10 Emergency Food Items You Need on Hand

We all want to be prepared when severe weather comes, and often times that means heading to the store before the storm hits. But when the storm hits before expected and you haven’t been to the store yet, there are some foods that are great to have on hand to help you get through whatever storms may hit.

1. Peanut Butter

A staple in every pantry! Peanut butter is a great thing to have well-stocked when you can’t get to the store. It’s filling, goes well with many things, and most of all: it’s delicious.

2. Canned Soup

Great tasting, comes in countless varieties, and will help you stay warm when it’s cold outside, canned soup is a perfect long lasting meal that will help you weather the storm.

3. Rice

A staple in the diets of people from all over the world, rice is filling, tastes great when mixed with other foods, and is easy to prepare!

4. Beans

Like rice, different beans are eaten all over the world. It’s a versatile cooking ingredient or side dish, and can last for a long period of time when stored properly.

5. Potatoes

An American cooking staple, potatoes can be cooked quickly and go well with all sorts of foods (like beans do). If stored in a cool, dry place they’ll last for a month or more.

6. Fruits

There are so many different kinds of fruit, but the best kinds will be those that will last in a power outage (in other words, don’t need to be refrigerated). Bananas, apples and oranges are great: add your favorites!

7. Oatmeal

A nice warm bowl of oatmeal can go a long way, and all you really need to make it is some hot water (and maybe some of those fruits from above)!

8. Pasta

A great source of energy, pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, and is a versatile item depending on your choice of sauce, seasonings, etc. Grab your favorite pasta and your favorite sauce to enjoy a tasty meal in good or bad weather conditions!

9. Canned Meat

While they may not be as good as fresh meats, canned meats are useful because they can last for long periods of time when properly stored. If left sealed in a cool dry area, canned meats will help create a meal to get you through any storm.

10. Water

While it isn’t exactly a “food” item, having some extra water during a storm is essential. During a winter storm, pipes can freeze leading to no water throughout the house. Having extra water on hand will help you stay hydrated, and will help you be able to cook and wash your hands if the pipes stay frozen. There’s no better way to be prepared than by stocking up on long lasting food. Make sure you always have that sense of security so you don’t have to worry next time Mother Nature gets nasty with us!