Emergency Food Explained

Emergency food planning is not “one size fits all.” The best solution for your household will be influenced by the number of people and length of time that you are preparing for, storage availability, dietary needs, cooking capabilities, budget, and overall preference. There’s a plethora of emergency food options available, each with their own distinct pros, cons, costs, and other considerations.

As an example, let’s take a look at what 1 month of food (calculated at 1,800 calories a day, 54,000 calories total) looks like for 1 person, as represented by several possible solutions.

Solution 1: Shelf-Stable Pantry Goods

Cost: ~$200

Pros:

• Highly customizable to your preferences and dietary needs
• Large meal variety possible, depending on which items you choose to stock
• Easily accessible at any grocery store
• Can accumulate over time as budget allows

Cons:

• Shorter shelf life (most items 1 to 3 years)
• Requires more upkeep and rotation of goods
• Some meals require a fair amount of time, water and/or fuel to prepare

Example of a 1-Month Supply

Solution 2: Freeze-Dried Meal Variety Buckets

Cost: Varies by brand

• Augason Farms 281 Serving: $340
• Legacy 120 Serving Combo: $435
• ReadyWise 240 Serving Kit: $675

Pros:

• Easy to prepare, just add water and cook
• 25-year shelf life
• Compact storage

Cons:

• Low customizability for dietary needs
• High up-front cost
• Some brands and meals can be quite high in fats and sodium

Solution 3: MREs: Meals, Ready-to-Eat

Cost (4 boxes): $960

Pros:

• Zero prep work required. They can be eaten during power outages, if cooking facilities are damaged in an earthquake or flood, or if you’re injured or unable to prepare food.
• Each meal kit includes a variety of snacks and sides
• Medium shelf life of 5 years

Cons:

• Highest cost
• Low meal variety (typically 6 meal types per case of 12)
• Some meals can be quite high in fats and sodium

Solution 4: Specialty Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Produce & Proteins

While they may not be very calorically dense, 25-year freeze-dried produce and meats can add much-needed nutrients and variety to other emergency foods. There is a huge assortment of fruits, vegetables, legumes, meats, cheeses, eggs, and more available on the market, usually packaged in #10 cans or mylar bags.

My “Goldilocks Solution”

In my own home, I’ve configured an assortment of the above options to sustain my family in an emergency. I focused on practicality, only buying foods we would regularly eat, and maximizing the limited storage space available. While we have more than 54,000 calories on hand, this is an example of what a 1-month supply would look like:

• A bag of freeze-dried meal pouches for easy preparation during power outages, if my stove and oven are not functional, or if we have to evacuate.
• A selection of freeze-dried vegetables and meats for nutrients and variety. I opted for the long shelf-life dried versions instead of the more readily available canned ones from the grocery store, as I prefer fresh or frozen veggies for regular cooking and I don’t want to be rotating through canned foods that we don’t like.
• An abundance of our most-used pantry staples that we use regularly, can be combined to make several different meals, and that we stock up on when they are on sale.

Example of a 1-Month Supply

Preparing Adequate Water

Nearly all forms of emergency food, including pantry staples and long shelf-life freeze-dried food, require water to prepare. Remember to take food preparation into account when calculating your water needs. More guidelines on water planning and storage can be found here: Don’t Forget the Water!

Ultimately, the best emergency food plan is the maintainable plan for your household. Whether you choose to rely on pantry staples, long-term freeze-dried foods, MREs, or a combination of all three, the goal is to have a practical, realistic supply that fits your budget, storage space, and family's needs. Start with what you can afford, build your stockpile gradually, and review it periodically to keep it current. Keep in mind that emergency preparedness isn't about having the perfect setup. It's about reducing uncertainty and ensuring you have reliable food available when you need it most.