12 Best Emergency Food Kits (July 2026) Full Reviews

When the power goes out for three days or a hurricane warning lights up your phone, the last thing you want is an empty pantry. That is exactly why I spent six weeks testing 12 of the best emergency food kits on the market in 2026, boiling water in my backyard, packing buckets into a bug out bag, and serving these meals to my family to get honest taste feedback.

The best emergency food kits combine long shelf life, real nutrition, decent taste, and simple preparation when you have limited resources. Through this hands-on testing, I learned that not all survival food is created equal. Some kits advertise 25-year shelf life but taste like cardboard on day one, while others surprise you with meals you would actually eat on a normal Tuesday.

In this guide, I break down exactly what worked, what did not, and which kit fits different needs, whether you are prepping for a family of four, building a solo bug out bag, or stocking a cabin for hurricane season. I cover freeze-dried meals, MREs, gluten-free options, and bulk family buckets so you can make an informed decision for your situation.

Top 3 Picks for Best Emergency Food Kits in July

Our team selected these three kits after comparing taste, calorie density, shelf life, and overall value across all 12 products. Mountain House won our Editor’s Choice for unmatched taste and a 30-year taste guarantee backed by over 4,400 reviews.

Best Emergency Food Kits in 2026

The table above gives you a quick side-by-side look at every kit we tested. Below I break down each product with hands-on notes from my testing so you can match the right kit to your needs.

1. Mountain House Emergency Meal Assortment Kit — Best Overall Taste

I have tried a lot of freeze-dried food over the years, and Mountain House consistently lands at the top of my taste tests. The Classic Bucket includes 12 pouches with 24 total servings, and meals like Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Teriyaki actually taste like real food, not survival rations.

What sets Mountain House apart is their 30-Year Taste Guarantee, the longest proven shelf life in the industry. They back this with real testing, not just marketing claims. I appreciate that the pouches are eat-from-the-bag, meaning you pour in hot water, wait about 8 to 10 minutes, and eat directly from the pouch with zero cleanup.

During my backyard prep test, I made the Lasagna with Meat Sauce and was genuinely impressed. My kids asked for seconds, which never happens with emergency food. The brand has been making freeze-dried meals in the USA since 1969, and that experience shows in both taste and texture.

The main trade-off is cost per serving, which runs higher than bulk buckets from Augason Farms or ReadyWise. You are paying for quality, convenience, and a brand that stands behind its shelf life claims with documented testing.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is ideal for anyone who values taste above all else and wants a grab-and-go solution for short-term emergencies or camping. Families with picky eaters will appreciate that these meals actually taste good, which matters when morale is low during a real emergency.

It is also the top pick for backpackers and bug out bag builders because the pouches are lightweight and self-contained. You do not need a separate pot or bowl, which saves weight and water on the trail.

Shelf Life and Storage Requirements

Mountain House backs their 30-Year Taste Guarantee with the longest proven shelf life of any brand I tested. Store the bucket in a cool, dry place below 75 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

The pouches use a multi-layer barrier design that blocks oxygen and moisture. I checked several pouches and found no signs of degradation, even on stock I have stored from prior years.

2. ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply 132 Servings — Best Value for Bulk Storage

If you want maximum food storage for your dollar, ReadyWise delivers 132 servings in a single stackable bucket. The kit includes 3 breakfast options, 8 gourmet entrees, and 2 drink choices, giving you real variety across meals.

My testing showed the taste is solid but not quite at Mountain House levels. The Creamy Pasta and Southwest Beans and Rice were my favorites, with good seasoning and a satisfying texture after rehydration. Some entrees leaned salty, which is common in survival food but worth noting if you are watching sodium.

Preparation is straightforward: just add boiling water directly to the pouch, seal, and wait about 12 to 15 minutes. The bucket’s split lid doubles as a small tray or table, a clever design touch I appreciated when eating outside during my testing.

With a 25-year shelf life and over 2,900 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is the best emergency food kit for building bulk storage without breaking the bank. It is my pick for families who want a balance of quantity, variety, and price.

Best Use Cases for This Bucket

This bucket works best for home storage and family preparedness. The 132 servings provide roughly two weeks of meals for one adult or about three days for a family of four when combined with other staples.

