In a world where unforeseen crises and natural disasters can strike at any moment, being prepared with a reliable survival food or emergency food supply kit has become a crucial necessity. Whether it’s an unexpected power outage, a severe storm, or a prolonged emergency situation, having access to nutritious sustenance can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and families alike. This article delves into the essential aspects of survival food and emergency supply kits, exploring the top considerations when selecting the right provisions, the best practices for storage and rotation, and how these meticulously curated kits serve as a lifeline during times of adversity, providing peace of mind in even the most uncertain of circumstances.
What is Survival Food?
Survival food or emergency food supplies plays a pivotal role in disaster preparedness plans. They provide essential nutrients and calories needed to sustain individuals when regular meals are unavailable due to emergencies or natural disasters.
Having an emergency food supply on hand ensures you can weather any crisis, from power outages and tornadoes to floods and other catastrophic events.
Moreover, these kits offer meals that are ready to eat or easy to prepare even without electricity, making them a vital part of survival strategies. The long shelf life of items in most kits also adds value as it means your supplies won’t go bad quickly.
In essence, these food supply kits are insurance for our well-being during uncertain times.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Emergency Food Supply Kit
When choosing an emergency food supply kit, it is important to consider factors such as shelf life and storage requirements, nutritional value, variety and meal options, special dietary needs, and packaging and portability.
Shelf life and storage requirements
Emergency food supply kits come with a range of shelf lives. Some items can last as long as 25 years, making them ideal for surviving unexpected situations or disasters. These long-lasting foods often include freeze-dried meals and canned goods.
However, the actual longevity greatly depends on proper storage conditions.
Any emergency food stash must be kept in cool, dry places to maximize its durability and prevent spoilage. This means avoiding areas that are exposed to direct sunlight or drastic temperature fluctuations.
Vacuum-sealed packaging plays a vital role in extending the shelf life by preventing air exposure and moisture buildup which could lead to degradation over time. Furthermore, it’s important to protect supplies from potential water damage during floods or other natural disasters.
Nutritional value
Emergency food supply kits ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients during disaster situations. These kits often include meals rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats to sustain energy levels over time.
The freeze-drying process used in many emergency food supplies maintains nutrient content better than traditional preservation methods. Many brands also provide gluten-free, soy-free, and organic options to cater to individuals with dietary restrictions.
It’s crucial to always check nutritional labels for serving sizes and total calories.
Variety and meal options
Emergency food supply kits offer a wide variety of meal options to suit different tastes and preferences. These kits include meals such as pasta, rice dishes, soups, stews, and even desserts.
Some kits even offer vegetarian or vegan options for those with dietary restrictions. With an emergency food supply kit, you can have a diverse range of meals to choose from during challenging times without compromising on taste or nutritional value.
Special dietary needs (gluten-free, soy-free, etc.)
For individuals with special dietary needs, such as those who require a gluten-free or soy-free diet, it’s important to choose an emergency food supply kit that can accommodate these restrictions.
Look for kits that offer a variety of options specifically tailored to these dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or have other dietary restrictions, there are options available that provide safe and nutritious meals during emergencies or natural disasters without compromising on taste or quality.
Packaging and portability
Emergency food supply kits are designed to be easily transported and stored, making packaging and portability important considerations when choosing the right kit for your needs. Look for kits that come in resealable packages or containers to keep the food fresh and protected from moisture.
Individually packaged meals are also a great option, as they allow for portion control and easy distribution among family members. Additionally, lightweight packaging materials make it easier to carry the kit during emergencies or when you’re on the move.
Prioritizing packaging and portability ensures that your emergency food supply is convenient to store, transport, and use whenever needed.
Best Emergency Food Supply Companies in 2023
Legacy Food Storage, Survival Frog, ReadyWise, and Augason Farms are some of the top emergency food supply companies in 2023.
Legacy Food Storage
Legacy Food Storage is a company that sells freeze-dried and dehydrated food storage products. It was founded in 1989 by a group of survivalists who were concerned about the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
Legacy Food Storage products are made with high-quality ingredients and have a long shelf life of up to 25 years. It offers a variety of food options, including entrees, snacks, and drinks. It also has a variety of kits available, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Legacy Food Storage is a good option for people who want to be prepared for emergencies. Its products are high-quality and have a long shelf life. They also offer a variety of kits to choose from, so you can find the one that best fits your needs.
Survival Frog
Survival Frog is an online retailer of survival gear and preparedness products. They were founded in 2009 by Byron Walker, and they are based in Denver, Colorado.
Survival Frog sells a wide variety of survival items, including food, water, tools, first aid, shelter, and fire-starting tools. Survival Frog also offers a variety of educational resources, such as books, DVDs, and online courses. These resources can help you learn about survival skills, such as how to find food and water, how to build a shelter, and how to start a fire.
