut butters, bottled water, and alternate cooking fuel sources.

Essential Categories to Stock Up On

Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, meats)
Whole grains (rice, pasta, oats, quinoa)
Dried fruits and vegetables
Nut butters
Bottled water
Alternate cooking fuels (camping stove, fuel canisters)

Prioritize non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf life. Aim for a diverse range of food types to support a balanced diet.

Rotate and Refresh Supplies

Check emergency food stockpile twice per year
Use oldest supplies in regular meals
Replace expired or damaged items

Following a rotation system will ensure food stays fresh and safe to eat. Mark purchase dates clearly and consume oldest supplies first.

Keeping emergency food reserves well-managed takes some effort, but gives invaluable peace of mind when disaster strikes.