72-Hour Meal Kit Ideas

A 72-hour kit is a collection of supplies you will need in case of an emergency. Your kit should include a change of clothes and plenty of water, along with foods that are high in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber. The meals you include should need little or no cooking, no refrigeration, and should be packaged separately. Include foods your family enjoys; familiar foods will be comforting in a time of crisis.

Breakfast

• Instant oatmeal is an excellent choice for an emergency breakfast.

  Breakfast's main course should contain plenty of complex carbohydrates. A hearty cereal like Raisin Bran with powdered milk, a packet of flavored instant oatmeal and two granola bars would provide three ideal main courses for breakfast. Pair these with dried fruit or fruit leather, a hot chocolate mix and a box of apple, orange or grapefruit juice.

Lunch

• Ramen is quick to cook for lunch.

  A packet of beef jerky, a pouch of tuna or a can of Vienna sausages provide the protein you need at lunch time. Other lunch foods include instant soup mixes, Ramen noodles or canned soup. Include either prepackaged crackers and cheese, crackers with peanut butter, fruit rolls and trail mix with each lunch choice. Children will also enjoy Easy Mac and cups of applesauce or other fruit.

Dinner

• Canned chili will warm and fill you up.

  Many foods that can be used for lunch can also be used for dinner. Beans will fill you up and give you protein, so include chili in your night time meal. Beef stew, soups and pasta meals are available in pop-top containers that can be warmed over a fire. Round out dinner with a fruit cup, protein bar or crackers.

Snacks

• Hot cocoa is satisfying and comforting in a crisis.

  Treats you enjoy can be a huge morale booster. Include chewing gum, 5 pieces of hard candy, boxes of raisins, fruit leather, fruit snacks, pudding cups, hot chocolate packets and nuts to satisfy your cravings. These snacks will be particularly helpful in comforting children.

Tips

• A can from one meal can cook another.

  Any meals you purchase in cans should have a pop-top lid so you don't need a can opener. Plan to save your soup cans; clean the cans out for a container to boil water or cook oatmeal. Pack the meals for each person separately in resealable plastic bags or vacuum seal to keep water and pests out. Include drink packets, such as Kool-Aid Singles or Crystal Light to mix with water. Some Kool-Aid and Crystal Light varieties will add needed vitamins to your water.