Extension report: Keep an emergency food cache

Having an emergency food supply means you won't go hungry when transportation, weather, health or other problems prevent you from getting your usual supply of groceries or meals.

In order to be prepared for such emergencies, experts advise keeping a three-day supply of food and water on hand.

As you prepare your three-day food supply, keep the following in mind:

* Store 1 gallon of water (at the very minimum) per person per day for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. Many manufacturers of bottled water will include a shelf life on their product. Use bottled water by the use by date.

* Choose shelf-stable foods that do not require a refrigerator or freezer for storage. Foods packaged in cardboard, thin plastic or paper should be stored in a metal, glass or rigid plastic container to avoid insect and rodent damage.

* If there is no electricity or gas for preparing and refrigerating food, be prepared with small cans of fruit, small containers of fruit and vegetable juices, canned meat such as tuna and chicken, pudding cups, peanut butter, cereals, crackers and nonfat dry milk.

* Keep your emergency food supply stored in a cool place away from any direct source of heat. This could be in a separate part of your cupboard or closet, basement or heated garage. It will be a welcome supply if the unexpected happens.

* Date the foods as you buy them. If they haven't been needed by their use date, use them and replace them with new groceries. Generally, crackers and cereals should be used within three months. Dried fruit, peanut butter, dry milk, instant coffee and cocoa mix should be used within six months. It is a good idea to use canned goods and replace them within a year.

* And be sure to tuck a can opener in with the canned goods.

* Sheila Ryan is an agent for family and consumer science with the Yakima County office of Washington State University Cooperative Extension. For answers to food safety or food preservation questions, call the Master Food Preservers at 574-1600.

Three-days' food for one person

Here is a suggested grocery list for three days for one person. Substitute with foods you normally eat. Increase as needed for the number in your household. Don't forget to add supplies for the pets in your care.

* Dry ready to eat cereal: one box

* Crackers: one 8-ounce box or larger

* Peanut butter: one 12-ounce jar

* Peanuts or other nuts: one jar

* Canned tuna and chicken: one or more cans of each

* Beef stew, chili, pork and beans: one 8-ounce can of each

* Canned juice: six-pack of your favorite kind

* Applesauce: six-pack of 6-ounce containers

* Dried prunes, raisins, apricots or other dried fruit: one 12-ounce package

* Peaches, fruit cocktail, or other canned fruit: one 8-ounce can of each

* Corn, green beans, stewed tomatoes, mixed vegetables: one 8-ounce can of each

* Canned or instant vegetable soup: three 8-ounce cans or several instant types

* Processed cheese spread: one 8-ounce box or jar

* Cocoa: one box of individual packets

* Pudding: six-pack of containers

* Tea: one box with 16 bags or 12-ounce jar instant coffee

* Nonfat dry milk: one box or boxed rice or soy milk

* Bottled water: 3 gallons

* Other foods to consider having on hand: granola bars, fruit rolls, instant mashed potatoes, instant rice, pretzels, hard candy, chocolate, cookies and other comfort foods. Extra bread and milk can be kept in your freezer.

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