Build a Backup Pantry in Three Tiers

Build a backup pantry in layers: extras of what you already eat, then bulk staples, then fats, vegetables, proteins, and seasonings, sized with simple calorie math.

You probably don't need special survival food to start. The canned goods, dry mixes, and staples already in your cupboard count.^[1] Build in layers, size it with simple calorie math, and keep it rotating so nothing goes to waste.

Tier 1: One extra of what you already eat

Each time you shop, buy one more of something your household already eats: an extra jar of peanut butter, a second box of cereal, another can of soup. Familiar food matters. It keeps spirits up and feels normal when things are stressful.^[1]

• For short outages, pick foods that need no fridge, no water, no prep, and no cooking.^[1]
• Canned soups, fruits, vegetables, juices, cereals, and peanut butter should be used within about a year, or by the date on the label.^[1]
• Aim for 2 weeks of food at home and 3 days in your grab-and-go kit.^[2]

Tier 2: A deeper reserve of staples

Once tier 1 feels comfortable, add bulk staples. Good ones: white rice, dried beans, oats, flour, potato flakes, and powdered milk.

• White rice, dry pasta, wheat, dried corn, and powdered milk in nitrogen-packed cans (cans with the air replaced by nitrogen to slow spoilage) can keep indefinitely in the right containers and conditions.^[1]
• Boxed powdered milk is different: use it within about 6 months.^[1]
• For beans, oats, flour, and potato flakes, go by the date on the package. Write the purchase date on anything without one.
• Rice, beans, oats, and flour need water and heat to cook, so count that in your water and cooking-fuel plans.

Tier 3: Fats, vegetables, proteins, and seasonings

Rice and beans keep you fed. This tier makes meals you'll actually want to eat.

• Fats: vegetable oils can keep indefinitely if stored properly.^[1] Peanut butter should be used within about a year.^[1]
• Vegetables and fruit: canned versions, used within about a year or by the label date.^[1]
• Proteins: canned meat and fish, canned soups with meat, nuts, and beans. Check the label dates.
• Seasonings: salt, bouillon, instant coffee, tea, and cocoa can keep indefinitely in good conditions.^[1]
• If water is running low, skip salty foods. They make you thirsty.^[1]

The calorie math

Nutrition labels use 2,000 calories a day as a general guide.^[3] Real needs vary. Adult women typically need about 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day, adult men about 2,000 to 3,000, and children ages 2 to 8 about 1,000 to 2,000.^[4] 2,000 per adult is a fair planning number.^[3]

Worked example: 2 adults × 30 days × 2,000 calories = 120,000 calories.

• Dry white rice has about 365 calories per 100 grams, which works out to roughly 1,650 calories per pound.^[5]
• If rice were the only food, 120,000 ÷ 1,650 = about 73 pounds. Nobody should eat only rice, but the math shows how quickly staples add up.
• For anything with a label, multiply calories per serving by servings per container to get the total. The calories listed apply to one serving, not the whole package.^[3]

Use the EvacPrep calculator to run the numbers for your household.

Rotation, storage, and the people (and pets) with special needs

• First in, first out: write the date on each item, put new items at the back, and eat from the front.^[1]
• Storage spot: somewhere dry and cool, and dark if possible. Move opened sugar, dried fruit, and nuts into screw-top jars or airtight containers to keep pests out.^[1]
• Manual can opener: keep one with your food, plus disposable utensils.^[1][2]
• When the power goes out: eat food from the fridge first, then the freezer, then the pantry.^[1]
• Special diets and allergies need planning ahead, and so do babies, toddlers, and older adults. A nursing parent may want liquid formula on hand in case nursing isn't possible. Food can safely be cut back for healthy adults, but not for children or pregnant women.^[1]
• Babies: bottles, formula, baby food, and diapers.^[2]
• Pets: their food, bowls, and a manual can opener if they eat canned food.^[6]

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