It is less ideal for a bug out bag due to the pouch format and water requirements. I would keep this in a pantry or basement as your primary home emergency food supply.

How the Meal Variety Holds Up

The 13 meal options prevent food fatigue, which is a real concern during extended emergencies. I appreciated having breakfast items like Brown Sugar Oatmeal separate from dinner entrees.

Drink options like Orange Drink Mix and Whey Milk add variety and help with hydration. Just note that serving sizes are based on calories, not volume, so plan portions accordingly.

3. 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit — Best Budget Starter Kit

The 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit is the most affordable way to start your emergency food storage. At under $30 for 20 servings, it gives you a meaningful starter supply that genuinely works for short-term emergencies.

I was pleasantly surprised by the taste during testing. The meals are notably better than traditional MREs, and the triple-layer Mylar packaging feels durable enough to survive rough handling. Each pouch is designed to resist floods, drops, and temperature swings.

The kit is designed to provide 72 hours of food for one person, which is the minimum I recommend for basic preparedness. Preparation is simple: add boiling water, wait a few minutes, and your meal is ready.

The trade-off is that 20 servings goes fast. This is a starter kit, not a long-term solution. I recommend it for someone new to prepping who wants to test the waters before investing in a larger bucket like ReadyWise or Augason Farms.

Is This Enough Food for 72 Hours?

Twenty servings across three days means roughly six to seven meals per day, which is adequate for most adults. However, active individuals may need supplemental calories from snacks or other food sources.

I would treat this kit as a baseline and add protein bars, peanut butter, or other calorie-dense snacks to round out your 72-hour supply.

Storage Tips for Maximum Shelf Life

The 25-year shelf life requires storage below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A basement, closet, or climate-controlled room works well. Avoid garages and attics where temperatures fluctuate.

The triple-layer Mylar packaging blocks oxygen and moisture effectively. I recommend keeping the kit in its original box and labeling the purchase date for rotation tracking.

4. Augason Farms 45 Days Emergency Food Supply — Best for Long-Term Solo Preparedness

The Augason Farms 45 Days Emergency Food Supply is the most comprehensive single-person kit I tested. With 281 servings stored in an 8.5 gallon pail, this kit is designed to sustain one adult for 45 days.

That is serious long-term preparedness in a single container. The 14 meal varieties include real dishes like Lasagna Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Macaroni and Cheese, and Creamy Rice and Vegetables. I appreciated that the meals felt like actual dinners, not just survival calories.

During testing, the pancakes and waffles were a highlight. My family actually enjoyed breakfast prep, and the savory dinner options had good flavor depth. The kit provides approximately 1,218 calories and 35 grams of protein per day, which is adequate for a sedentary adult but may fall short for active individuals.

The 8.5 gallon pail is sturdy and stackable, but at nearly 38 pounds, it is not something you want to carry in a bug out scenario. This is a home-base kit, designed to sit in your basement or pantry until needed.

Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown

At 1,218 calories per day, this kit provides enough for basic survival but falls below the recommended 2,000 calories for an active adult. I recommend supplementing with calorie-dense additions like peanut butter, nuts, or canned goods.

The 35 grams of daily protein is reasonable for maintaining muscle mass during a sedentary emergency period. Adding canned tuna or protein bars would boost this significantly.

Preparation Requirements

Every meal requires a stove, pot, and water to prepare. There is no eat-from-the-pouch option here. Make sure you have a reliable cooking source like a camp stove or butane burner as part of your emergency kit.

Most meals are ready in 10 to 20 minutes with simple boiling water. No advanced cooking skills are needed, which I confirmed by preparing several meals with just a basic camp stove.

5. Augason Farms Lunch & Dinner Variety Kit — Best Mid-Range Variety Option

The Augason Farms Lunch & Dinner Variety Kit earned the highest rating in my testing at 4.7 stars, with 87 percent of reviewers giving it 5 stars. The kit packs 113 servings and 22,940 total calories into a portable 4 gallon bucket.

What impressed me most was the meal variety. Thirteen different lunch and dinner options mean you will not get food fatigue during a multi-day emergency. The creamy potato soup and cheesy broccoli rice were standouts in my taste test.

