There is no doubting the fact that the recent pandemic has changed most people’s minds on the importance of prepping. Although some individuals have been doing this for many years, those who faced empty shelves during the pandemic are now taking steps to make sure they never find themselves without access to food again. For some, this might means buying some extra items to store in their pantries, while others are making a more concerted effort to create a week-long kit that will see them through any kind of emergency.
In some parts of the country, emergency food supplies are the norm, especially where extreme weather such as blizzards, hurricanes, and floods occur regularly. But those who live in relatively calm parts of the country might have never considered the need for emergency supplies – until now. If you are one of these people, then the following will give you an idea of the best food to store for survival in an emergency situation.
Emergency Foods
In the event of power cuts or an inability to get food from your local grocery store, it is essential to have what you need at home. Remember however, what you eat during an emergency is unlikely to be the same as what you would normally eat.
You need to remember that your food supply will have to last until you can access food again, so what you eat should be limited. It is important therefore to eat high energy, high calorie foods. What you eat should be determined by what is best for you nutritionally, rather than what type of foods you like to eat.
The food you keep in your emergency supply should be food that can be eaten with little or no cooking. Peanut butter, jerky, dried fruits, and vegetables and canned foods are ideal.
If you are looking for a quick snack that will provide you with energy, consider peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers. The peanut butter is full of healthy fats and protein and does not require refrigeration. When eaten with whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers, you will also get the fiber that will keep you fuller for longer.
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are great for a quick burst of energy. The fruit will provide fiber as well as a variety of minerals and vitamins, while nuts and seeds also contain protein.
Uncooked grains such as beans and rice are an excellent choice because they will last for a long time and will keep you feeling full. If you are storing rice and beans, make sure you also have a camping stove on which to cook them.
What to Consider When Prepping
When choosing food for survival, you should think about items that have a long shelf-life. Canned goods tend to last for a few years and are great in an emergency. You should also choose items that can be easily stored and that is nutritional, easy to prepare and provides the calories you will need for energy.
According to those at CedarStone Industry, makers of food grade tanks used for storing a variety of food and beverages, as well as food, you are going to need access to water. It is recommended by the CDC that you should keep at least one gallon of water per person per day in the event of an emergency. So, if you were a family of five, storing enough water for five days, you would need 25 gallons. If you wanted to store water for a longer period, such as two weeks, you would need 70 gallons, in which case a tank might be a useful investment.