Start with what you already eat
The best emergency food is food your family already likes. Build around shelf-stable versions of your normal meals so you rotate through stock naturally instead of letting it expire in a closet.
Core shelf-stable staples
- Grains: rice, pasta, oats, and crackers
- Proteins: canned tuna, chicken, beans, and peanut butter
- Canned and dried fruits and vegetables
- Shelf-stable milk, and cooking oil, salt, and spices
- Comfort items: coffee, tea, and treats for morale
Don't forget the can opener
A manual can opener is the most commonly forgotten item in a food supply. Also keep paper plates and utensils so you don't burn water on dishwashing.
Rotate with FIFO
Use the 'first in, first out' method: place new purchases behind older ones and cook from the front. Label items with purchase dates and check your supply seasonally.
Match it to your household
Portion needs vary by age, activity, and diet. Prepit estimates the calories and variety your specific household needs for two weeks and shows what's missing from your pantry.