Preparing for an emergency is crucial for ensuring that you and your loved ones remain safe, secure, and well-nourished during times of crisis. One of the most important aspects of disaster preparedness is storing emergency food that can last for an extended period. This guide will walk you through the steps and considerations for effectively storing emergency food long-term. You’ll learn about the best foods to store, how to store them, and the tools that can make your storage more efficient and reliable.
Why You Need Long-Term Emergency Food Storage
Emergencies come in many forms, from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to man-made crises such as power outages, economic collapse, or supply chain disruptions. In these situations, it’s not always possible to rely on the regular grocery store. Having a well-stocked emergency food supply ensures that you can meet your nutritional needs and maintain energy, health, and well-being.
A good emergency food supply should be shelf-stable, non-perishable, and nutritionally balanced. It should also be easy to prepare, since you may not have access to a full kitchen or the ability to cook complex meals during an emergency.
Key Factors to Consider When Storing Emergency Food
Before you begin purchasing and storing emergency food, consider the following important factors:
- Shelf Life
The shelf life of food is one of the most critical aspects of long-term food storage. Some foods, such as canned goods, can last for several years, while others, like dry grains, may last even longer if stored correctly. Always check the expiration dates and rotate your stock regularly to ensure that the food is still viable when needed. - Space
When planning your long-term food storage, consider how much space you have available. Ideally, you’ll want to store your emergency food in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This could be a pantry, basement, closet, or even a dedicated storage area. - Nutritional Balance
Your emergency food supply should be balanced and contain all the nutrients you need to stay healthy, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Relying solely on one type of food (such as canned beans or pasta) could lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. - Ease of Preparation
In an emergency, you may not have access to a stove, oven, or extensive cooking equipment. Foods that are easy to prepare (e.g., freeze-dried meals, ready-to-eat canned foods, or foods that just require water) are ideal for long-term storage. - Water Supply
Don’t forget about water. You’ll need a sufficient water supply to cook and hydrate freeze-dried foods, as well as to drink. Consider storing several gallons of water per person, per day, and keep in mind that a person typically needs about 1 gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation.
Best Foods for Long-Term Emergency Storage
Now that you understand the key factors in food storage, let’s dive into the best foods to store for long-term emergencies. These foods are known for their long shelf life, nutritional value, and ease of preparation.
1. Canned Goods
Canned foods are some of the most popular and widely available options for long-term food storage. These foods are already cooked, require no refrigeration, and can be stored for many years if kept in the right conditions.
- Canned Vegetables and Fruits: These provide essential vitamins and minerals. Look for options that have no added sugar or salt.
- Canned Meats and Fish: Tuna, chicken, and salmon are excellent sources of protein. Choose low-sodium options if available.
- Canned Soups and Stews: These meals are easy to heat and provide a balanced combination of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates.
Product Suggestion:
- Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water (Available on Amazon)
- Hormel Mary Kitchen Roast Beef Hash (Available on Amazon)
2. Freeze-Dried Foods
Freeze-dried foods are a fantastic option for long-term food storage because they retain most of their nutritional value, taste, and texture while being incredibly lightweight. These foods require water to rehydrate, but they can be stored for up to 25 years when sealed properly.
- Freeze-Dried Meals: These pre-packaged meals are often complete, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available. Meals like freeze-dried pasta dishes, stews, and soups are all excellent choices.
- Freeze-Dried Fruits and Vegetables: These are light and nutrient-rich, offering a great source of vitamins without requiring refrigeration.
Product Suggestion:
- Mountain House Classic Bucket Freeze-Dried Meals (Available on Amazon)
- Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Peas (Available on Amazon)
3. Grains and Legumes
Dry grains and legumes, such as rice, oats, lentils, and beans, have a long shelf life and are high in carbohydrates and protein. When stored properly in airtight containers, they can last for many years.
- Rice: White rice, in particular, has a very long shelf life (up to 30 years if stored correctly).
- Beans and Lentils: These are great sources of protein and fiber and can be stored for several years.
Product Suggestion:
- Goya Dry Pinto Beans (Available on Amazon)
- Lundberg Organic White Basmati Rice (Available on Amazon)
4. Freeze-Dried Eggs
If you’re looking for a protein source that requires minimal preparation, freeze-dried eggs are an excellent choice. These eggs can last for up to 25 years if stored in airtight containers and are easy to rehydrate with water.
Product Suggestion:
- Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Whole Eggs (Available on Amazon)
5. Dehydrated Dairy Products
Dairy products are a great source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. When dehydrated or freeze-dried, they can be stored for years without refrigeration.
- Powdered Milk: This is an essential item for your emergency food supply, as it can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Cheese Powder: You can add flavor and protein to your meals with cheese powder, which is often used in freeze-dried meals.
Product Suggestion:
- Mountain House Freeze-Dried Scrambled Eggs with Bacon (Available on Amazon)
- Instant Nonfat Dry Milk by Hoosier Hill Farm (Available on Amazon)
6. Energy Bars and Snacks
Energy bars, granola bars, and other snacks are an excellent choice for quick, ready-to-eat meals that require no preparation. These foods are compact, calorie-dense, and often have a long shelf life.
- Protein Bars: These are a good source of protein and energy.
- Trail Mix: A combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit provides a good balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
Product Suggestion:
- Clif Bar Energy Bars (Available on Amazon)
- Kirkland Signature Trail Mix (Available on Amazon)
7. Prepared Meals and MREs
Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are designed for military use and are a great option for emergency food storage. These meals are individually packaged and include everything you need for a full meal, including snacks and condiments.
Product Suggestion:
- SOS Food Labs Emergency Food Rations (Available on Amazon)
- MRE Meals (Meals Ready to Eat) (Available on Amazon)
How to Store Emergency Food
Once you’ve selected the food to store, the next step is ensuring that it remains viable for as long as possible. Here are some tips for properly storing emergency food:
- Use Airtight Containers
For dry goods like rice, pasta, grains, and beans, store them in airtight containers to prevent moisture, pests, and oxygen from spoiling the food. Mylar bags, vacuum-sealed bags, and food-grade plastic buckets are excellent choices. - Keep Food in a Cool, Dry Place
Temperature plays a significant role in the shelf life of your food. Store your emergency food in a cool, dry place, ideally between 50 and 70°F (10–21°C). Avoid storing food in areas subject to temperature fluctuations, like attics, garages, or basements with high humidity. - Rotate Your Stock
Even long-lasting food items will eventually expire. To ensure that your emergency food remains fresh and usable, practice the “first in, first out” (FIFO) method. Use the older items first and replace them with new ones as you rotate your stock. - Label Everything
Always label your emergency food with the date it was purchased and the expected shelf life. This will help you keep track of which items need to be used or replaced.
Final Thoughts
Storing emergency food long-term is an essential part of any disaster preparedness plan. By selecting the right foods, using the proper storage methods, and rotating your stock regularly, you can ensure that you and your family are well-equipped to handle any crisis. With a well-stocked supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.