Emergency Planning: Buy Freeze-Dried Foods or MREs?

From multiple hurricanes to major catastrophic wildfires, the United States and neighboring nations have been dealing with a string of natural disasters in recent weeks and months. Millions have been without water and/or electricity, and have had to evacuate their beloved homes. Some can never go back.

While first responders do their absolute best, government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and charitable groups, such as the American Red Cross, instruct citizens to have at least 72-hour emergency kits on hand to sustain life until help can arrive. Given the extent of these catastrophes many say one to two weeks is better for planning.

“A family that plans ahead isn’t part of the problem when disaster strikes,” said Laurie Burkons, a Portland designer. “They are part of the solution. Let’s all be part of the solution.”

So, how to do that?

Start with the 72-hour kit, which should include at least the following:

• Water — one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food- at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, per person
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Prepared families generally store food that has a long shelf life, such a freeze dried foods, but Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are another option to consider. The U.S. military has mastered the MRE, and outdoor enthusiasts take MREs on long hikes or camping trips.

But, what’s best for you?

MRE stands for Meals Ready to Eat.

MRE’s

According to the The Ready Store, many preparedness suppliers sell the same MREs the US military feeds its soldiers. These are top quality, delicious meals that are ready to eat. You can eat them as-is, or you can use the heater included in the packaging to heat them up to eat. This makes them a great solution for short-term food storage.

Camping/Hiking- MREs have a higher calorie count (and usually protein content) so they will keep you full longer. They are also tightly packaged, minimizing space.

Bug-Out Bag- MREs are perfect for bug-out bags. For the same reasons they are good for hiking and camping, they are good for 72 hour preparedness packs. A full meal is about 15 oz and takes up minimal space, while its 1055 calories can be spread out through the day. Two full meals can feed you for a day.

Cons of MREs

• MREs are not as shelf-stable as freeze-dried foods. They have a shelf life of only 1-5 years, making them unsuitable for long-term storage.  (The cooler and drier the environment, the longer the shelf life.)
• MREs are packaged to feed one person instead of multiple servings in freeze-dried packaging.

MREs are a smart emergency preparedness option that requires some rotation.

Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are healthy and full of flavor. Fruits and vegetables are freeze-dried as they are picked. Meats and entrees are freeze-dried as soon as they are cooked. When freeze-dried, the foods retain almost all of their nutrition and flavor.

Where Does Freeze-Dried Food Belong in Emergency Preparedness?
Freeze-dried foods are made for long-term storage. With a shelf life of up to 30 years (in optimal cool, dry conditions), they are perfect for building an emergency reserve. However, freeze-dried foods don’t have to be used solely for long term food storage.

Daily use– A #10 can (about the size of a large coffee can) or a pouch of freeze-dried food, once opened, will actually stay good for 6-12 months, if stored covered and in a cool, dry place. That means you can use your storage food for every-day recipes.

Convenience Meals– Freeze-dried foods are just-add-water convenient. For instance, breakfast can be as easy as adding hot water to freeze-dried bacon and eggs.  Entrees, fruits, and vegetables are easy to reconstitute, making mealtime easy and fast.

Cons of Freeze-Dried Foods

The main con is that freeze-dried foods requires hot water to hydrate. While you can eat the food without the water, it is dry. Also, some foods don’t constitute back to their original form (although they constitute to original nutrition).

MREs and freeze-dried foods both have important places in your emergency preparedness. But, the key is being prepared for any emergency, and how you choose to do that is up to you.

To learn more, visit www.ready.gov