Continuing with this month's challenge, focusing on getting our 72 hr. kits going or updated, this week we will be adding some food items.
There are several different options for storing food items in case of an emergency. One option is to have a 3 day supply of food packaged together and placed in a backpack or small suitcase with other essentials like clothing, first aid, heat source etc. You may choose to have enough for your entire family in one large bag or have individual packs for each family member.
These type of "Pantry Foods" will need to be rotated & replaced more often than dehydrated meal pouches, however they are generally foods that can easily be used and replaced as they are foods most commonly consumed on a regular basis.
Long term food storage items are separate from a 72 hour kit. These kits are designed for grab and go in the event of an emergency evacuation. Other food storage items are needed for extended power outage situations, non evacuation disasters, hard financial times and the like. Both are essential to being prepared and living providently.
There are several different options for storing food items in case of an emergency. One option is to have a 3 day supply of food packaged together and placed in a backpack or small suitcase with other essentials like clothing, first aid, heat source etc. You may choose to have enough for your entire family in one large bag or have individual packs for each family member.
These type of "Pantry Foods" will need to be rotated & replaced more often than dehydrated meal pouches, however they are generally foods that can easily be used and replaced as they are foods most commonly consumed on a regular basis.
Long term food storage items are separate from a 72 hour kit. These kits are designed for grab and go in the event of an emergency evacuation. Other food storage items are needed for extended power outage situations, non evacuation disasters, hard financial times and the like. Both are essential to being prepared and living providently.
BABY STEPS:
One way to start setting aside food for an emergency is to create a 3 day meal bag. Sample 3 day menu examples can be seen here, along with a food shopping list of suggested items (per person) for a 72 hour kit, here. By calculating the quantity times each family member, you can then purchase in bulk and divide out into individual bags, or pack together in one large "family food bag". Remember to store enough water for drinking as well as food preparation. A small camp stove or other heat source and a pan/pot for heating water, soups etc. Don't forget utensils if you pack items that require them. Creating kits can be a fun family activity, involve children in the process of being prepared. Don't forget your pets and baby formula if applicable!
5K:
Rotate out & replace expired foods. Try adding some dehydrated meals or MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) type entrees. Some resources for dehydrated meals can be found here, here and here.
MARATHON:
Hold a camp in, or a mock disaster meal day to try some of the food items that you have in your kits. Make note of family favorites including ease of preparation and add more of those to your emergency kits.
Try creating your own dehydrated foods for short or long term storage. If you do not own a freeze dryer or a dehydrator, you can use your oven! More here.
Explore new recipes for using your long term storage items. This blog has many recipe options to start with, here and here.
Shown are 2 versions of individual kits. Purchase a container for each kit.
Oversized zip (2 gallon) bags work well for individual kits.
Rotate out & replace expired foods. Try adding some dehydrated meals or MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) type entrees. Some resources for dehydrated meals can be found here, here and here.
MARATHON:
Hold a camp in, or a mock disaster meal day to try some of the food items that you have in your kits. Make note of family favorites including ease of preparation and add more of those to your emergency kits.
Try creating your own dehydrated foods for short or long term storage. If you do not own a freeze dryer or a dehydrator, you can use your oven! More here.
Explore new recipes for using your long term storage items. This blog has many recipe options to start with, here and here.
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