Food and water will be needed in any emergency.  Emergencies can take many forms, from storms to power outages. Keeping food on hand for emergencies protects you in the same way as insurance on your home or auto.  If you do not use your food just serve it up before the end of its shelf life.  Imagine what a lifesaver these foods can be when your electric power is knocked out for several days by a storm or if you need to leave your home and take your emergency food and water with you.  

Mayday and Millennium emergency food bars have a 5 year shelf life.  We believe that a 2400 calorie food ration bar for each adult per day can be adequate and a 1200 calorie food ration bar for children. With respect to emergency food if activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period of time. The Wise Food buckets, which contain individual packets, have a 25 year shelf life; the Wise Foods freeze dried meats carry a 15 year shelf life; the Wise Foods vegtables have a 25 year shelf live; and the Wise Foods fruits have a 20 year shelf life.  If you have freeze dried products on hand and a one-burner stove or candle to heat water (cold water can be used in a pinch), you can enjoy a hot satifying meal in about 10 minutes.  Having your own private food reserve makes a lot of sense.  

A normally active person needs to drink at least one quart of water a day.  We recommend having at least a couple of our 3 packs of water boxes for each person per day.  With these guidelines in mind, we then recommend a 3 day supply of portable emergency food and portable emergency water for each person in your group.