As parents, we are always worrying, providing, and wanting what’s best for our kids. Because of that, you’re probably thinking about your kids a lot while putting together your food storage. We thought parents would like some extra guidance with regard to their food storage and kids, so we put together this list of the top 7 things to include in your food storage if you have kids.
- Peanut Butter and Bars- Since most kids are already accustomed to eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or granola and protein bars, eating this during an emergency will not only be a comfort to them, but it will also provide them the nutrition they need.
- Powdered Milk- In an emergency, fresh milk most likely will not be available. Stocking up on this can help make it so your kids can still have that cereal they love for breakfast, all while getting great doses of calcium and vitamin d.
- Whole Wheat Crackers- Bread can be hard to come by in an emergency situation, because it can be difficult to store for long periods of time without going bad. Whole wheat crackers can stay fresh for longer, and they are a good substitute for sandwiches and other items you would need bread for. They still expire, so you’ll have to use them more frequently, but it’s good for kids to be eating healthy fats and fiber anyway.
- Multivitamins- The childhood years are the biggest growth phases of life, and children need the vitamins and minerals from somewhere. In an emergency situation, you might not have as much access to fresh produce so your children will be relying on vitamins in some things to make sure they are not deficient.
- Extra Medicines- There is nothing worse in my mind than a child having an allergic reaction during a disaster period, and not being able to help them because I forgot the shot or medication they need. If you know of any special health concerns your kids have, be prepared for them.
- Dehydrated or Freeze-dried Meals- These can be a life-saver because there is a wide variety of flavors and brands to choose from, they have a long shelf life, and they have most the nutrients that they had in their original form. Getting these will save you time as well because you will not need to spend a lot of time re-stocking (only every 8 years), and you won’t need very much time to put them together when you need to eat them.
- Bottled Water- Water is essential to life! Never count on your running water in your house to be working in an emergency. You never know what might happen, and since you and your kids will not be able to survive without it, don’t forget to pack away some water.
Remember, these are simply recommendations. Food storage will only truly prepare you for anything if you have catered it to your own family. It won’t do you any good to go off of a list of things that someone else made if those aren’t the types of things you’re used to cooking or eating.
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Dirk Puckett is a proud family man and food storage junkie who loves to help others on their way to being more prepared for emergencies. Click here to find out more about food storage, or here to visit a facebook page that can help!
