Winter Emergency Food Prep Under $115

Winter is upon us and with that comes the chance that you could be without power for as little as a few hours or as much as a few days. The list below are basic items you should always have on hand. The quantities listed will feed a family of 4 for 3 days. Feel free to keep more on hand, each time you shop add a couple of your emergency items to your cart. This will keep your supply stocked, canned items should be rotated.

These are not a perfect substitution for fresh or frozen, but it will be there if you need them in an emergency situation. Also, it’s important to remember that unless you have an alternative heat source you will be eating these items cold.

The prices listed are for items purchased at Walmart, prices may vary if purchased elsewhere.

Water-1-gallon drinking per day 12 gal @ .80 $10.00

Water-.50-gallon hygienic & cooking 6 gal @ .80 $5.00

Water-Pets, 1 quart per day 1 gal @ .80 $.80 (per pet)

*Food Basics:

Canned Beans, any variety 12 cans @ .58 $7.00

Canned Veggies, any variety 12 cans @.50 $6.00

Canned Gravy, any variety 12 cans @ .90 $11.00

Canned Fruit, any variety 12 cans@ 1.00 $12.00(avg)

Canned Meat, any variety 12 cans @ 1.75 $21.00 (avg)

Dry Cereal, any variety 4 boxes @ 4.00 $12.00 (avg)

Milk- Choices (optional)

Powdered Milk, Non-fat 64 oz Box $16.00

Nido Whole Milk Powder 56 oz Box $15.00

Parmalat Shelf Safe Milk 5-1 Qt. $11.35

Bread 4 loaves @ 1.00 $4.00

Oats 42 oz $4.00

Rice 5 lb. $2.50

Raisins 12 oz $2.50

TOTAL $112.80

*If you have small children you will need to be sure you have items they need, stock up on baby food, formula, diapers & wipes. The wipes can be used for your hands as well. If you have pets be sure you have plenty for them. Keep an extra bag stashed.

Preparations:

Now, you may be looking at this list and not be feeling very enthusiastic. These items are high protein, high carbs that will sustain you for a few days. You are going to be cold and will need to feed your body energy to withstand it.

The canned items with the exception of the fruit can be mixed with the rice, the gravy will give it flavor, add salt & pepper and spices if you want. Your rice needs to be prepared ahead of time. It will not cook in cold water. Freeze your rice. Prepare as normal, freeze on a cookie sheet and then store it in the freezer in a zipper bag. Defrost for use, break into small chunks and set in the sun to accelerate the process. Oats will cook without heat, mix with water 1:1 ratio; 1 cup oats to 1 cup water, add raisins or fruit, if you’d like and set aside for about 2 hours, voila, oatmeal. Save the juice from your fruit and drink it with your meal.

You can add anything you want to your stores; I’ve only listed the food basics for the purpose of this article. The important thing is that you are prepared, don’t get caught without your basic supplies.

I'm a prepper among other things and will be sharing some of that knowledge here. I hope you enjoy. Please find me on Facebook, Three Sisters Reiki.