Letter Re: Portable, Minimal Prep. Emergency Foods

Sir,
Here is a list of the food suggestions that we made for our kids families. This list only deals with the food and not any implements or utensils needed for preparation and consumption. We already supplied them with what was needed kit wise and it was up to them to provide the food of their choice.

  • Trail Mix
  • Jerky
  • Dried Fruit – Raisins, Banana Chips, Etc
  • Small Pop Top Canned Meats – Vienna Sausage, Deviled Ham or Tuna
  • Small Jar Peanut Butter
  • Crackers (large round ones can be stored in “Pringles” tube)
  • Granola Bars
  • Candy (but consider the melt factor for any chocolate type)
  • Instant Oatmeal
  • Coffee Singles
  • Cocoa Mixes
  • Tea Bags
  • Sugar and Creamer Packets
  • Individual Packets of Gatorade, Lemonade, Punch
  • Cans of Stew, Chili, Chunky Soups or Beans & Wieners (pop tops)
  • Knorr Lipton Rice and Sauce Mixes (add water only type)
  • Knorr Lipton Pasta and Sauce Mixes (must have milk powder)
  • Small Cans of Ham, Chicken, Etc (to add to rice or pasta)
  • Small Cans of Green Beans or Corn (to add to rice or pasta)
  • Envelopes of Instant Mashed Potatoes (add water only type)
  • Instant Gravy Mixes
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Non Refrigerated Pudding Cups
  • Fruit Cups

Regards, – Jim and Glennis

JWR Replies: Because of the large amounts of refined sugar in many of these foods, some cannot be recommend as healthy foods for long-term use. But even these have utility in a short-term “bug out” situation for your G.O.O.D. kit, where the sheer number of calories will trump most other selection factors.