Natural disasters may be rare, but when they hit, they can
be devastating. With usually little to no warning, the best way to prepare is
to be proactive; especially when it comes to your food. Stocking up now can
help you weather just about any storm. Keep reading below to learn about what
foods you should consider stocking your pantry with before it’s too late.
Wind, rain, sleet and snow; you can’t control the elements
outside and, believe it or not, you can’t control the elements in your home,
either. A slippery bathroom floor, a scrunched up rug or a misplaced cat toy
can be the catalyst of your next major accident. If you are currently living
independently and you have no form of personal protection, it may be time to
make a big change. While wearing Life Alert Protection’s emergency pendant, you
can summon an emergency medical response fast. No matter what life threatening
emergency you may face, Life Alert’s dispatch team will send you the proper
authorities fast, 24/7.
A personal emergency can strike with little warning, with
Life Alert Protection by your side, you can weather any storm! Moreover, floods, hurricanes and even
blizzards can also hit with little to no warning; that is why stocking up right
now on nonperishable foods is essential to being well-prepared. Real Simple[1]
is here to help you get together a grocery store list to help you stockpile for
any impending disaster. Check it all out below!
• Peanut butter
A great source of energy, peanut butter is chock-full of
healthful fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don’t have
to refrigerate after opening. To get the most bang for your peanut butter buck,
purchase a three-pack of Teddy’s Super Chunky, which comes in 26-ounce jars.
The all-natural, gluten-free and vegan-friendly peanut butter is ideal for
groups with different needs, and at just .25 cents an ounce, it’s an affordable
choice too.
• Whole-wheat crackers
Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine
substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat
or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts
(check the box for expiration dates), but the extra fiber pays off when you’re
particularly hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to prolong their
freshness. For added value, purchase a family-sized pack of 100 percent whole
great Wheat Thins. The toasted crackers give a bit more of a healthful kick and
are made without high-fructose corn syrup as well.
• Nuts and trail mixes
Stock up on these high-energy foods—they’re healthful and
convenient for snacking. Look for vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the
nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness. For a quick, go-to mixed bag
try Sweet Hunter Mix. The bag comes with honey-roasted peanuts, sesame sticks,
roasted salted sunflower meats, almonds, cashews, and pepitas, which equates to
high protein and carbs that will keep you satisfied.
• Cereal
Choose multigrain cereals that are individually packaged so
they don’t become stale after opening. Life’s multigrain’s individual cereals
are the perfect fit as they already come pre-measured for the ideal serving.
And, with a 12-pack variety bundle, it will make you feel like you aren’t
eating the same meal every single time.
• Granola bars and power bars
Healthy and filling, these portable snacks usually stay
fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re an excellent source of
carbohydrates. “You can get more energy from carbohydrates without [eating]
tons of food,” says Andress. Nature Valley’s Megapack will provide you with a
full 36 individually-wrapped bars in both peanut butter and oats n’ honey
flavors. And with 16 grams of whole grain, these bars will be more than enough
to keep people full.
• Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins
In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer
potassium and dietary fiber. “Dried fruits provide you with a significant
amount of nutrients and calories,” says Swanson. To get all that nutritional
goodness, pick up a variety box of Crispy Fruit. Inside, you’ll find
freeze-dried packs of apples, Asian pears, and tangerines. Each pack is simply
pure fruit, meaning no preservatives, sweeteners, or additives at all.
• Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey
Generally lasting at least two years in the pantry, canned
meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf
life but will last at least six months, says Diane Van, manager of the USDA
meat and poultry hotline. Moreover, vacuum sealed packs may come in handy if
you don’t have a can opener. For your pantry, purchase a 12-pack of Safe Catch
Wild Tuna, which has the lowest mercury count of any brand on the market,
making it a safer choice for kids and even pregnant women.
• Canned vegetables, such as green beans,
carrots, and peas
When the real deal isn’t an option, canned varieties can
provide you with essential nutrients. To pack in as many of those healthy
vitamins and minerals as possible, order a case of mixed vegetable cans by
Libby’s. Inside each can you’ll find peas, carrots, corn, lima beans, and green
beans, giving you a well-balanced meal straight from the jar.
• Canned soups and chili
Soups and chili can be eaten straight out of the can and
provide a variety of nutrients. Look for low-sodium options. To provide enough
nutritional variety, buy an assorted pack of organic vegan ready-to-eat soups
by Fawen. The pack included beet and cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, and
sweet potato and red lentil. Each one can be consumed cold, room temperature,
or heated up.
• Bottled water
Try to stock at least a three-day supply—you need at least
one gallon per person per day. “A normally active person should drink at least
a half gallon of water each day,” says Andress. “The other half gallon is for
adding to food and washing.” To ensure everyone stays hydrated, purchase a case
of water that comes with essential minerals added to it. Essentia’s bottled
water comes with added electrolytes to aid in hydration and improve taste.
• Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade
The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help
you rehydrate and replenish fluid when water is scarce. Just make sure your
sports drink of choice doesn’t come with too many additives, such as sugar or
artificial sweeteners. Instead, choose a product like Nooma, an organic
electrolyte-enhanced drink made with coconut water and natural sea salt that
comes in four different flavors.
• Powdered milk
Almost all dairy products require refrigeration, so stock
this substitute for an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D when fresh
milk isn’t an option. Opt for an organic, resealable option from NOW Foods. Its
product is flash-pasteurized to give it a superior flavor and can last several
months once opened if stored in a cool, dry place.
• Sugar, salt, and pepper
If you have access to a propane or charcoal stove, you may
be doing some cooking. A basic supply of seasonings and sweeteners will improve
the flavor of your food, both fresh and packaged. To make sure you have enough
spices on hand to make just about anything, purchase the Dean & DeLuca
Metropolitan Rack that comes with 12 spice tins. The spices include basil,
cinnamon, pepper, ginger, lavender, nutmeg, and more.
• Multivitamins
Supplements will help replace the nutrients you would have
consumed on a normal diet. But vitamins don’t have to be boring. Instead, go
for a delicious fruity gummy from SmartyPants. The gummy comes with a complete
day’s worth of vitamins and even contains omega 3s and folate for complete
coverage.
Clear out the cupboard, it’s time to get prepared! There
truly is no better feeling than being proactive, especially when it comes to
your safety; which is why, in addition to stockpiling your cabinets, you need
Life Alert Protection too! While wearing their lightweight, waterproof medical
alert pendant, you can summon an emergency medical response fast with just one
touch of a button. No matter if you encounter a home invasion, a home fire or
even a serious fall, Life Alert’s dispatch team can send you the proper
authorities fast, 24/7. Disaster, natural or just at home, can happen at any
time; feed your need to get prepared by getting Life Alert Protection today!
For a free Life Alert brochure call 1-800-513-2934.
Works Cited:
1.
DiMaggio, Vanessa and Stacey Leasca. “These Are
the Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency.” Real Simple. <https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/emergency-foods >.
