Imagine this: the fridge stops working. The supermarkets are closed. In that moment, you want to know with confidence that you can stretch the food you already have at home for a few days. The good news? With the right order and a bit of strategy, you’ll get much further than you think.
Start With What Spoils Quickly
Your first priority is the contents of your refrigerator. Fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat, and fish all need to be consumed within a few days.
One exception: eggs — they often stay good for weeks outside the fridge.
Bread also spoils or dries out quickly, so finish that before switching to your “real” emergency supplies.
Use Your Freezer Wisely
As long as the power works, your freezer is your best friend.
Once the power goes out, frozen foods will stay safe for 24 to 48 hours, as long as you keep the door closed.
Eat the items that spoil quickly after thawing (like meat or fish) first. Save longer-lasting items — such as frozen vegetables or bread — for later in the emergency.
Move On to Your Pantry
Once you’ve used up what’s in the fridge and freezer, turn to your shelf-stable foods. Think of:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Beans
- Canned foods
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
Tip: Canned foods are ideal — they last long, are often pre-cooked, and contain moisture, which is very useful if you need to conserve water.
Note: dried foods like beans or lentils are nutritious but require lots of water and long cooking times. Save them for a moment when you actually have the resources to cook.
Rely on “Nutritious Long-Lasters”
Some foods are almost endlessly shelf-stable and extremely nutrient-dense, such as:
- Honey
- Sugar
- Peanuts
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
Powdered milk is also a very practical alternative to fresh milk, especially if you have children.
Can You Supplement Your Food Yourself?
If you have a garden, consider what you might grow or harvest. Certain herbs and vegetables are easy to cultivate, even in a balcony pot.
And with proper knowledge of edible plants or fishing, you may even be able to gather food in nature.
(Important: this requires preparation and expertise — never take risks.)
Why This Matters
A smart food strategy ensures that you and your family can manage for several days without supermarkets or electricity. It’s not about fear — it’s about responsibility and peace of mind.
Want to know what you might be missing at home?
Download Youprepit’s free checklist — based on government guidelines and easily adjustable to your family’s needs.