DIY Emergency Food Supply List
Planning for an emergency is important, especially for people living in areas with frequent hurricane, winter weather, tornado and flooding threats. An emergency food supply ensures there is enough food to sustain a family for three to five days. Foods need to be dried, canned or preserved to prevent spoilage without refrigeration. Does this Spark an idea?
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Creating the List
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Take a quick look in your kitchen cabinets and pantry. Choose foods for the emergency food list family members eat most often. During emergencies, familiar foods, especially for children, may help reduce stress. If foods are not commonly stocked in the family pantry, leave them off the emergency food supply list. Include 1 gallon of water per person per day. For instance, if the emergency food supply covers three days for a family of four, pack 12 gallons of water.
Canned
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Canned food has a long shelf life, perfect for an emergency food supply. Try to cover all foods groups by packing away canned fruits, vegetables and soups. Include foods that do not require heating, in case electricity is knocked out for days at a time. Choose foods that follow the family's normal eating patterns. For instance, if the family regularly eats low-sugar or low-sodium foods, choose canned fruits and vegetables that follow these guidelines. Include a manual can opener or two with food supplies.
Foods that should be included in the emergency food supply include canned peaches, mixed fruit, applesauce, greens, green peas and green beans, among other family favorites. Canned meats include tuna, salmon and sardines. Peanut butter is another source of protein.
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Dried
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Dried foods have a longer than average shelf life. Dried fruits provide a healthy source of energy. Dried meats, such as jerky and dried beef slices, pack a hefty amount of protein. Check expiration dates on dried foods every six months. While shelf life is longer, dried foods do not last forever.
Powdered
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Quickly rehydrate powdered milk and drink mixes with water. Powdered milk is a good source of calcium and fat, but it may have an unfamiliar taste for children. Powdered breakfast shake mix or chocolate milk mix with added vitamins cover the unfamiliar taste and add a punch of vitamins. Supplement canned meats with powdered protein in the case the emergency lasts longer than a few days.
Specialty
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Children and adults on special diets may need specialty foods during an emergency. Include sugar-free foods for diabetics and skip foods with potential food allergy interactions, if applicable. If peanuts are a food allergen threat, choose soy butter or sunflower butter instead. These choices offer a good source of protein for the entire family, without risking a food allergy reaction.
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References
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