Survival Food Requirements
Grocery store shelves often stand empty during severe storms and natural disasters. Keeping a simple food supply at home offers peace of mind during emergencies. Stocking up on basics can provide food for longer periods, as well. During periods of unemployment, illness or financial difficulty, these stockpiles provide adequate nutrition for survival.
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Water
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Water is the most important item for survival. Humans can survive for weeks without food but may die in two to three days without water. The minimum amount recommended is two quarts per day, per person. Store water in clean, plastic containers. Try heavy-duty gallon juice bottles. Purchase 25- and 50-gallon water containers at food storage websites. Glass containers are not recommended. Filters, water purifiers, bleach and purifying tablets are used to clean water for drinking.
Carbohydrates
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Grains, such as wheat, are a good source of vitamins and protein. Carbohydrates provide quick energy. Include granola bars and cereals in 72-hour kits for short-term survival. Buy bulk pastas, grains, oats and rice for long-term storage. Humans can survive on just these items for a long time, and they form the foundation for any food storage survival plan.
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Sugars and Fats
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Popular with kids, peanut butter provides energy and protein. Sugars and fats provide energy but few nutrients. Add dried fruit, hard candy and chocolate to 72-hour kits. Long-term food storage plans should include sugar, honey, syrups, jams, canned fruits and fruit drink mix. Most of these products store for up to five years. Store fats, such as peanut butter, oil and shortening, for up to two years.
Protein
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Dried beans are inexpensive and easy to store. Pack pouches of tuna, nuts or beef jerky in 72-hour kits for lightweight sources of protein. Protein provides longer lasting energy than carbohydrates and is needed to build muscle. Children, especially, need a good source of protein for survival; store powdered milk and eggs for them. For long-term storage, dried beans and legumes provide a cheap source of protein that can be stored for up to 30 years. Soaked and cooked into soups, stews or salads, legumes are nutrition powerhouses.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit au fond du placard image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com water image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com wheat image by Artur Ciba from Fotolia.com peanut butter on a cracker image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com beans image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
