Being prepared with an essential food supply is crucial for weathering a power outage with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Ensuring your pantry is well-stocked with items that can sustain your family for at least 72 hours can make a significant difference in maintaining comfort and nutrition when access to stores or restaurants is hindered.
Food supply
Essential tools and backups
The goal is to ensure enough food for at least 72 hours, considering the average daily calorie intake per person is about 2,000 to 2,500 calories. Adjust based on your preferences, dietary needs and storage capacity.
Food storage tips
// Aside from what's in your cupboards, here are some things to think about in organising your food.
Rotate stock : Use and replace items regularly to keep your stock fresh.
Special dietary needs : Consider any allergies or dietary restrictions in your family.
Cooking methods : Ensure you have a way to cook or heat food without electricity, like a camp stove or grill.
Storage : Keep food in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Food in a power outage
Understanding how to manage your food during a power outages is essential.
// During the outage
Prioritise perishables : Use perishable items first, taking advantage of cooler outdoor temperatures to keep food cold if necessary.
Misc.
Dairy / dairy-sub
Fruit / veg
Proteins
Grains / cereals
Applesauce : 5 jars (No sugar added varieties)
Powdered milk : 2 lbs (For cooking and as a drink)
Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives : 4 quarts (Soy, almond, oat milk that are shelf-stable)
Canned or shelf-stable cheese : 2 lbs (For adding to meals or as snacks)
Honey or syrup : 1 jar (Natural sweeteners)
Coffee/tea : 1 lb coffee or 100 tea bags (For comfort and normalcy)
Seasonings : Assortment (Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to flavour meals)
Energy bars or granola bars : 2 boxes (Quick energy sources)
Instant meals : 8-10 packages (Cup noodles, instant soup mixes for quick meals)
Pet food : If applicable, enough for 72 hours
Rice : 4 lbs (Stores well and is versatile)
Pasta : 4 lbs (Easy to cook, high energy content)
Quinoa : 2 lbs (Gluten-free, high in protein)
Oats : 2 lbs (For breakfasts, can be eaten hot or cold)
Crackers : 2 lbs (For snacking or as bread substitute)
Canned beans : 8 cans (Variety of types, ready to eat)
Canned tuna/salmon/chicken : 8 cans (For essential omega-3s and proteins)
Peanut butter or nut butters : 2 jars (High in energy and protein)
Nuts and seeds : 2 lbs (Snacks high in calories and nutrients)
Canned vegetables : 15 cans (Include a variety of green beans, corn, peas)
Canned fruit : 10 cans (In juice, not syrup, for less added sugar)
Dried fruits : 2 lbs (Raisins, apricots, for natural sugars and fiber)
