Non Perishable Food

It is recommended that each household have at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food in case of emergency. A non-perishable food is any ingredient that doesn't require refrigeration and has a much longer shelf life. As a result, canned goods, dry goods, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, and other preserved foods all qualify under this definition of non-perishable foods. We are asking that you keep an additional 5-day supply of nonperishable food for up to 5 people. Non-perishable foods don’t require refrigeration but are best kept cool and dry. If it sits on a shelf in the grocery store, it’s safe on the shelf in your home.

Temperature: Store products at less than 75°F (24°C) or lower, if possible. If storage temperatures are higher, rotate your food to maintain quality.

Moisture: Keep food storage areas dry. Keep containers off the floor to allow for air circulation.

Light: Keep food in opaque containers out of direct sunlight.

Insects and rodents: Protect food stored in foil pouches, cans, jars and bottles from rodent and insect damage.

Keep air out. Store your food in meal sized portions, or a package size you can use up in less than a week once opened. If you buy in bulk, reseal in smaller packages.

Air is the enemy of long-term food storage. Use vacuum sealed containers or Mylar for longer shelf life. Oxygen absorbers and/or vacuum sealing provide the longest shelf life. Please see our below list of recommended items.

1. Dried and canned beans (30 years).
2. Freeze dried meals (30 years)
3. Non - acidic canned foods (acidic canned foods like tomato soup have shorter shelf lives)
4. Sugar, Salt, Honey (will last forever)
5. Freeze dried meals (10-30 years)
6. White Rice sealed (oxygen free - 30 years)
7. Pasta Sealed (oxygen free - 30 years)
8. Rolled Oats (30 years)
9. Dried Corn - grain (20+ years, longer if stored cool)
10. Military MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) - (10-20 years)
11. Freeze dried (instant) coffee - (20-25 years)
12. Wine - (will last forever)