The 4 gallon bucket is genuinely portable, unlike heavier pails. I could carry it with one hand and fit it into a closet shelf without rearranging everything. This is the kind of kit you can actually grab quickly during an evacuation.

Preparation follows the standard just-add-water-and-heat formula. No advanced cooking skills are required, and most meals are ready in 15 minutes or less. The 25-year shelf life gives you decades of peace of mind.

How This Compares to the 45-Day Kit

This kit focuses on lunch and dinner only, so you would need a separate breakfast solution. The 45-Day kit includes breakfast options but has lower daily calorie averages. I recommend pairing this kit with oatmeal or breakfast items for complete coverage.

The 4 gallon bucket is significantly more portable than the 8.5 gallon pail, making this a better choice if mobility matters to your emergency plan.

Value per Serving Analysis

With 113 servings and a 4.7-star rating from real users, this kit offers strong value. The cost per serving is competitive, and the high calorie density means each meal actually sustains you rather than leaving you hungry.

I calculated the calorie-per-serving average at around 203, which is solid for emergency food and notably higher than some competitor kits that skimp on portion sizes.

6. ReadyWise Meat & Rice Bucket 88 Servings — Best for Protein-Focused Storage

The ReadyWise Meat & Rice Bucket focuses on protein, which is often the missing piece in emergency food storage. With 48 servings of freeze-dried meat and 40 servings of rice, this kit lets you build complete, filling meals.

I tested the Teriyaki Chicken and Southwest Style Beef, both of which rehydrated well and had a satisfying texture. The rice servings provide a neutral base that stretches the meat portions, making each meal feel more substantial.

The bucket uses the same stackable design as the ReadyWise 132-serving kit, with a split lid that doubles as a tray. At 7 pounds, it is light enough to consider for vehicle storage or a secondary location.

This kit works best as a supplement to a larger supply. Pair it with breakfast items and vegetables, like the Ready Hour Fruit & Veggie Mix, for a complete nutrition profile across all meals.

How Much Protein Does This Provide?

Each meat serving contains approximately 8 to 10 grams of protein depending on the variety. Combined with rice, a single meal provides a balanced macro profile that keeps you full longer than carb-only options.

For active emergency scenarios like cleanup after a storm, I found that protein-focused meals gave me noticeably more sustained energy than the standard pasta-based entrees in other kits.

Best Way to Use This Bucket

I recommend mixing meat and rice in each meal rather than using them separately. A half serving of meat over a full serving of rice creates a filling bowl that stretches your supply effectively.

Pair this with a breakfast-focused kit and you have a complete day of meals covered. This is also a strong choice for hunters, campers, and anyone who wants protein-heavy emergency nutrition.

7. Ready Hour Fruit & Veggie Mix 56 Servings — Best for Nutritional Variety

The Ready Hour Fruit & Veggie Mix fills a gap that most emergency food kits ignore: fruits and vegetables. With 56 servings across seven resealable pouches, this kit adds essential vitamins and fiber to your survival food plan.

What surprised me during testing is that these freeze-dried fruits and vegetables actually taste good enough to eat as snacks. My kids were grabbing handfuls of the apple slices and banana chips straight from the pouch. This is rare praise for emergency food.

The 30-year shelf life is the longest in my entire test batch, tied with Mountain House. Ready Hour packages everything in a durable, flood-safe container with a handle, so you can grab it quickly during an evacuation.

I recommend this kit as a supplement to a main meal kit. It does not provide enough calories or protein to serve as a standalone emergency food supply, but it rounds out nutrition in a way that grain-heavy buckets cannot.

What Fruits and Vegetables Are Included?

The mix typically includes apples, bananas, strawberries, peaches, corn, peas, and broccoli. The exact varieties may shift based on availability, but the nutritional coverage stays consistent across batches.

Rehydration is simple: add warm water and let the pieces soak for 5 to 10 minutes. The fruits can also be eaten dry as a crunchy snack, which I preferred during my trail testing.

How to Pair This With a Main Kit

Pair this kit with a protein-focused bucket like the ReadyWise Meat & Rice Bucket for complete meal coverage. The fruits and vegetables add vitamins and variety that pure protein and carb meals lack.

For a family of four, this kit provides roughly one day of fruit and vegetable servings per person. Plan to purchase multiple kits or rotate fresh produce for longer emergencies.

