Emergency Food Supplies & Plant Seeds

Baking Needs

• Particular foods should be stored if baking will still be done. Stock flours and oats for baking breads and dessert items. Keep sugar, baking powder and soda, and baker's cocoa on hand as well. Cornstarch and cornmeal will also be needed. Yeast is another necessary ingredient. Breads, muffins and baked pancakes may all be made with these basic ingredients.
  
  

Cooking Needs

• Stock other ingredients when a stovetop or open fire will be used for cooking. Keep pastas and rices on hand, and ensure that dried beans are available for making soups. Keep sauces stocked to be warmed and poured over foods and also store canned soups and stews. Store canned vegetables for those times when fresh vegetables are not available, as well as canned and dried meats.
  
  

Non-cook Foods

• Condiments are useful when making meals, especially when said meals may not be the most appetizing plain. Keep ketchup, steak sauce and salad dressings stocked as well as grated cheeses and syrup. Stock canned fruits, crackers and boxed bread sticks to aid in evening out meals or to provide snacks in between meals, and store peanut butter and jellies that do not need refrigeration. Store dried fruits, nuts and seeds as well. Purchase cereals, oatmeal and cream of wheat to provide you with necessary nutrients at breakfast even without the addition of milk.
  
  

Beverages

• Soy, almond and rice milks may all be purchased and stored for future use as long as you get them from the aisles rather than the refrigerated section at the store. Stock powdered milk as well, at least for use when baking and cooking. Store juices, coffee and tea and hot cocoa. Keep plenty of water on hand if there is a chance you will not have running water at home.
  
  

Seeds

• The best seeds to store are those for foods that you know you and your family will eat. Purchase organic heirloom seeds whenever possible for optimum nutrition benefits. Greens such as lettuces, cabbage and watercress will allow you to create basic fresh salads from late spring to the autumn harvest. Tomatoes, cucumber and zucchini will add to these salads as well as serve as the base for recipes such as stews and breads. Potatoes and winter squashes will also come in handy when making many meals. Add fresh fruits to your diet by stocking melon seeds and having berries available in the garden. Herb seeds, such as parsley and rosemary, will allow you to grow seasonings for your homemade meals, and those such as chamomile and mint are used in making teas.