Essential Emergency Foods for Natural Disasters: What to Stock in Your Go-Bag

Los Angeles has been devastated by the latest wildfires- our family has been very personally affected by this one. Natural disasters can strike with little warning, leaving you without access to grocery stores, electricity, or clean water. In these situations, having a well-prepared supply of emergency food is crucial to keeping you and your loved ones safe and nourished. Here’s a guide to building your emergency food stash with options that are practical, nutritious, and easy to store.

Why Emergency Food is a Must-Have

During events like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, disruptions to supply chains and utilities are common. Stocking up on the right emergency food ensures you can:

• Maintain energy and focus in stressful situations.
• Avoid the need for perishable or hard-to-cook items.
• Stay prepared for long-term disruptions.

Key Features of Ideal Emergency Foods

When choosing emergency foods, look for the following qualities:

• Non-Perishable: Foods with a long shelf life that don’t require refrigeration.
• Nutrient-Dense: Items that provide essential vitamins, protein, and calories.
• Lightweight and Compact: Easy to store and carry in your go-bag.
• Minimal Preparation: Ready-to-eat or requiring only water for preparation.

Top Emergency Food Options

Here are some essential items to include in your disaster preparedness kit:

1. Dried and Dehydrated Meals

Lightweight and easy to prepare, dehydrated meals like our gourmet vegan camping meals are perfect for emergencies.

• Shelf Life: Many options last 2+ years. Avoid 5+ year best by if quality eating is important to you.
• Preparation: Just add hot water.
• Benefits: Balanced nutrition in a compact package.
• Chefs' Tip: the longer the shelf life, the worst the food tastes from a quality perspective. Our meals have a 2 year best by date, but are safe to eat years after- their flavors just dull. Compostable packaging severely lowers shelf-life to 1 year or less.

2. Canned Goods

Canned food is a classic (and widely distributed) choice for emergency supplies. The downside is that they can take up a decent amount of space and make for a heavy bag.

• Examples: Soups, tin fish, beans, vegetables, and fruit. 
• Pros: Long shelf life, no refrigeration needed.
• Chefs' Tip: Make sure you keep a can-opener in your go bag.
  • Indie brand's we really enjoy are: HeyDay Canning Co., Fishwife, Tiny Fish Co.  

3. Nut Butters and Spreads

These are calorie-dense and rich in healthy fats and protein.

• Examples: Peanut butter, almond butter, tahini.
• Shelf Life: Typically 1-2 years when unopened.
• Usage: Spread on crackers or eat directly.
• Chefs' Tip: Look for individual packets to avoid dealing with dishes. In the case of California, the packaging waste is better than using more water. 
  
  • Indie brand's we like are: 88 acres nut/seed butters individual packets

4. Energy Bars and Protein Bars

Convenient and portable, these are ideal for quick energy boosts.

• Features: High calorie and nutrient-dense.
• Shelf Life: Usually 1-2 years.
• Chefs' Tip: Look for bars with minimal added sugar and high protein content.
  • We love Sun & Swell's snack bars, dried fruit, and trail mixes.

5. Breakfast

Often overlooked, this can be a very important category for working parents.

• Instant Oatmeal Packets: Lightweight and easy to prepare with just hot water. Choose varieties with added dried fruits or nuts for extra nutrition.
• Powdered Milk. We really like Maker oat milk.
• Breakfast Bars: Look for high-protein, low-sugar options that provide sustained energy.

6. Snacks

Don’t forget shelf-stable snacks to keep morale up.

• Examples: Dried fruits, trail mix, crackers, popcorn.
• Benefits: Easy to eat without preparation.

Water: The Ultimate Essential

Even with the best emergency food, you’ll need water to stay hydrated and prepare many items. Include:

• Water Bottles: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
• Water Purification: Filters or tablets for long-term water access.

Storing Your Emergency Food

• Cool, Dry Place: Prevent spoilage by keeping food away from heat and moisture.
• Rotate Stock: Use and replace items once a year. Do every first week of January to always remember.
• Go-Bag Ready: Ensure lightweight items are packed for quick evacuation.

Why Our Gourmet Vegan Meals are Perfect for Emergency Kits

Our handcrafted vegan meals are designed for convenience and quality, making them a standout choice for disaster preparedness:

• Long Shelf Life: Perfect for storing over extended periods. There's currently a 2 year best-by date, with plans to extend.
• Quick Preparation: Add hot water and enjoy in minutes.
• Compact & Lightweight: Easy to fit in any go-bag.
• Nutrient-Packed: Keeps you energized during emergencies.

Be Ready to Leave

Preparation is key to navigating natural disasters with (a little more) confidence. By stocking your go-bag with non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods, including our gourmet vegan meals, you’ll ensure you and your family stay safe, nourished, and ready for whatever comes your way.

Shop Now to add our vegan meals to your emergency kit and experience the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.

Picture is courtesy of ktla news