The Best Non-Perishable Foods to Have on Hand in an Emergency
Being able to fuel your body during an emergency is unique from your daily diet. You can view your emergency food supply like your emergency fund – they function differently than your traditional food stash and savings account.
There’s a good chance you will be expending a lot more energy than you would normally in an emergency. Because of this, you need to eat high-protein, high-energy foods.
If the emergency is like the coronavirus pandemic and disease-related, you need to ensure you are eating foods that will help you stay in good health. Also, since your emergency kit will likely have a limited supply, you need to eat higher-quality foods.
During a disaster, you need the calories. You need nutrients and fiber – something that will keep your diet as normal as possible. You should consider meeting your basic needs over flavors and food preferences for emergencies. If you plan well, you can have an array of nutrients and foods. Keep reading for more information.
Items to Have in Your Pantry at All Times
Several non-perishable food items have long expiration dates. This means you can put them up for longer amounts of time. Make a list of all the items in your stockpile and check the expiration dates regularly to ensure things stay fresh. Also, make sure you always keep a can opener with your non-perishable items. The food you have stockpiled won’t be useful if there’s no way to open it. Some examples of these items include peanut butter, canned meat, and dried fruit.
Bottled Water
It’s a good idea to stock a minimum of three-day water supply for everyone in your home. It’s recommended that you have a minimum of one gallon per day. A normally active person must drink a minimum of half a gallon of water daily. The other half will be used for food and washing needs.
To make sure that everyone remains hydrated, be sure to use Water Bricks. These provide the perfect storage solution and are easy to stack and store. Have a few for everyone in your home.
Powdered Milk
Virtually every dairy product will require refrigeration. However, you can stock this substitute and get the vitamin D and calcium you need when having fresh milk isn’t possible. It’s best to find an organic and resealable option. Find a product that is flash-pasteurized, which will give it superior flavor and can last a few months after you open it if you put it in a dry, cool area.
Pepper, Salt, and Sugar
If you have a charcoal or propane stove or grill, you may be able to cook some food. A supply of sweeteners and seasonings will help improve your food’s flavor. This is true no matter if it is packaged or fresh.
Preparing Your Food for a Disaster
There are more than a few ways you can prepare for a disaster. Having a good stockpile of food will pay off in the long run. The tips here will help make that happen.