Emergency Food Storage Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate how much food to store for emergency preparedness. Enter family size and target duration to get a complete list of staples with quantities, calorie totals, and cost estimates.
Emergency Food Storage Calculator
HomesteadingCalculate food storage quantities for emergency preparedness.
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What is a Homesteading Emergency Food Storage Calculator?
A homesteading emergency food storage calculator helps you determine how much food to store for your family's preparedness needs. Emergency food storage provides security against supply chain disruptions, job loss, natural disasters, and other unforeseen circumstances. A well-planned system uses shelf-stable staples that your family actually eats, rotated regularly to maintain freshness.
The Foundation: Grains and Legumes
Hard grains (wheat, rice, corn, oats) and legumes (beans, lentils, peas) form the caloric backbone of food storage. Together they provide complete protein. A 25-pound bucket of wheat contains about 40,000 calories — nearly three weeks of survival rations for one person.
Storage Environment Matters
Temperature affects shelf life more than almost any other factor. Storage at 60°F doubles shelf life compared to 80°F. Basements, root cellars, or climate-controlled spaces are ideal. Keep foods away from concrete floors (which transfer moisture) and out of direct sunlight.
Don't Forget Comfort Foods
In stressful times, familiar comfort foods boost morale. Include coffee, tea, chocolate, spices, and favorite snacks. These don't provide survival nutrition but significantly improve psychological wellbeing during difficult periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories per day does an adult need?
Most adults need 1,800-2,500 calories daily for normal activity. Hard physical labor (farming, construction) may require 3,000-4,000 calories. Emergency planning typically uses 2,000 calories per adult as baseline, with adjustments for children, nursing mothers, and activity level.
What is the best food for long-term storage?
Hard grains (wheat, corn, rice) properly stored last 30+ years. Beans and legumes last 25+ years. Honey and salt last indefinitely. The key is removing oxygen and moisture using mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, stored in food-grade buckets in cool, dark locations.
How much water should I store per person?
Store minimum 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. A 2-week supply means 14 gallons per person. For long-term preparedness, focus on water purification methods (filters, tablets, boiling) plus some stored water for immediate needs.
Should I store wheat or flour?
Whole wheat berries last 30+ years while flour lasts 1-5 years. Wheat requires a grinder but provides fresher flour with more nutrition. Store both: wheat for long-term, flour for immediate use. Include a hand-crank grain mill in preparedness supplies.
How do I rotate food storage?
Use First In, First Out (FIFO) — use oldest items first and replace with new. Date all containers when purchased. Integrate storage foods into regular meals. Canned goods and oils need most frequent rotation. Check annually for damage, pests, or spoilage.
Sources and References
- Utah State University Extension, "Food Storage Guidelines"
- FEMA, "Food and Water in an Emergency"
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Longer-Term Food Storage"