How much emergency food should you store?

Count eating occasions first

Choose the number of people and days. Then write down the meals your plan needs to cover. Four people over three days at three meals a day gives 36 meal occasions. This is a planning example, not a calorie prescription.

Check whether the portions are enough

Read the energy per portion and per pack. A manufacturer’s serving may be a side dish or a small portion. Children, adults and people doing demanding physical work have different needs. Use suitable individual advice where a medical diet is involved.

Convert portions into cases

Divide your required quantity by the usable portions in each case and round up. For example, 36 single-pouch meal occasions require three cases of 12 only if one pouch is an appropriate portion for each occasion. Breakfasts, snacks and drinks still need their own line.

• People and days covered.
• Meal occasions and realistic portion size.
• Packs per case and minimum order quantity.
• Preparation water and access to heating.
• Dietary alternatives and a chosen contingency allowance.

Avoid buying a reserve you cannot manage

Start with a quantity you can store properly and rotate. Before scaling up, measure the available space and check the weight of the delivery. Keep a record of what is stored and when it needs replacing.