Survival Frog is a good resource for people who are looking for survival gear and preparedness products. They offer a wide variety of products, and they also offer educational resources to help you learn about survival skills.
Survival Frog offers a range of high-quality food kits designed for long-term storage and survival situations. Their kits provide a variety of nutritious meal options to meet different dietary needs, including gluten-free and soy-free options.
With their packaging and portability, Survival Frog’s emergency food supply kits are convenient to store and easy to grab when needed. These kits give you peace of mind during emergencies or natural disasters, ensuring that you have a cost-effective solution for your food storage needs.
Augason Farms
Augason Farms is one of the best companies that sells shelf-stable food and water products. It was founded in 1972 by Phil Augason, and its products are designed to be stored for long periods of time in case of emergencies.
Augason Farms products are made in the United States, and they come in a variety of flavors and varieties. Some of their most popular products include ready-to-eat meals, dry foods, canned goods, and water. Augason Farms products have a long shelf life, so you can store them for years without having to worry about them going bad. Its products are convenient to store and use. They can be stored in a variety of places, and they are easy to prepare.
ReadyWise
ReadyWise is a company that sells emergency food storage products. They were founded in 1987 and are based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ReadyWise offers a variety of food storage products, including freeze-dried food, dehydrated food, and ready-to-eat meals. They also offer a variety of other emergency preparedness products, such as water filters, first aid kits, and survival gear.
ReadyWise’s products are designed to be long-lasting and nutritious. Their freeze-dried food has a shelf life of up to 25 years, and their dehydrated food has a shelf life of up to 10 years. Their ready-to-eat meals are also designed to be easy to prepare and eat, even in an emergency situation.
ReadyWise is a reputable company with a good reputation for customer service. Their products are made with high-quality ingredients, and they are committed to providing their customers with the best possible products and services.
Best-selling Emergency Food Supply Kits on Amazon
Here are the top 3 best-selling emergency food supply kits available on Amazon:
Designed to provide 1,706 calories per day for 72 hours, this emergency kit needs 12 cups of water to prepare. Just add hot water to the pouch and eat in less than 10 minutes. This box includes (1) Biscuits & Gravy, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Chicken Fried Rice, (2) Chicken & Dumplings, and (2) Beef Stroganoff with Noodles.
This emergency food supply kit contains 11 varieties of entrées and soups including dessert. Easy to prepare, this pail of survival food can make 92 servings with a total of 21,170 calories and 557 grams of protein.
This freeze-dried emergency food kit is designed to provide 60 servings of food. This bucket contains a variety of food items, including entrees, side dishes, and snacks. The food is high in nutrients and low in moisture, which helps to preserve it. The kit also comes with a water filter and a first aid kit.
Proper Storage of Emergency Food Supply Kits
Properly storing your emergency food supply kits is crucial to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips for proper storage:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Store them away from chemicals, cleaners, and other strong odors that may affect the taste of the food.
- Verify the shelf life and expiration dates regularly to ensure freshness.
- Use airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent moisture and pests from getting in.
- Rotate your emergency food supply regularly by consuming older items first and replacing them with newer ones.
- Keep an inventory of your stored food, noting the quantity and expiration dates.
Benefits of Emergency Food Supply Kits
Emergency food supply kits offer peace of mind during emergencies or natural disasters, provide a cost-effective solution for long-term food storage, ensure easy and convenient meal preparation, and give assurance of nutritious meals.
1. Peace of mind during emergencies or natural disasters
During emergencies or natural disasters, having an emergency food supply kit can provide peace of mind. Knowing that you have a stockpile of food that will last for days or even weeks can alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
With an emergency food supply kit, you won’t have to worry about going hungry or struggling to find food during challenging times. Instead, you can focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones knowing that you have the sustenance needed to get through the situation at hand.
2. Cost-effective solution for long-term food storage
Emergency food supply kits offer a cost-effective solution for long-term food storage. By purchasing these kits, you can avoid the need to constantly replace and restock your emergency food supplies.
These kits are designed to have a long shelf life, often lasting up to 25 years, eliminating the worry of expiration dates. With everything prepackaged and portioned out, you also save money by reducing food waste.
Additionally, buying in bulk allows you to take advantage of discounted prices compared to buying individual items separately. So not only do emergency food supply kits provide peace of mind during emergencies or natural disasters, but they also offer a budget-friendly option for ensuring that you have enough food stocked up for the long haul.
3. Easy and convenient meal preparation
Emergency food supply kits provide an easy and convenient solution for meal preparation during emergencies or natural disasters. These kits typically contain pre-packaged meals that are ready to eat or require minimal cooking, making them ideal for situations where traditional cooking methods may not be possible.
