Bread Group Items

Crackers, dry breadsticks, pretzels, Melba toast, rice and popcorn cakes, breakfast cereal, dry pasta, nutritional bars, bread (keep frozen until needed).

Meat Group Items

Canned or packaged tuna, chicken/turkey, meat, soup with beans or meat, sardines, beans, chili with meat or beans, ravioli/spaghetti, ham/pork, stew, Vienna sausage, peanut butter and nuts, and commercially prepared beef or turkey jerky.

Milk Group Items

Shelf-stable milk (keep chilled after opening), powdered milk (will need extra water), canned and boxed pudding (on grocery shelves, not in the refrigerator section), nutritional drinks (e.g., Ensure).

Vegetable Group Items

Canned vegetables, soups of all types (cup of noodles, canned), canned 3-bean salad Fruit Group Items Canned fruit, applesauce, dried fruits (raisins, dates, apricots, etc.) and 100% fruit juice (not fruit drinks or punch).

Comfort Foods

Quick energy snacks such as trail mix, granola and fruit bars, cookies, hard candy, lollipops, instant coffee, and tea bags.

Items for Infants & Toddlers

Make sure to include ample amounts of food, formula (water), juice, diapers, and wipes. If you plan to evacuate to a Red Cross Hurricane Shelter, bring your baby kit along with a stroller, portable crib, or playpen.

Items for Elderly

Your kit should include water and food items that address special dietary needs such as nutritional supplement drinks and low-sodium food. Be sure to include enough medical supplies and prescription drugs to last two weeks.

More Information

Before purchasing instant food, be sure you have enough water for reconstitution and a cooking source. Camp stoves, chafing dishes, and fondue pots with Sterno fuel can be used. You can also purchase ready-to-light charcoal for your outdoor grill. Never use any of these cooking sources inside your house or garage. Always cook outside.