In an unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is crucial. The unpredictable nature of natural disasters, political unrest, and pandemics means that we must always be ready.
One of the essential aspects of this preparedness is having a reliable emergency food supply.
This article provides an in-depth overview of the best emergency food supplies available in the market today.
What is an Emergency Food Supply?
An emergency food supply refers to a stockpile of food and water that is specifically curated to sustain an individual or a group of people during a crisis. These supplies typically contain long-lasting, non-perishable food items, which can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration or special care.
Key Things You Need in Your Emergency Food Kit
An effective emergency food kit should contain:
- Nutritionally balanced meals: High in protein and fiber to keep you full and energized.
- Long shelf life: Food items that can last several years.
- Ease of preparation: Food that requires minimal effort or resources to prepare.
- Sufficient water: Water for drinking and food rehydration.
- Dietary considerations: Food items that cater to dietary restrictions if applicable.
Best Emergency Food Supply: Top 7 for 2023
- My Patriot Supply
- Legacy Food Storage
- ReadyWise
- Wise Company
- Augason Farms
- Valley Food Storage
- NuManna
1. My Patriot Supply
Overview: My Patriot Supply has become a popular choice in the emergency preparedness market. They offer a wide variety of options, from single buckets of food to comprehensive year-long food supply packages.
What’s Included: Their products include meal packs, meat and protein kits, fruit and vegetable packs, and even survival coffee. They also offer water filtration and storage systems, essential for any emergency situation.
Good Fit For: Those looking for a wide range of food options with a long shelf life, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Pros:
- Extensive product range, catering to different dietary needs.
- 25-year shelf life on most food items.
- Easy to prepare meals, only requiring hot water.
Cons:
- Some customers find the taste less appealing than competitors.
2. Legacy Food Storage
Overview: Legacy Food Storage is known for its high-quality, gourmet emergency food options. They aim to provide nutritious and delicious meals, which can be a real morale booster during a crisis.
What’s Included: Their offerings include meal packs, protein packs, and even gluten-free options. They also offer bulk meal packages for long-term emergency preparedness.
Good Fit For: Those who are looking for quality and taste in their emergency food supply, and are willing to pay a slightly higher price for it.
Pros:
- Gourmet options that focus on taste.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and no MSG.
- 25-year shelf life on most food items.
Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors.
3. ReadyWise
Overview: ReadyWise, formerly known as Wise Food Storage, offers a range of emergency food kits, from basic packs to comprehensive family-sized kits.
What’s Included: Their product range includes meal packs, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, dairy and eggs, and even outdoor meals for camping.
Good Fit For: Those who want a balance between price, package size, and variety.
Pros:
- Wide range of food kit options.
- High-quality ingredients and good taste.
Cons:
- Some customers find certain meals to be less flavorful.
4. Wise Company
Overview: Wise Company, now operating under the name ReadyWise, offers a wide range of emergency food kits designed to meet different needs and budgets.
What’s Included: Their offerings include breakfast and entree options, fruits, vegetables, desserts, drinks, and even options for outdoor activities.
Good Fit For: Those who prioritize a balance between quality and price, and are looking for a high caloric intake.
Pros:
- Wide variety of food options.
- High caloric meals to ensure energy needs are met.
Cons:
- Some reports of the taste being too salty.
5. Augason Farms
Overview: Augason Farms has been in the business for over four decades, providing a wide array of high-quality, affordable emergency food options.
What’s Included: Their offerings include individual meal components such as grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and baking essentials. They also offer pre-packaged meals and kits, making meal planning in an emergency easier.
Good Fit For: Those who want flexibility in their emergency food options. With Augason Farms, you can choose to buy pre-packaged meals or individual components to create your own meals.
Pros:
- Variety of food options.
- Offers both individual ingredients and pre-packaged meals.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons:
- Shelf-life is shorter (10-25 years) compared to some competitors.
- Some customers find certain meals to be less flavorful.
Augason Farms offers a unique take on emergency food supplies, providing customers the flexibility to choose pre-packaged meals for convenience or individual ingredients for customized meal planning. Their affordable pricing and variety of options make them a viable choice for many customers.
6. Valley Food Storage
Overview: Valley Food Storage offers a range of natural and clean emergency food supplies. They focus on providing meals free from harmful preservatives and chemicals.
What’s Included: Their product range includes breakfasts, entrees, meats, fruits, and vegetables. They also offer dairy products and desserts.
Good Fit For: Those looking for natural and clean ingredients in their emergency food supply.
Pros:
- No use of artificial preservatives, flavors, or MSG.
- Offers a variety of meals, including breakfast options and desserts.
- 25-year shelf life on most food items.
Cons:
- Some find the taste less appealing compared to other brands.
7. NuManna
Overview: NuManna distinguishes itself in the emergency food supply market with its focus on health-conscious products. They offer GMO-free, no soy, and no artificial preservatives in their food kits.
What’s Included: Their offerings include meal packs, meat and protein packs, milk and dairy packs, and gluten-free options.
Good Fit For: Those who prioritize health-conscious options in their emergency food supply.
Pros:
- Health-conscious options including GMO-free and no artificial preservatives.
- Offers gluten-free options.
- High-quality taste.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
Each of these companies provides a unique approach to emergency food supplies, catering to different needs, preferences, and budgets. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider what’s most important to you when choosing an emergency food supply. Whether it’s the taste, dietary requirements, shelf life, or price, rest assured there’s an option out there that fits your needs.
Tips for Deciding Which Food Supply Option is Best for You
When deciding on the best emergency food supply, consider the following factors:
- Shelf-life: A longer shelf-life means your supply is good for more extended periods.
- Taste: Consider the taste and variety of food options.
