What food should you stock up on in case of emergency?

The American Red Cross responds to over 65,000 disasters each year. This makes knowing what food should you stock up on in case of emergency a critical step to securing your family's health and safety during unforeseen events.

Quick Summary

A well-stocked emergency pantry includes non-perishable staples like canned goods, grains, and nutrient-dense items. Plan for a minimum 3-day supply, focusing on foods requiring little to no cooking or refrigeration, especially for power outages.

Key Points

• Start with Water: Secure a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.

• Prioritize Non-Perishables: Focus on long-shelf-life items like canned goods, dried beans, and grains that don't require refrigeration.

• Plan for Power Loss: Include ready-to-eat foods like crackers, nuts, and canned meats for situations without electricity.

• Don't Forget Nutrition: Stockpile protein sources and healthy snacks like peanut butter, dried fruits, and energy bars to maintain health.

• Rotate Your Stock: Check expiration dates regularly and use older items before they expire to prevent waste.

• Account for Special Needs: Ensure supplies for infants, pets, and individuals with dietary restrictions are included in your kit.

• Invest in Tools: A manual can opener is essential to access canned goods in a power outage.

The Foundation: Non-Perishable Staples

Creating an emergency food supply starts with stocking non-perishable items that have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration. A balanced emergency diet should include a variety of food groups to ensure adequate nutrition and morale during a stressful period. It's recommended to build a supply for at least three days, or ideally longer, with one gallon of water per person per day.

Key categories to include are:

• Canned Goods: Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon), vegetables (corn, beans, peas), fruits (peaches, applesauce), and ready-to-eat soups and stews are foundational. Look for low-sodium options to minimize thirst, especially if water is limited.
• Dried and Dehydrated Foods: Rice, dried beans, pasta, and rolled oats are excellent, long-lasting carbohydrate sources. Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and cranberries provide essential vitamins and fiber, while jerky and other dehydrated meats offer a protein boost.
• Nut Butters and Nuts: Peanut butter, almond butter, and assorted nuts are high-energy foods rich in protein and healthy fats. They are easy to consume with no preparation required.
• Snacks and Convenience Foods: Granola bars, protein bars, and crackers serve as quick, portable energy sources. Individually packaged cereals prevent staleness and provide a quick meal.
• Shelf-Stable Dairy and Replacements: Powdered milk, shelf-stable boxed milk, and plant-based alternatives can provide necessary calcium and other nutrients.

Considerations for Power Outages

Power loss is a common result of many emergencies, meaning foods that don't need cooking are critical. For a power outage, focus on items that can be consumed directly or with minimal heating, such as with a camping stove or grill.

Essential items for a power-outage kit include:

• Ready-to-Eat Proteins: Canned tuna or chicken pouches and beef jerky require no cooking and provide immediate energy.
• No-Cook Starches: Crackers are a perfect substitute for bread and can be paired with canned spreads or nut butters.
• Pre-Packaged Snacks: Nuts, trail mix, and granola bars are excellent for quick, satisfying energy.
• Hydration: In addition to water, consider shelf-stable juices or electrolyte drinks to replenish fluids.
• Comfort Foods: Having some hard candy or cookies on hand can provide a psychological lift during a stressful time.

Building a Well-Rounded Emergency Supply

Beyond just the essentials, a resilient emergency food supply should consider everyone's specific needs and provide some variety. This can help maintain a sense of normalcy and ensure adequate nutrient intake over an extended period.

• Special Dietary Needs: Ensure you stock up on foods suitable for infants (formula, purees), the elderly, and those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Cooking and Flavor Enhancements: If you can heat food, including basics like salt, sugar, honey, and bouillon cubes will greatly improve meal variety and taste. Cooking oils, if stored correctly, also have a long shelf life.
• Rotation is Key: To avoid waste, incorporate the 'first-in, first-out' method. Use items from your stockpile as they near their expiration date and replace them with new ones.

Canned vs. Freeze-Dried Foods

Feature	Canned Goods	Freeze-Dried Foods
Shelf Life	2-5 years	Up to 25+ years
Weight	Heavy and bulky	Very lightweight and compact
Preparation	Ready to eat, or minimal heating	Requires hot water for rehydration
Nutrition	Varies; can be high in sodium. Look for low-sodium varieties.	Often retains more nutrients due to processing.
Cost	Generally more affordable and accessible	Higher initial cost, but long-term value for extensive storage
Portability	Heavy, suitable for staying in place	Excellent for 'go bags' or evacuation kits

For most households, a combination of both is ideal. Canned goods cover short-to-medium-term needs, while freeze-dried products provide the longevity required for more serious, long-term preparedness.

Conclusion: Staying Prepared with a Smart Pantry

Taking the time to build and maintain an emergency food supply is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your family's security during an unexpected event. By focusing on non-perishable staples, planning for potential power outages, and catering to specific needs, you can create a resilient pantry that offers peace of mind. Regular rotation and thoughtful storage will keep your food supply fresh and ready for when you need it most. For additional food safety information during power outages, consult resources from the U.S. government, such as the guidance on FoodSafety.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much emergency food should I store?

Most experts recommend storing at least a three-day supply of food and water per person. However, many choose to extend this to a one- to two-week supply for greater security during longer disruptions.

What foods are best for a power outage?

For power outages, focus on non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods that require no cooking or refrigeration, such as canned meats and fish, crackers, nut butters, nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit.

Can I use home-canned foods in an emergency kit?

While home-canned foods can last a long time, it's not recommended to rely on them during flood-prone emergencies, as their seals can be compromised by floodwaters. Commercially canned goods offer more reliable protection against contamination.

How do I store my emergency food to maximize shelf life?

Store non-perishable foods in a cool, dry, and dark place. For long-term storage, use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers. Rotate your stock every six months by using older items and replacing them with new ones.

What should I do with food in my refrigerator after a power outage?

Your refrigerator will keep food safe for about four hours if the door stays closed. After four hours, discard perishable foods like meat, eggs, and leftovers. The freezer can keep food safe for 24 to 48 hours depending on how full it is.

Should I stock up on comfort foods?

Yes, including some comfort or stress foods like cookies, hard candy, or instant coffee can significantly boost morale and provide a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.

What about emergency food for infants and pets?

It is critical to include infant formula, jarred baby food, and enough non-perishable pet food for several days to a week. Remember any specific dietary requirements for all family members.