How much survival food should I order?

Things to consider when buying long term survival food:

 

How much survival food your family should store depends on your goals—short-term emergency readiness (e.g. 3–7 days) vs long-term disaster resilience (e.g. weeks or months).

How Much Food to Store?
Basic Emergency Supply (Minimum)
72 hours (3 days) per person

2,000–2,400 calories/day per adult, adjusted for kids

Focus: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items

Better Preparedness
2 weeks per person is often recommended by FEMA and Red Cross

Store food you already eat (canned goods, rice, pasta, etc.)

Supplement with freeze-dried/emergency food for backup

Long-Term Preparedness
1–3 months+ for resilience (natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty)

Use a mix of:

Shelf-stable grocery items

Freeze-dried meals

Food buckets

Home-preserved foods (if applicable)

Are Food Buckets a Good Idea?
Yes—with caveats. They’re useful if:

You want a compact, long-term storage solution

You don’t want to rotate food often (lasts 20–30 years)

You’re preparing for evacuation, bug-in, or disaster relief

Pros of Food Buckets:
Long shelf life (20–30 years sealed)

Compact and stackable

Variety packs available (entrees, breakfasts, etc.)

Low prep—just add hot water

Often come with survival extras (utensils, drink mixes)

Cons or Cautions:
Many are low in protein and high in carbs

Taste and texture can vary widely

Some brands inflate serving counts (watch actual calorie content)

Not ideal for small children or special diets unless tailored

Look for: 2,000+ calories per person per day, real ingredients, and known brands (e.g., ReadyWise, Mountain House, Augason Farms)

Smart Strategy: Hybrid Storage Plan
Food Type Shelf Life Notes
Canned foods 1–5 years Ready-to-eat, rotate regularly
Dry goods (rice, pasta) 5–30 years (if packed well) Cheap bulk, needs cooking
Freeze-dried meals 20–30 years Great for convenience + long shelf life
Food buckets 20–30 years Good foundation for long-term prepping
Snacks and comfort food 6–12 months Boosts morale, especially for kids

Example for a Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids)
72-hour kit: ~24,000–28,000 total calories

2-week supply: ~112,000–140,000 total calories

1-month+ supply: ~240,000–280,000+ total calories