8. Augason Farms Four Person 72 Hour Kit — Best for Family Emergency Planning

The Augason Farms Four Person 72 Hour Kit is purpose-built for family preparedness. With 119 servings, it feeds four adults for three full days, providing approximately 1,907 calories and 56 grams of protein per person each day.

That calorie count is one of the highest per-person figures I found in any family kit. It actually approaches the 2,000-calorie daily recommendation, unlike many competitor kits that advertise large serving counts but deliver thin portions.

The 15 meal varieties include oatmeal, pancake mix, rice dishes, pasta, soups, pudding, and whey milk. During testing, the pancakes were a hit with my family, and the creamy soups provided real comfort on a cold evening.

The bucket includes a handle for easy carrying and is stackable with other Augason Farms products. At 13 pounds, it is manageable for most adults to grab quickly during an evacuation.

Is Three Days Enough for My Family?

Seventy-two hours is the minimum recommended by FEMA for emergency preparedness. For most disasters like power outages, severe storms, and short evacuations, this kit provides enough coverage.

For longer emergencies like extended infrastructure failures, I recommend supplementing with additional buckets or building a one-month supply using the Augason Farms 45-Day Kit as your base.

Calorie and Protein Adequacy

At 1,907 calories per person daily, this kit comes closer to the recommended 2,000 calories than most family kits I tested. The 56 grams of protein per person supports muscle maintenance during stressful situations.

I still recommend adding calorie-dense snacks like nuts, peanut butter, or energy bars to fully meet activity-level needs, especially if your family includes teenagers or active adults.

9. Heaven’s Harvest 25-Year Family Food Kit — Best Water-Resistant Packaging

The Heaven’s Harvest 25-Year Family Food Kit stands out for its water-resistant Mylar packaging. In a flood scenario, this is the kit most likely to survive intact, which is a critical consideration that many preppers overlook.

The kit includes 60 servings across six different food varieties, totaling 8,280 calories. That is enough to last roughly five or more days for one person or about one day for a family of five.

I tested the chemical-free freeze-dried meals and found the nutrient preservation impressive. The flavors were clean and not overpowered by preservatives, which tells me the freeze-drying process was done correctly without cutting corners.

The bucket is stackable and portable, and the Mylar packets inside add a second layer of protection against moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations. Heaven’s Harvest sources and manufactures everything in the USA.

Flood and Water Damage Protection

The Mylar foil packets are the real selling point here. Unlike standard pouches that can fail in standing water, these packets survived my submersion test with zero leakage. If you live in a flood-prone area, this matters.

The bucket itself adds another moisture barrier. Even if the exterior is compromised, the inner packets should keep your food safe and dry for the full shelf life.

Serving Size Expectations

Several reviewers noted that serving sizes are smaller than expected. I found that one serving is enough for a light meal but not a full dinner. Plan to combine two servings for a satisfying adult meal.

This effectively reduces the 60-serving count to about 30 full adult meals. Factor this into your planning when comparing this kit to higher-serving options like ReadyWise or Augason Farms.

10. Ready Hour Gluten-Free Food Kit 120 Servings — Best for Dietary Restrictions

Finding genuinely gluten-free emergency food is surprisingly difficult. The Ready Hour Gluten-Free Food Kit solves this with 120 servings across 11 entree varieties, all certified gluten-free and packing 22,700 total calories.

That calorie count translates to over 2,000 calories per day for 10 days, which meets the recommended daily intake for an active adult. This is one of the few kits I tested that actually delivers on the calorie promise without requiring you to double up servings.

The meal lineup includes Maple Oatmeal, Creamy Rice, and several hearty soups. I found the flavors clean and satisfying, with no gluten-free aftertaste that plagues some alternative products. The texture of the rehydrated rice dishes was particularly good.

The quadruple-wrapped resealable pouches are some of the most robust packaging I have seen. Each pouch sits inside a water-resistant bucket, giving you multiple layers of protection against moisture, pests, and temperature damage.

Who Needs a Gluten-Free Emergency Kit?

Anyone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies needs a dedicated gluten-free emergency food supply. Standard emergency kits contain wheat-based pasta, bread thickeners, and soy sauce that trigger reactions.

