Prepare for any eventuality by stockpiling food survival kits to last two weeks. Similar to military MRE bags, these packs feature pouches that cook when exposed to water. Obtain the Best information about prepper food.
Emergency food options that don’t require much preparation, like jerky, should also be kept on hand in an emergency. Stock up on canned meats, dried fruits, and shelf-stable beverages.
Canned Meats
Canned meats are an indispensable addition to any pantry and emergency survival kit, thanks to their convenient no-refrigeration requirements. Canned foods come in all forms – fish, poultry, and beef alike can all be found within their cans and are packed full of proteins and calories to maintain energy during an emergency or disaster.
At any grocery store, look for canned foods labeled shelf stable. This indicates they have been processed and sterilized to store for long-term storage, so be sure the cans or jars are completely cool before opening them – you will know they have sealed properly if there is a click!
Cans of canned meat are available to meet every family’s preferences and diet, from tuna and salmon, chicken, mackerel, and Vienna sausages for emergency kits and everyday meals, as well as sardines and Vienna sausages that make great emergency kit snacks or quick, simple meals. Select options based on what best meets these criteria – these foods should quickly provide sufficient nutrients and calories.
When storing canned food, remember to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry area away from fluctuating temperatures, as these fluctuations may lead to mold growth and spoilage. It is wise to rotate your canned goods according to FIFO (First In, First Out), so older cans are used first to prevent wasteful expenditure of supplies. Also, mark each can with its expiration date so you know when restocking will become necessary.
Dehydrated Fruits
Dehydrated fruits provide a nutritious snack that can help protect you in an emergency, making them great additions to trail mix or granola bars. Dehydration involves extracting moisture from food products to preserve them for long-term storage, making dehydrated fruit easy and durable enough for long-term storage. Dry fruit lasts years when stored correctly!
Dehydrating fruits in an oven is simple. All that is required is a baking sheet and metal cooling rack to distribute even airflow; then, place fruit slices onto the sheet, bake at low temperatures until dryness has reached the desired level, and enjoy!
To test if a fruit is ready, bend it. If it snaps apart into pieces, further dehydration may be required. Once complete, allow it to cool before placing it into an airtight container for storage.
Food survival kits should include freeze-dried and dehydrated fruits to add variety to their diets, such as breakfast cereal or topping for ice cream. You could also use these fruits to create fruity tea drinks.
As part of your food survival kit preparations, you must consider personal preferences and nutritional needs when creating it. Aiming for a balanced diet can help ensure you remain healthy during an emergency and restore some sense of control during an earthquake. With careful planning, survival kits can provide all the nutrients and calories necessary to survive a crisis.
Dry Goods
Food survival kits provide essential supplies during times of disaster, providing your family with nutritious food and water sources even if power goes out or evacuation is necessary. They may save their lives.
When creating a kit, consider everyone’s dietary needs and preferences. If possible, stockpile foods that require little to no cooking. Avoid high-salt items, which may increase thirst. Instead, choose proteins and carbohydrates and include fruit and vegetables to round out your menu.
Store grocery items, such as crackers and jerky, in airtight, moisture-proof containers to extend their shelf lives – zipper-closure plastic bags, glass jars with screw-top lids, or non-rusty metal cans work best. Also, keep a manual can opener and disposable plates, cups, and utensils handy in an emergency!
Dried food items such as instant cereals and puddings, dried milk, potatoes, rice, and beans should form part of any emergency preparedness plan. Many can last 30 years when properly sealed and protected from light. Some items can be eaten as-is, while for others, you will require adding hot or cold water to rehydrate them before consumption.
Dehydrated and freeze-dried meals offer great long-term food storage solutions. The famous backpacking label Mountain House provides several breakfast, lunch, and dinner kits that can be kept on hand in case of emergency or camping trips. One option includes gluten-free freeze-dried meals with a 25-year shelf life but is ready to eat in minutes, making this meal prep system suitable for families with children, babies, or seniors who need gluten-free diets.
Canned Soups & Stews
Canned foods should be an integral component of an emergency food supply kit. Canned meals offer ready-to-eat meals high in protein and nutrients but low in fat; they are shelf-stable compared to dry goods such as granola bars or dried fruit. In addition, canned soups and stews provide liquid meals that water needs during a disaster.
As many canned foods contain sodium, you must select lower-sodium options and rotate your stockpile regularly to stay on track with nutritional goals. Try pairing canned baked beans on toast for a hearty breakfast option, adding canned chicken curry and meatballs into boiled rice as a delicious dinner dish, or making dinner easier with spaghetti sauce and meatballs combined into a straightforward plate of pasta – quick meals on the go!
Long-term storage requires adding whole grains like barley, quinoa, and brown rice to canned soups and stews for optimal results; these entire grains provide fiber to help slow digestion while encouraging regular digestion. With a dehydrator available at home, you could also try making your own jerky or fruit mix from dried fruits and nuts, which you could store in sealed jars for long-term storage.
Remember to always have a three-day supply of nonperishable food on hand in case of emergency or disaster, tailored to meet your and your family’s eating habits, needs, and dietary restrictions, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recommendation of selecting an assortment of protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, and ready-to-eat canned options. In addition, this emergency plan includes a first aid kit, water, and a battery-operated flashlight.
Water
After an emergency strikes, access to clean drinking water may become compromised. Therefore, your survival food kit should contain plenty of bottled water and emergency supplies for treating water-borne illnesses like diarrhea and typhoid fever.
Choose food that can last long-term in an excellent, dry location for storage in your survival kit, such as canned fruits and vegetables, dry goods, or frozen meals. In addition, store first aid items and tools that can be used to repair shelters.
Some people may prefer using a survival food supplier with various meal kits to meet different diets, lifestyles, and emergencies. Legacy Food Storage sells freeze-dried meal kits for any family member that are vegan- and gluten-free-friendly; NuManna provides shoppers with long-lasting survival food products without gluten, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, or soy.
Thrive Life provides long-term emergency food made without GMOs or MSG, with products offering high levels of nutrition and flavor that many customers find satisfying, such as chicken noodle soup, pasta Alfredo, and other freeze-dried options.
Building up a survival food supply should be top of mind for anyone living in an area prone to natural disasters. When an unexpected storm strikes, your survival food kit could make the difference between life and death. Storing it in a basement stockpile, backcountry survival bag, or bug-out bag will ensure you are fully prepared for a disaster.
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