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Emergency List of Staple Foods to Store

While emergencies often happen unexpectedly, taking the necessary precautions can help you effectively prepare for disasters. One such precaution is storing staple foods. How much and which foods you decide to store will depend on the preferences of yourself and the members of your household, your ability to use the food in an emergency, the space you have allotted for storage and how far you live from a food center. According to FEMA, when storing foods for an emergency, keep food in a dry, dark, cool spot; open food boxes carefully and close them tightly after each use; wrap perishable foods and keep them in sealed containers; empty open packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight canisters; and inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.

  1. Canned Foods

    • Canned foods are some of the best types of foods to store during an emergency because they have a long shelf life. Store canned beans, fruits, vegetables, soups, meats and foods like sugar, salt, pepper and instant coffee.

    High Energy Foods

    • Store high energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, nuts, trail mix, protein bars and granola bars. These types of foods are high in calories, protein and carbohydrates, making them useful energy sources in case of an emergency.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Since fruits and vegetables are perishable, choose foods that store well, and keep them in a cool, dark storage space. Examples include potatoes, apples, dried fruits and vegetables and canned tomatoes.

    Grains

    • Many dry staple food grains such as rice, wheat, flour and corn meal can be stored for extended periods of time. Store these types of items in a cool, dry location.

    "Add Water" Storage Foods

    • There are also several types of foods to store that you can eat by adding water. These include instant oatmeal, dry milk, powdered drink mixes, dried soups, bouillon cubes or powder and instant rice and potatoes.

    Water

    • In addition to storing staple foods, store at least a two-week supply of water. Ensure your water is sealed in air-tight containers.

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