- Nutritional value: Prioritize balanced meals to maintain health.
- Dietary restrictions: Check for options that cater to your dietary needs.
- Price: Determine what fits your budget without compromising quality.
How Long Does Survival Food Typically Last?
Survival food can last anywhere between 5 to 30 years, depending on the type of food, storage conditions, and the packaging method.
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Always check the shelf-life of the products before purchasing.
Where Should You Store Your Emergency Food Kits?
Proper storage of your emergency food kits is crucial in ensuring their longevity and effectiveness in times of crisis. Here are some considerations and tips on where and how to store your emergency food supplies:
- Cool and Dry: Emergency food should be stored in a cool and dry place. Extreme temperatures can degrade the food and reduce its shelf life. A temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Avoid areas that are prone to dampness or flooding, as moisture can damage packaging and spoil food.
- Dark: Direct sunlight can degrade food packaging over time and affect the food’s nutritional value. As such, your food storage area should be dark or out of direct sunlight.
- Pest-Free: Ensure the area is not prone to infestation by pests like rodents or insects. These pests can chew through packaging and spoil the food. Consider using pest-resistant containers for added protection.
- Accessible: In an emergency, you’ll need to access your food supply quickly. So, it should be in a place that’s easily accessible, but also safe from potential damage, such as a dedicated pantry, basement, or closet.
- Rotation-Friendly: It’s important to rotate your supplies to ensure you’re consuming items before their expiration dates. So, organize your storage area in a way that allows you to easily see the expiry dates and access older items.
- Separate from Everyday Food: Keep your emergency food supply separate from your everyday food. This prevents accidental consumption and helps keep your emergency supplies intact.
- Safe from Potential Contaminants: Store food away from gasoline, oil, solvents, or any chemicals that could potentially leak and contaminate your food supply.
Remember, the key to maintaining a viable emergency food supply is not just what you store, but how and where you store it. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your emergency food supply will be ready when you need it most.
How Much Food Do You Need per Person?
Determining how much food you need per person in an emergency situation can be a critical aspect of preparedness. The general guideline set forth by organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person. This guideline is based on the assumption that during a typical short-term emergency, like a natural disaster, basic services like electricity and running water may be restored within that timeframe.
However, for longer-term preparedness, aiming for a two-week supply per person is advisable. This is because, in more severe crises or widespread disasters, aid and services might take longer to be restored.
When calculating food supply, it’s essential to consider the caloric and nutritional needs of each individual. On average, an adult requires about 2,000 calories per day to maintain their energy levels. However, this figure can vary based on factors such as age, sex, weight, and physical activity level. Therefore, when planning your food supply, you should aim for a balance of items that can collectively meet these caloric and nutritional needs.
In addition, it’s important to consider the specific dietary needs and preferences of each person. This includes food allergies, dietary restrictions, and personal likes and dislikes. Remember, in a crisis situation, familiar foods can also offer a sense of comfort and normalcy.
To sum up, here are the key steps in determining how much food you need per person:
- Identify the number of people: Count the number of people in your household or group. Don’t forget to consider any potential additions like extended family members, friends, or neighbors who might join you during an emergency.
- Calculate caloric needs: Estimate the daily caloric needs of each person. Remember that these needs may increase due to stress or increased physical activity during a crisis.
- Consider dietary restrictions and preferences: Take into account any food allergies, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences when choosing your food items.
- Plan for a minimum of three days to two weeks: Plan for at least a three-day food supply, but aim for two weeks if possible.
- Rotate and replace items: Regularly check your food supply for any items nearing their expiration date. Consume these items and replace them with fresh supplies to ensure your stockpile remains viable and ready for use.
By planning and calculating your food needs accurately, you can ensure that you and your loved ones will have enough to eat during an emergency. This not only provides physical sustenance but also brings a sense of security and peace of mind in uncertain times.
Why My Patriot Supply is Our Top Choice
In the realm of emergency food supplies, there are numerous reputable companies offering quality products. However, one company stands out from the rest – My Patriot Supply. It has emerged as our top choice due to several distinguishing factors:
- Variety: My Patriot Supply offers an extensive variety of food options. This includes meat, fruits and vegetables, dairy, desserts, and drinks. The company also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options to cater to various dietary needs. This wide variety ensures that you’ll have balanced meals that can cater to different tastes and preferences, which can be crucial for morale during a crisis.
- Shelf Life: The products offered by My Patriot Supply have an impressive shelf life of up to 25 years. This long shelf life ensures your investment won’t go to waste and the food will be edible whenever you need it.
- Quality: My Patriot Supply doesn’t compromise on the quality of its products. They strive to offer food supplies that are free from harmful chemicals and are packed with nutrition.
- Ease of Preparation: In emergency situations, you may have limited resources for food preparation. Recognizing this, My Patriot Supply’s meals are designed to be easy to prepare. Typically, all that’s needed is hot water, and in situations where that’s not possible, the meals can also be prepared with cold water.
- Pricing: Despite offering premium products, My Patriot Supply maintains competitive pricing. This balance of cost and quality ensures value for your investment.
- Customer Service: My Patriot Supply is known for its responsive and helpful customer service. This is important because it assures customers that the company will be there to address any concerns or issues they may have.
My Patriot Supply checks all the boxes when it comes to variety, shelf-life, quality, ease of preparation, pricing, and customer service. While each individual’s needs and preferences may
Summary
Choosing the best emergency food supply involves careful consideration of several factors, including shelf-life, taste, nutrition, dietary restrictions, and cost.
While our top choice is My Patriot Supply, each company listed offers unique strengths catering to different needs.
Remember, the best emergency food supply is the one that suits your specific requirements and brings you peace of mind in times of crisis.
