Having the right food and medical supplies during a disaster is crucial for survival. In an apocalyptic scenario as well as other emergencies such as hurricanes, flooding, blizzards, and earthquakes. Stockpiling a few simple food items during a disaster could make the situation a bit easier to cope with.
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains like wheat berries, spelt, rye and others are a great option for providing energy and the fiber needed for digestive health. Whole wheat flour doesn’t store well because the oils have been released from the wheat berries and it can go rancid quickly. White flour offers little nutritional value. If you have a flour mill, you can even make your own tasty and healthy bread from scratch.
2. Canned Oily Fish
Oily fish like salmon and tuna are high in omega 3 fatty acids which are known to reduce inflammation in the body and lower your chances for stroke and heart disease. These are a great option to have around during any natural disaster.
3. Dried Beans, Lentils, etc
Beans, chickpeas, lentils, split peas and others are high in protein, vitamins, minerals and full of healthy fiber. They are very easy to store and can last for years.
4. Bulk Nuts
Nuts are high in healthy fats and contain protein. They have the advantage of being sold in bulk at various warehouse clubs and discount stores and are thus an affordable item to have in any stockpile.
5. Jerky
Jerky from beef and poultry will provide you with a tasty protein option. Make sure you buy them from a store that produces them naturally and sells them in bulk.
6. Coffee
While coffee is not an essential item, it can provide the occasional treat during emergencies. Coffee can keep you from feeling too rundown by the events going on around you.
7. Dried Fruits
Apricots, raisins, cranberries and other dried fruits will provide you with much needed vitamins and minerals in the absence of fresh fruits.
8. Canned Soups
Soups make a great addition to many dishes providing both flavor and texture. Go for low sodium options made with actual vegetables and real ingredients.
9. Breakfast Cereal
Cereal will provide additional alternatives to breakfast and keep a kid’s temper tantrums at bay. Choose low sugar and sodium options with as little preservatives as possible.
10. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is great for that emergency cup of tea or coffee, for addition to stews and in the provision of calcium necessary for strong bones and teeth.
11. Cured Meats
Cured meats have been dried, smoked or treated with brine to make them last longer. They are valuable sources of protein and can be eaten on their own or added to soups and stews to add dimension to your meal.
12. Cheese
Cheese is another great high protein and calcium option that will serve you for a long time without going bad.
13. Nut and Fruit Trail Mixes
Vacuum packed trail mix makes a great snack that does not spoil easily due to proper packaging methods. Trail mix comes in many varieties so you are sure to find one that fits your taste.
14. Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs are great for livening up a bland meal during a natural disaster. Spices like turmeric and ginger containing numerous health benefits as well. Make sure you have a selection of spices available.
15. Dry Bullion Powder
Bullion powder is great for adding taste to flat meals and is ideal for soups, stews and casseroles. You can use this powder as a base for your meal. A great item to keep on hand.
16. Sugar
Sugar receives a bad rap for causing weight gain, but it is useful for canning purposes and in the making of jellies. As long as it is consumed in moderation, you are unlikely to experience the harmful effects of it.
17. Coconut, Canola and Olive Oil
These healthy oils will come in handy in cooking, the preparation of salads and even in the treatment of minor infections in both humans and animals.
18. Sea Salt
In addition to seasoning food and preserving meats, sea salt contains the iodine necessary to prevent diseases like goitre.
19. Distilled and Seltzer Water
Purified water is crucial to your survival especially if water sources become contaminated during an emergency. Seltzer water is great if you want a break from still water and also helps to calm upset stomachs and improve digestion.
20. Pasta
Different types of pasta will provide you with versatile options to whip up several meals. Due to its low moisture content, pasta has a very long shelf life and is an inexpensive food to stockpile.
21. Jam and Jellies
A variety of fruit jellies and jams to spread on your homemade whole-wheat bread is a great addition to your emergency stockpile. They add a little something sweet to your bread.
22. Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables will provide you with all the nourishment you need in the absence of fresh vegetables. You should concentrate on high nutrient options like sweet potatoes, tomatoes and olives.
23. Honey
Not only is honey great for flavoring beverages, it is also widely used in baking and in sweetening breakfast cereals. Honey is a great antibiotic and topical treatment for minor cuts, burns and bruises.
24. Condiments
Mustards, relishes and sauces are great for spicing up foods during emergency times. There are so many options when it comes to condiments, everyone is sure to find something they like.
25. Chocolate
Chocolate makes a tasty addition to your stockpile! It has additional health benefits such as fighting UTI’s, lifting your mood and boosting your heart health.
26. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a key ingredient in homemade salad dressings and has numerous health benefits too.
27. Leavening Agents
No stockpile is complete without the addition of baking powders which are necessary for making bread and other baked goods.
28. Protein Powders
Whey and other protein powders are a great addition to smoothies. They also boost your protein intake when other options are limited.
29. Dried Corn
Corn is a wonderful staple that can be ground into cornmeal for making tortillas, popped to make popcorn and even used as a seed to plant fresh corn to eat.
30. Ready To Eat Dried Meals
Dried pre-cooked meals offer a healthy alternative when you lack the ingredients or energy to make meals from scratch during a disaster. Many of these meals can be kept for years in case of an emergency.
31. Rice
Like pasta, rice is an inexpensive and long lasting food that makes a great accompaniment to stews, casseroles and vegetable dishes.
32. Canned Fruits
In the absence of fresh fruit, canned options will suffice nicely, and provide you with hydration in the form of sweet and tangy liquids.
33. Supplements
Vitamins, minerals, soft-gels and other supplements will provide you with concentrated nutrition when you do not have access to food sources of nutrition.
34. Spaghetti Sauce
Canned spaghetti sauce provides a great alternative when the fresh ingredients required to make it from scratch are unavailable. A family favorite in the midst of a disaster is sure to comfort everyone.
35. Infant Formula and Canned Baby Food