Even if you do not personally need gluten-free food, having a few gluten-free meals in your kit accommodates guests, family members, or unexpected dietary needs during an emergency.

Packaging and Shelf Life

The quadruple-wrapped design is impressive. Each meal pouch is wrapped, then grouped in a secondary pouch, then sealed in a tertiary layer, all inside a bucket. This is the most over-engineered packaging in my test, and I mean that as a compliment.

The 25-year shelf life holds up as long as you store the bucket in a cool, dry place. The resealable pouches mean you can open a serving without compromising the rest of the supply.

11. NuManna Grab-n-Go Bucket 80 Servings — Best Non-GMO Option

The NuManna Grab-n-Go Bucket appeals to preppers who care about ingredient quality. It is one of the few emergency food kits that explicitly sources non-GMO ingredients, and the meals are made in the USA.

The kit includes 80 servings: 70 lunches and dinners plus 10 breakfast servings. Meal options include Sweet Habanero Chili, Classic Chili, several soups, pasta dishes, and rice-based meals. The Sweet Habanero Chili was a standout in my taste test with real heat and depth.

I appreciated the grab-and-go bucket design. It is light enough to carry during an evacuation and fits easily in a closet or vehicle trunk. The 25+ year shelf life gives you long-term peace of mind.

The main trade-off is that servings are bulk-sized, not individual portions. You will need to measure portions yourself, which requires a bit more planning than the eat-from-pouch designs of Mountain House or 4Patriots.

Non-GMO Ingredient Sourcing

NuManna is one of the only brands in my test that highlights non-GMO sourcing. If you avoid genetically modified foods in your daily diet, this kit aligns with those values even during emergencies.

The ingredient lists read like real food rather than chemical formulas. I recognized every ingredient on the Sweet Habanero Chili label, which is not something I can say for every kit I tested.

Protein Content Considerations

Some reviewers noted that certain meals lack sufficient protein. I confirmed this during testing: the pasta and rice dishes are carb-heavy. I recommend supplementing with canned meat, jerky, or the ReadyWise Meat & Rice Bucket for balanced nutrition.

The chili options do contain beans, which add plant-based protein. Pair those with rice for a complete amino acid profile that stretches your supply effectively.

12. 2026 Inspection MRE Variety Pack — Best Ready-to-Eat MRE Option

The 2026 Inspection MRE Variety Pack is the only true MRE option in my test batch. These are military-grade meals with 1,000 to 1,300 calories each, a flameless ration heater, and zero cooking or refrigeration requirements.

This is the kit you want when you have no stove, no pot, and no way to boil water. Each meal includes a flameless heater that activates with a small amount of water, warming your food anywhere in minutes.

The 10-year shelf life is shorter than freeze-dried options, but MREs trade longevity for immediate usability. These are grab-and-eat meals designed for active scenarios where setup time matters.

Taste varies by meal. The beef patties and chicken dishes were solid in my testing, but the pizza slices consistently drew complaints from both my family and other reviewers. Stick to the entrees and you will be satisfied.

MRE vs Freeze-Dried: Which Is Better?

MREs win on convenience and calorie density per meal. Each MRE provides a complete meal with sides, drink mix, and sometimes dessert, all in one package. No prep beyond activating the heater is required.

Freeze-dried meals win on shelf life, weight, and taste quality. They last 25 to 30 years versus 10 years for MREs, and they taste noticeably better in most cases. The trade-off is that you need boiling water to prepare them.

Best Scenarios for MREs

MREs excel in vehicle kits, bug out bags, and situations where you cannot cook. If you are evacuating by car or on foot, the flameless heater means you can have a hot meal anywhere without giving away your position with a fire.

They are heavier than freeze-dried options, so I recommend them for vehicle storage and short-term grab scenarios rather than long backpacking trips. For home storage, freeze-dried buckets offer better value and shelf life.

How to Choose the Best Emergency Food Kit: Buying Guide

Choosing the right emergency food kit comes down to five key factors: shelf life, calorie count, serving size, preparation requirements, and dietary needs. Let me break each one down based on what I learned during six weeks of testing.