With options like freeze-dried and dehydrated meals, all you need to do is add water to rehydrate the food, allowing you to have a hot meal quickly and easily. This convenience ensures that you can focus on other important tasks during times of crisis without having to worry about preparing complicated meals from scratch.
5. Assurance of nutritious meals
Emergency food supply kits offer assurance of nutritious meals during times of crisis. These kits are carefully curated to provide a balanced and wholesome diet, containing essential nutrients that your body needs for optimal health.
With options ranging from freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to protein-rich meats and grains, these kits ensure that you have access to a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Whether you have specific dietary requirements or simply want peace of mind knowing that your meals are healthy, emergency food supply kits have got you covered.
Tips for Using Emergency Food Supply Kits
Rotate and replenish supplies regularly to ensure freshness and avoid wastage. Plan meals and ration portions to make the most out of your emergency food supply. Don’t forget to include other essential items in your emergency kit for a well-rounded preparedness plan.
Read on to discover more helpful tips for using emergency food supply kits!
1. Rotate and replenish supplies regularly
To ensure the freshness and effectiveness of your emergency food supply kit, it is important to rotate and replenish your supplies regularly. This means using and replacing items before they expire or become outdated.
By doing so, you can be confident that you have a reliable source of sustenance during emergencies or natural disasters. Regularly checking the expiration dates and conducting inventory will help you stay prepared and avoid any potential issues with spoiled or ineffective food items.
2. Plan meals and ration portions
Plan meals and ration portions in advance to ensure that your emergency food supply lasts as long as you need it to. Consider the number of people in your household and their dietary needs when deciding on portion sizes.
It’s important to have a variety of meal options available to avoid taste fatigue during an extended emergency situation. By carefully planning and rationing your meals, you can make the most out of your emergency food supply and ensure that everyone is adequately nourished.
3. Include other essential items in your emergency kit
Don’t forget to include other essential items in your emergency kit. Along with your emergency food supply, make sure to pack a first aid kit, medications, a flashlight, extra batteries, a portable radio, a multi-tool, blankets or sleeping bags, personal hygiene items like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, matches or lighters, a whistle for signaling help, and cash in small denominations.
These additional items will ensure you have everything you need during emergencies and natural disasters.
FAQs about survival food
1. How Much Emergency Food Supply Do You Need?
Determining the amount of emergency food supply you need will depend on factors such as the size of your household and your specific needs. It’s generally recommended to have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat meals per person.
This should include foods that are easy to prepare and provide essential nutrients. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters or have dietary restrictions, you may want to consider stocking up on a two-week supply or more.
2. Is there a gluten-free emergency food kit?
Yes, as mentioned above, there are gluten-free emergency food kits available in the market. As awareness of dietary restrictions and allergies has increased, many companies now offer emergency food kits specifically designed to cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free options.
3. Are freeze dried survival food kits good?
Freeze-dried survival food is one of the good options for people who want to be prepared for emergencies. It has a long shelf life (up to 25 years), is lightweight and easy to store, and is easy to prepare. Freeze-dried food is also a good source of nutrients.
However, there are some potential downsides to freeze-dried survival food. Some people find the taste to be bland, and it can be expensive. Additionally, freeze-dried food needs to be stored in a cool, dry place.
4. Are all canned food survival food?
Not all canned food is survival food. Some canned foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are a good source of nutrients and can be a good addition to a survival food kit. However, other canned foods, such as soups and chili, may not be as nutritious and may not be a good option for long-term survival.
5. Where to buy emergency survival food supplies?
There are many places where you can buy emergency survival food supplies. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell emergency survival food supplies. Some of the most popular include the abovementioned Legacy Food Storage, Survival Frog, ReadyWise, and Augason Farms.
- Local retailers: Some local retailers also sell emergency survival food supplies. These retailers may be more convenient than online retailers, but they may not have as wide of a selection.
- Wholesale clubs: Some wholesale clubs, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, sell emergency survival food supplies. These clubs may offer discounts on bulk purchases, but they may not have as wide of a selection as online retailers.
- Prepper stores: There are also specialty stores that sell emergency survival food supplies. These stores may have a wider selection than other retailers, but they may be more expensive.
6. Can I use survival food for everyday meals?
While designed for emergencies, survival food can be consumed regularly if it meets your nutritional needs. However, it’s essential to rotate supplies to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having an emergency food supply kit is crucial for ensuring your family’s safety and well-being during unforeseen events. By considering factors such as shelf life, nutritional value, and special dietary needs, you can choose the best kit for your specific requirements.
With top companies like Legacy Food Storage and ReadyWise providing a wide range of options, it’s never been easier to be prepared for any emergency situation. So stock up on these essential kits today and have peace of mind knowing that you’re ready to face whatever comes your way in 2023 and beyond.