Manhattan Borough Wide InterAgency Council on Aging

While this is by no means thoughts for gourmet dining, the following items were selected to provide safe, convenient, reasonable and storable basic nourishment for emergencies. They may be used without cooking and should be purchased in sizes that would be consumed by your household within a short period of time. You should not bank on storing unfinished leftovers, as there may be no electricity for refrigeration.

It is also suggested that whatever perishable items you already have be consumed first as there may be the danger of losing power for refrigeration and cooking. Plan on first using all fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, dairy products, breads and other baked goods. Then, from your emergency stores, choose with as much variety as possible from each of the following food types:

For Protein

Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, shrimp)

Canned beans (baked beans, kidney beans, chick peas, lentils Soy beans, pinto beans, white beans, lima beans etc.)

Tofu in sealed boxes

Canned Nuts and Nut butters

Canned green beans, carrots, spinach, corn, peas, asparagus, beets, etc.

Canned or jarred peaches, pears, applesauce, pineapple, Apricots, papaya, citrus segments, fruit cocktail - or dried fruits like prunes and raisins.

Wholegrain crackers, breadsticks, and dry cereals (there are many new whole grain cereals worth trying - they are made from a mix of wheat, corn, flax, spelt, kamut, rice, barley and other basic grains) and breakfast bars.

Bottled water, irradiated boxed milks, evaporated milk, soy milk, fruit juices and nectars, fortified supplements such as Ensure and a variety of canned and bottled sports shakes. Overly sweet drinks or salty canned soups should be avoided as they tend to increase thirst.

Pack a “GO BAG’ to take along if you need to suddenly leave your house. Make it durable yet easy to carry. Check periodically to be sure all is working and medications are not expired. Items to include:

Bottled water and non-perishable food (see our Emergency Food list)

Flashlight - extra batteries

AM/FM battery operated Radio - extra batteries

Medications with information on dosage - keep updated

First-Aid Kit

Information about your important contacts and meeting places

Other special care items