Emergency preparedness is always a wise investment. Here in Colorado, we have such unpredictable weather. Reflecting on the blizzard that hit the East Coast, it’s good to remember that not all storms are this mild or come with advance notice. So, this article details ways to create a preparedness kit, including shelf-stable gluten-free foods.
Safety Basics
When most people think of an emergency kit, they think of a first aid kit, blankets, water and candles and matches. However, there are many other items that are important to have on hand. Check out FEMA’s preparedness kit suggestions to help you build yours. Be sure to look through the tabs midway down the page as well. The “Basic” kit leaves out a lot of necessities such as diapers for a baby or food for your pet.
Food Essentials
The following list gives items to feed a gluten-free person for a few days. Be sure to stock quantities for at least 3 days and to suit the number of people that need fed. This list is designed to provide the most bang for your buck nutrition-wise. The foods are slower burning foods that are more hunger satiating and provide the greatest in energy consistency.
- Dried Meats/Jerky- Look for non-preserved meats in air tight packaging. The meat will not spoil until a few days after opening. If possible to chill the meat after opening, then great, but don’t stress if you cannot.
- Canned Fish- You can stock up on cans of Albacore Tuna and Wild Salmon from our local Costco. Look for wild caught fish if possible and stored in water rather than oil.
- Canned Vegetables- Avoid corn and peas because they can hike blood sugar causing you to feel a need to eat again much sooner. Look for green beans, carrots, asparagus and other non-starchy vegetables.
- Canned or Dehydrated Fruits- Purchase cups of fruit or canned fruit that is in 100% juice syrup. Look for dehydrated fruits that don’t contain added sweeteners. Again, this is to avoid major blood sugar hikes. The King Soopers “Simply Truth Organic” raisins, for example, are just raisins...nothing else.
- Milk Products- Shelf stable milk products are possible if you know where to look. You can stock cans of coconut milk (preferably full fat) or boxes of milk powder. Try this link to find powdered whole milk.
- Eggs- Yes, you can get dried eggs. Just watch out for dehydrated mixes. They come with a host of additional ingredients. This powder from Provident Pantry is just eggs.
- Fats- Fats are essential and will help your body to keep itself warm (in the case of a blizzard). Healthy, shelf-stable fats to stock are Olive oil (for use cold in a dressing or dip) and Coconut Oil for cooking. Coconut Oil maintains its nutritional value even at very high heat and can also be used to treat burns and as a moisturizer. Also available in a huge tub from Costco.
- Seeds and Nuts- Almond Butter, Sunbutter, Pumpkin seeds, Unprocessed Nuts etc. These are all great go to snack foods packed with nutrition.
- Water- Of course, pack lots of water. At a minimum, stock 3 gallons of water per person. That’s one gallon per person per day.
Comforts
If you have the room or the desire to add some extra fun foods, here are some gluten-free suggestions!
- Hot Tea or Ground Coffee stored in air tight containers
- Raw, Unfiltered Honey
- Hot Chocolate Mix
- Dark Chocolate Chips –Try Enjoy Life.
- Sweet Potato Chips
- Spices-Keep Salt and Pepper, Cinnamon, Chili Powder and any favorite spices in your kit!
Leave other ideas for healthy, gluten-free, shelf-stable foods in the comments!
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