Emergency Food: Simple Cooking Guide

Budget-friendly recipes for beginners. See the 7-Day Family Meal Plan or use the foods on our emergency shopping list. To keep a paper copy, use your browser’s Print option. You can choose Save as PDF if your device supports it.

No-cook bean bowl

Drain ready-to-eat canned beans and vegetables. Mix with a little oil and seasoning. Eat immediately.

Tuna and crackers

Open canned tuna or chicken and serve on crackers with canned vegetables. Eat promptly; do not keep unrefrigerated leftovers.

Fruit and nut-butter snack

Combine canned fruit, crackers and peanut or seed butter. Check allergies.

Bean and tomato salad

Mix drained canned chickpeas with canned tomatoes and a little oil. Eat promptly.

Rice and beans (cooking required)

Cook rice using safe water according to the package. Combine with warmed canned beans and vegetables.

Warm oatmeal (cooking required)

Prepare oats with safe water following the package. Add shelf-stable milk and peanut butter for energy.

Safety: Keep a manual can opener. Never use camp stoves, charcoal grills or other outdoor fuel-burning appliances indoors. Use safe water. Choose no-cook foods when fuel is unavailable. Opened perishable foods need prompt consumption without refrigeration.

Nutrition: These are meal ideas, not a nutritionally complete diet. Adjust portions and food choices to your household’s calorie, protein and medical needs. Buy affordable staples gradually and rotate supplies.