How many calories per day should I plan for in an emergency?

Plan for 1,800–2,200 calories per adult per day for a sedentary emergency (sheltering in place). For physical labor or cold-weather scenarios, plan 2,500–3,000 calories. Children need 1,000–1,600 depending on age. When in doubt, plan higher — caloric deficit impairs decision-making and physical capability exactly when you need both.

How much water should I store per person?

FEMA recommends 1 gallon per person per day. A more practical recommendation is 2 gallons per person per day to account for drinking, cooking, and basic sanitation. In hot weather or for active individuals, 3+ gallons per day. Store in food-grade containers; rotate every 6–12 months.

What food should I prioritize for emergency storage?

Priority 1: Foods your household actually eats. An emergency kit you'll never use is worse than an imperfect kit. Priority 2: Calorie density — white rice, dried beans, oats, pasta, canned meats, peanut butter. Priority 3: Long shelf life — freeze-dried, commercially canned, or Mylar-sealed dry goods. Avoid foods requiring refrigeration or complex preparation.

How long does emergency food actually last?

White rice (sealed): 25+ years. Honey: indefinite. Salt, sugar: indefinite. Pasta (sealed): 8–10 years. Commercially canned goods: 5–7 years (safe beyond, quality degrades). Freeze-dried meals: 25–30 years. Mylar-sealed dry beans with oxygen absorbers: 25+ years. Regular grocery items: check labels and rotate annually.

How do I build an emergency food supply on a budget?

Buy grocery store staples first: add extra canned beans, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and oats to each shopping trip. Spend an extra $10–$20 per week and you'll have a 2-week supply within 2 months. Don't buy expensive survival food kits until you have the basics covered — they're a supplement, not a foundation.

Emergency Food Supply Calculator

Calculate exactly how much emergency food your household needs — with calorie totals, suggested food quantities by category, water storage needs, and an estimated budget. No guessing required.

🧮 Calculate Your Emergency Food Needs

Number of Adults

Number of Children (under 12)

Emergency Duration

Activity Level During Emergency

Calorie Density Reference: Common Emergency Foods

Food Item	Calories per lb	Shelf Life	Water Needed	Notes
White rice (dry)	1,600	25+ years (sealed)	2:1 water:rice	Most efficient calorie storage by weight and cost
Pinto beans (dry)	1,550	25+ years (sealed)	3:1 water:beans	Complete protein when combined with rice
Rolled oats	1,800	5 years (sealed)	2:1 water:oats	Fast prep; good fiber; versatile
Peanut butter	2,850	2 years	None	High calorie, no cooking needed, shelf-stable
Pasta (dried)	1,650	5–8 years	4:1 water:pasta	Wide variety; low cost per calorie
Canned tuna	500	3–5 years	None	Complete protein; no cooking required
Canned chicken	550	3–5 years	None	Versatile protein source; ready to eat
Canned beans	380	3–5 years	None	Ready to eat; fiber and protein
Freeze-dried meals	400–500	25–30 years	1–2 cups per meal	Highest convenience; highest cost per calorie
Crackers / hardtack	1,900	2–5 years	None	No-prep, no-cook carbohydrates
Honey	1,380	Indefinite	None	Anti-microbial; natural sweetener; wound care
Cooking oil	3,520	2–4 years	None	Highest calorie density; adds needed fats
Powdered milk	1,580	2–10 years	1 cup water per 1/4 cup powder	Calcium, protein; mix with water
Almonds / mixed nuts	2,600	1–2 years	None	No-prep; dense; good fat and protein

Water Storage Requirements

Use	Per Person Per Day	Notes
Drinking	0.5 gallons minimum	Increase in heat or for active individuals
Cooking (hydrating dry foods)	0.5 gallons	Varies by food stored — dry goods need more
Basic sanitation / hygiene	0.5–1 gallon	Can be reduced in water emergencies
Practical minimum	1.5–2 gallons	FEMA recommends 1 gal minimum; 2 gal is more realistic