Not everyone will purchase MRE's and others will not be interested in storing rice, beans and wheat.
For those who want to set aside regular foods that are able to keep for about a year and provide ease of preparation, variety and balance, I propose this menu...
These items can be purchased from the one-week list below whenever they come on sale and then be added to a plastic bin or two until a month's supply is accumulated. The box can then be stored until needed. We were able to fit a one-month food supply for two in two medium size boxes for a family member we assisted.
Extra food is built in to provide for accidents, extra snacks and surprise day visitors (i.e. family). Used sparingly this could last longer than the times specified.
This menu is for 2 people for one week. After
you have set aside enough for one week, try to add enough for a second
week, third week and so on. Encourage friends/family members to store at
least a one-month supply of non-perishables for Y2K. It will then be available
for any other unexpected occurrences that could arise.
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Cereal or Instant Flavored Oatmeal | Check expiration date and servings per container. Minimum 12 servings/box |
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Canned Fruit | 15 oz. Cans |
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Powdered Milk | Approximately 2 lbs. |
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Coffee or Tea Singles | More if heavy consumers |
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Water | For Milk, Coffee/Tea |
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Graham Crackers | |
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Peanut Butter | |
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Soup, Pasta, Ramen Noodles or Tuna | Add small jar of sandwich spread if using tuna |
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Cookies, Pretzels or Chips | Check expiration date |
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Powdered Lemonade or Drink Mix | 8-qt. Cans; Vitamin C fortified |
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Bottled Water | For Lemonade/Drink Mix |
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Dinty Moore microwaveable dinners, canned pasta with meat, canned chicken and dumplings, canned beef stew, canned ham | The Dinty Moore comes in at least 6 varieties - shop around. Remove from the package and heat in a saucepan; ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs for canned meals. |
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Vegetables/Starches | Corn, green beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, baked beans, tomatoes, instant mashed potato packets, boil-in-bag rice or rice packets, etc. |
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Fruit or Applesauce | |
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Soda, juice or water | 2-liter |
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Ritz Crackers | |
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Spray Cheese Spread | |
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Pudding or Jell-O Snacks | Or bags of candy |
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Paper Towels | |
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Spoons, Forks, Knives | |
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Napkins | |
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Salt/Pepper | |
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Cooking Oil | |
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Sugar | Shaker-type container is handy |
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Aluminum Foil | |
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Saran Wrap | |
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Baggies | Zip-top variety |
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Matches | Strike-anywhere if available |
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Sterno or Safe Heat | Check Sam's Club |
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Hobo or Camp Stove | |
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Diaper Wipes | |
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Paper plates | |
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Plastic Bowls | |
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Styrofoam Cups | |
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Plastic Cups | |
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Dishwashing Liquid | |
This diet would be high in sodium, so be cautious if you are on a salt restricted diet. You can/should make substitutions according to your dietary preferences/tastes!
This isn't the least expensive route to go but with careful selection you can pick up most everything on this list on sale sometime this summer. These meals are generally heat-and-eat so they are well suited for elderly family members.
Happy Eating!
Green
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