Having an adequate supply of non-perishable emergency food is essential for your family’s well-being during times of crisis. Here’s a checklist to help you stock up on the right kinds of food to sustain you in various emergency situations:

Canned Goods:

  • Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, etc.)
  • Canned fruits (peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.)
  • Canned soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, etc.)
  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
  • Canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, etc.)

Grains and Carbohydrates:

  • Rice (white or brown)
  • Pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, etc.)
  • Instant oats or oatmeal packets
  • Crackers
  • Instant noodles or ramen
  • Cereal

Shelf-Stable Dairy and Alternatives:

  • Powdered milk or shelf-stable milk boxes
  • Non-dairy milk alternatives (soy milk, almond milk, etc.)

Protein Sources:

  • Peanut butter or other nut butters
  • Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.)
  • Dried or dehydrated meats (jerky)
  • Protein bars or meal replacement bars

Fats and Oils:

  • Cooking oil (vegetable, olive, etc.)
  • Mayonnaise (in single-serving packets)
  • Butter or ghee (if stored properly)

Sweeteners:

  • Sugar or sweeteners
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Jam or jelly

Beverages:

  • Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
  • Instant coffee or tea bags
  • Powdered drink mixes (electrolyte drinks, powdered juice)

Baby and Infant Supplies (if applicable):

  • Baby formula
  • Baby food jars or pouches
  • Baby snacks
  • Diapers and wipes

Special Dietary Needs:

  •  Gluten-free or allergen-free options if necessary

Cooking and Utensils:

  • Portable camping stove or heating source (if safe to use indoors)
  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
  • Manual can opener

Considerations:

  • Opt for foods with longer shelf lives.
  • Avoid foods with a lot of salt, as they can increase thirst.
  • Regularly check expiration dates and rotate stock to maintain freshness.

Quality of Life

  • Have extra seasonings on hand so that things aren’t so bland.
  • Dressings and condiments are a great way to gussy up foods and keep them from being so bland.
  • Keeping some hard candy, fruit snacks, or other sweet treats can bring smiles if there does come an unfortunate disaster.

Remember to tailor your emergency food supply to the specific dietary needs and preferences of your family members. It’s recommended to have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, but aiming for a two-week supply is even better. Regularly check and update your emergency food supply to ensure that you have enough to sustain your family during unexpected situations.