Emergency Food
Supplies for 72 hours and for 2 weeks without cooking: what to buy, how to rotate it, and menus that don't need a fridge.
The Principle: Food That Needs Nothing
In the first days of a disaster, there may be no electricity, gas, or running water. The supply should consist of foods that are eaten directly or with minimal preparation: open, mix, eat. Forget anything that needs a fridge, freezer, or oven.
What to Buy (and What to Avoid)
| Buy | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Canned legumes, fish, and vegetables | Foods that require long cooking |
| Energy and cereal bars | Very salty food (makes you thirstier) |
| Nuts and dried fruit | Foods that need refrigeration |
| Crackers, sliced bread (lasts 1 week) | A can without a can opener… bring one |
| Powdered milk or UHT | Very perishable foods |
| Cocoa, coffee, tea, sugar, salt | Microwave-only meals |
| Rice, pasta, and dried legumes (2nd line) | — |
How Much Food to Stock
- 72 hours: 2,000-2,500 kcal per person per day, no cooking required.
- 2 weeks: add rice, pasta, dried legumes, flour, oil, and powdered milk.
- Calculate per person: 1.5-2 kg of dry food per week, approx.
- Don't forget: can opener, corkscrew, utensils, and a camping stove with gas (if you have one) or solid fuel.
Rotation: The FIFO Rule
A supply that is never renewed becomes garbage. Use the FIFO rule (first in, first out): what goes in first, comes out first. Put new purchases in the back and old ones in the front. Every time you go shopping, check your supply and cook what expires first.
Sample 72-Hour Menu (No Cooking)
| Time | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Bar + dried fruit + instant coffee | Crackers + powdered milk |
| Lunch | Can of legumes + sliced bread | Canned tuna + nuts |
| Dinner | Can of vegetables + canned fruit | Rice cream packet + cocoa |
| Snacks | Nuts, raisins, chocolate | Water, water, and more water |
Store your supply in a cool, dry place, in airtight containers or plastic boxes with lids, labeled with the date. A 2-week supply for 4 people fits in a closet or under a bed.