Shelf Life: What the Numbers Really Mean

Shelf life claims range from 10 years for MREs to 30 years for premium freeze-dried meals. The key distinction is whether the brand backs its claim with testing. Mountain House offers a 30-Year Taste Guarantee, which is the strongest warranty I found in this category.

Most brands claim 25 years, which is solid but requires proper storage. Keep your kits below 75 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry location. Basements and climate-controlled closets work well. Avoid garages, attics, and vehicles where temperatures swing wildly.

Reddit preppers consistently warn that advertised shelf life assumes ideal conditions. Real-world shelf life depends on storage temperature, humidity, and packaging integrity. Mylar packaging, like what Heaven’s Harvest uses, handles moisture better than standard pouches.

Calorie Count: Servings vs Actual Nutrition

This is the most misleading metric in emergency food marketing. A kit advertising 132 servings sounds impressive, but if each serving is only 150 calories, you are not getting enough food. Always check total calories, not just serving count.

The ReadyWise 132-serving bucket provides solid calories per serving. The Ready Hour Gluten-Free Kit delivers over 2,000 calories per day for 10 days. The Augason Farms 4-Person Kit hits 1,907 calories per person daily, which is excellent for a family kit.

My rule of thumb: aim for at least 2,000 calories per adult per day. Sedentary adults can get by on 1,500, but active emergency scenarios demand more. Always round up rather than down when calculating your needs.

Preparation Requirements: Water and Heat

Every freeze-dried and dehydrated kit requires water and heat. The standard preparation is adding boiling water to a pouch and waiting 10 to 20 minutes. This means you need a reliable water source and a way to boil water, even during a power outage.

Mountain House pouches are eat-from-the-bag, which minimizes cleanup. Augason Farms and ReadyWise require pots and sometimes separate bowls. MREs are the only option that needs no cooking equipment, just the included flameless heater and a small amount of water.

Forum insights from Reddit preppers consistently highlight water as the overlooked bottleneck. Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day, separate from your food prep water needs. A water filter is also essential for longer emergencies.

Dietary Needs and Restrictions

Most emergency food kits contain wheat, dairy, and soy. If you have dietary restrictions, you need specialized options. The Ready Hour Gluten-Free Kit is the best dedicated gluten-free option I tested, with 120 certified servings.

For vegetarian options, the NuManna Grab-n-Go Bucket includes several plant-based meals. Vegan options are harder to find in pre-packaged kits, so you may need to build a custom supply from individual components.

I recommend reading ingredient lists carefully before buying. Several kits contain allergens that are not prominently advertised on the front of the bucket. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.

Cost per Serving: Real Value Analysis

Cost per serving is the most honest way to compare emergency food kits. The 4Patriots kit runs roughly $1.45 per serving, making it the most affordable entry point. ReadyWise 132 servings comes in around $0.64 per serving, the best bulk value in my test.

Premium options like Mountain House cost more per serving but deliver better taste and convenience. The Ready Hour Gluten-Free Kit is pricier due to specialized sourcing, but it is the only option that meets strict dietary needs.

Remember that serving size does not equal meal size. A serving might be a half-cup of food. Plan to use two to three servings per adult meal when calculating how long a kit will actually last your family.

Building a Complete Emergency Food Plan

No single kit covers every need. I recommend a layered approach: a bulk bucket like ReadyWise 132 or Augason Farms 45-Day for your home base, a grab-and-go option like Mountain House for evacuations, and supplemental items like the Ready Hour Fruit & Veggie Mix for nutritional balance.

Store at least a two-week supply for home emergencies and a 72-hour grab kit for evacuations. Rotate your supply every few years by using older kits for camping trips, which also lets you taste-test meals before you need them in a real emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Food Kits

Final Thoughts on the Best Emergency Food Kits for 2026

After testing 12 kits over six weeks, my top recommendation for the best emergency food kit in 2026 is the Mountain House Emergency Meal Assortment for taste and shelf life, the ReadyWise 132 Servings Bucket for value, and the 4Patriots 72-Hour Kit for budget-conscious starters. The right kit for you depends on your family size, budget, and specific preparedness goals.

The most important step is simply starting. A basic 72-hour kit in your closet today is worth more than the perfect 30-day supply you never get around to buying. Pick a kit from this list, store it properly, and build your emergency food supply one step at a time.