The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, which means that it’s important to have an emergency supply of food just in case disaster strikes. It is recommended that you have at least a 7-day supply of food on hand, and that you stockpile foods you and your family like and will eat. Here are a few emergency food supply ideas.
Emergency Food Supply Ideas
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Protein or fruit bars
- Jerky, beef sticks or hard, packaged sausage and pepperoni
- Nuts and trail mix
- Cereal and granola
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit
- Comfort foods (chips and cookies)
- Canned soup, chili, and stew
- Rice
- Freeze-dried meals and desserts
- Vitamins
- Canned juices
- Non-perishable milk
- Instant coffee and tea
- Gatorade, Powerade and electrolyte water
- Be sure to have at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least 7 days, plus water for washing and cooking.
Days before a storm you can also stock up on fresh produce such as oranges, grapefruit, apples, avocados, tomatoes, and cucumbers which can all last a few days outside of the refrigerator and can be eaten raw.
Tips
- Make sure you have a non-electric can opener.
- If you have a pet, make sure you have at least a 7-day supply of food and water for them as well.
- Store items in a cool, dry location.
Cooking and Heating Food Without Electricity
In case you lose electricity and do not have a backup generator to cook or heat up your food, you may consider purchasing an outdoor charcoal or propane grill. Remember, charcoal and propane grills are not to be used indoors, as they need proper ventilation. If you need to cook indoors, a can of Sterno will allow you to heat up small amounts of food at a time.
References for Emergency Food Supply Ideas
https://www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/preparing-an-emergency-food-supply-short-term-food-storage
https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/emergency-foods
For more information about Nelly Nelson, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, please visit: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/manatee/nutrition-and-healthy-living/family-and-consumer-sciences/
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