By Sharon Omahen

University of Georgia

The threat of war has some Americans stocking up on home food
supplies. Whether you agree with their logic, University of
Georgia experts say having an emergency food supply is always a
good idea.

“We aren’t telling people to go out and stock their pantries
because of the possibility of war. But we do agree it’s a smart
idea to stock your pantry for emergencies,” said Elizabeth
Andress, an Extension Service food safety specialist with the UGA
College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Plan for at least three days

“Every family should have at least a three-day emergency food
supply to fall back on,” Andress said.

Having an emergency food supply, she said, eases the stress of
emergencies and natural disasters.

“Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado or snow storm, a natural
disaster could prevent you from running to the grocery store to
pick up supplies for dinner,” Andress said.

“Having an emergency food supply on hand will provide peace of
mind for you and your family,” she said, “no matter what disaster
may come your way.”

The size of your emergency food supply depends on the size of
your family and home storage area. Remember, stock only
nonperishable foods.

Pick foods that don’t need to be cooked or
refrigerated

“Select foods that require no refrigeration, little or no
cooking
and little or no water,” Andress said. “Chances are, if you’re in
an emergency situation, you aren’t going to have the luxuries of
electricity and running water.”

Stock your food supply with ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits
and
vegetables. Remember to buy containers you can use up in one meal
or snack, since you most likely won’t be able to refrigerate
leftovers.

Add canned juices, soups and canned or powdered milk. Include
bottled water for drinking and extra water to mix with the
powdered milk and dilute the soups.

Supply enough fluids (milk, juice, water, etc.) so each family
member can have at least 2 quarts per day.

Include staple foods such as sugar, salt and pepper, too, and
high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola
bars and trail mix.

“Don’t forget to throw in some comfort foods, too, like
cookies,
hard candy, sweetened cereals and instant coffee and tea,”
Andress said.

If you usually use them, be sure to include vitamin and
mineral
supplements to assure proper nutrition.

When stocking your emergency supply, keep in mind any special
needs in your family. Have you included special foods for infants
or elderly family members?

Don’t forget hand-operated can opener

Don’t forget to include a hand-operated can opener, scissors
and
knife for opening canned foods and foods in foil or plastic
pouches. The last items in your supply should be disposable
plates, cups and utensils.

“Once you have your food supply together, make a list of dates
when food items need to be inspected and possibly rotated out.
Then replace them with newly bought items,” Andress said. “Canned
foods can last two years. But for best quality, use them within
one year.”

Powdered milk may be stored 12 to 24 months. Use most of the
other foods in your emergency supply within one year, or rotate
them out. Over time, replace any rusty, leaky, dented or bulging
food cans.

Once your emergency food supply is intact, store it in a cool,
dry place. Store dry supplies off the floor in a clean, dry, dark
place away from any sources of moisture.