In the event of an emergency, you need to have food that is convenient, non-perishable, transportable and, above all, nutritious to sustain you until basic foods are available again. That is why Ready America, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, suggests having a survival pack or 72-hour kit packed and ready to go at a moment's notice. Pack the right foods so you can be sure that no matter what befalls you and your loved ones, you can sustain your health with easy access to nutritional food.
Peanut Butter
Ready America suggests that peanut butter should be an addition to your survival pack. Peanut butter is high in protein. In fact, one cup packs a whopping 65 grams of protein, says NutritionData.com. This can help take the place of meat if meat products are scarce during an emergency or disaster. Peanut butter also has sugar and is a good source of iron, both of which help keep energy levels high.
Beans
Beans of every variety are good staples to have as part of your survival gear. Beans are fairly lightweight, are high in fiber and calcium and are recommended by LiveScience.com. Dried beans can survive for a long time in your survival kit, so they will be ready when you are. Water is all you need for dried beans to sustain you through an emergency.
MREs
MREs, or "meals ready to eat," were developed for the U.S. military and have been part of standard field rations since 1981, says Discovery Survival Zone. Made from dried foods, they need only to be boiled to enjoy a real meal, with pasta, potatoes, meats and even vegetables. MREs are manufactured and sold by companies other than the military, making them easy to obtain for your family's survival packs. MREs have a five-year shelf life, so you can purchase them, store them and have them ready when you need them.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are ideal for survival kits and are recommended by the U.S. National Hurricane Survival Initiative because they are non-perishable and have long shelf lives. You can purchase a variety of foods in cans, including fruits, vegetables and meats, help sustain you in a disaster or emergency. Choose cans with pop tops, in case you don't have a can opener. (It's best to pack a can opener, though.) Note the expiration dates on the canned foods, and replace old products as you purchase new ones to ensure that you will have fresh food when you need it.
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