Once disaster strikes, it's too late to dash to the grocery store. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, recommends keeping nonperishable, ready-to-eat survival food on hand at all times. You need a minimum of three day's worth for every member of your household, but the Mayo Clinic suggests a two-week supply. Commercially prepared emergency kits are costly, but you'll find plenty of low-budget survival foods on the supermarket shelves.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is filling and inexpensive. It's a high-energy food, and a good source of protein, according to FEMA. The plastic jars make peanut butter lightweight and portable, should evacuation become necessary. The large containers usually cost less per ounce at the regular price, but many stores run frequent sales on the small jars, in case you need to tote them in separate packs.
Tuna
Tuna provides a lot of protein at little cost. The pouches weigh less and take less space than cans, but the cans usually cost less. Stock up on canned tuna, and replace it with pouches if you find a good sale. Buy tuna packed in water instead of oil to stretch your water supply in severe situations.
Granola Bars
While the sugar content in granola bars might seem too high for everyday eating, you need calories and quick energy in an emergency situation, according to The Discovery Channel's "Survival Zone." Granola bars are small, lightweight and portable, and the store brands sold in boxes of six to 12 cost little per serving.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
As survival foods, budget-friendly canned fruits and vegetables provide nutrients and taste variety during an emergency. Choose vegetables that you don't mind eating cold. Canned fruits and vegetables have high liquid content, which FEMA recommends. Water-packed fruits and vegetables reduce the strain on your water supply, and the syrup in many canned fruits helps maintain your energy level.
Canned Chili
Canned chili with meat and beans provides protein. The beans, which are complex carbohydrates, also give you energy, according to Medline Plus. Though you might prefer it hot, you can eat canned chili cold. The strong seasoning breaks up the flavor monotony of eating survival food for days or weeks on end.
Crackers
For an inexpensive, nonperishable substitute for the breads you usually eat, add crackers to your stash of survival foods. Eating crackers with peanut butter, tuna or canned chili makes those items seem less like emergency rations and more like meals. Choose no-salt crackers so they don't make you thirsty, FEMA urges. Keep crackers dry by storing them in airtight plastic containers, which can double as food storage during your emergency.
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