Emergency food is exactly what it sounds like- food that is stored for use during emergencies. In this case, emergencies could be anything from a worldwide disease pandemic to a shortage of food in the country due to a blizzard or other natural disasters. 

And in a world where disasters take place, there is nothing more important than being prepared for the unknown. As such, stockpiling food in your pantry is the smartest way to go. Ideally, emergency foods do not require refrigeration.

Why Is Emergency Food Important?

Emergency food is important because it ensures a steady food supply for you and your family in case of calamities. In other words, it will ensure that your family is well-fed and sustained until much-needed help arrives or till you get to your daily food sources.

Needless to say, having emergency food will lower stress levels for your family during disastrous periods. Even without access to the grocery store or supermarket, your loved ones will still be well-nourished. 

And as we all know, calm minds are essential in making the right decisions during strenuous periods. You won’t delve into panic buying, which always occurs when there is a decrease in food supply.

This kind of food also plays an important role in maintaining financial stability during periods of calamity. As such, you will easily direct your funds towards other pressing matters instead of splurging on food supply when you need to channel your money elsewhere.

How Much Food Is Enough?

When facing a short-term disaster like a hurricane, it is best to have a three-day supply of non-perishable food. This is because you can quickly restock your pantry once a bit of normalcy is experienced. In this case, food experts recommend planning towards 2,000 calories per person, on a daily basis.

How to Prepare For Emergency Food Supply

While an emergency food kit does not call for specific types of foods, those that do not require cooking go are the best fit. This is because you may not have time to prepare full meals during a disastrous period.

As such, canned foods will go down well. Do not forget to have a can opener on standby. But if you need to decamp, then fruits and vegetables are preferable because they are lighter and easily portable.

When preparing to stock emergency food, determine where it will be situated. Will it be best in a secure basement or in the pantry? If you live in a flood-prone area, stock the food as high as possible so that it will be easy to reach during a flood.

Next, consider your family’s special needs in the form of infant food, medication, food preferences, and allergies. Ideally, an emergency supply should cater well to all members of the family. Finally, take a look at what you already have and make an inventory so that you can purchase only what you need.

When stocking food, the containers should be secure and not susceptible to damage. If there are any plastic-covered foods, they should be stored in an airtight container. On the other hand, canned foods should be inspected for damage.

Some popular foods that go into emergency food kits include:

• Canned fish such as salmon and tuna
• Dried or canned fruits
• Canned or dehydrated vegetables
• Canned beans
• Whole-grain crackers
• Unsalted nuts
• Energy bars

Remember to buy these foods in manufacturer sealed packages as they are less likely to spoil this way. However, if you purchase them in open bulk containers then they will go bad quickly and defeat the purpose of emergency food.

Ready-Made Emergency Food Kits

If you do not want to go through the hassle of creating a food list, shopping for the items and building your own emergency food kit, then ready-made food kits are the perfect option for you. They provide a combination of the best-dehydrated meals that only need water to prepare.

For instance, Mountain House supplies emergency food kits that are not only tasty but also easy to prepare and store.

These foods usually have long shelf life (25+years) and will remain viable for decades to come.  Ready-made food kits are available in a variety of quantities and offer dairy-free and gluten-free options for those who prefer these foods.

There you go! Everything you need to know about emergency food! Whether you choose to buy ready-made food kits or build your own, it is important to choose foods that have the longest shelf life. Most importantly, your foods of choice should be high in nutritional value and be well-balanced at the same time. Go ahead, prepare your food kit before disaster strikes!