There’s nothing worse than having more month than money, and having to figure out what food to buy on zero budget. This 2 week food supply list for families will help get you to end of the month with full bellies.
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When Things Are Tough, Don’t Panic
There’s no anxiety that rivals the anxiety you get when you think you won’t be able to afford groceries.
Food and shelter are things we all desire to feel safe and comforted, so taking care of food in the most frugal way possible brings peace. That’s what this simple list will offer you.
Why Is It A 2 Week Food Supply List Instead Of 1 Month?
Did you know that The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests having a 2 week food supply on hand in case of emergency?
The thought was that if things are extremely crazy, you would be able to take shelter and eat for at least two weeks. At 2 weeks, or before, the government would be able to assist you with food.
I was shocked when I read an article on Skilled Survival that said 53% of Americans only have a stockpile of 3 days worth of food in their homes. Let’s change that right now.
No Bread Or Fresh Milk On The List
You’ll notice that we didn’t list milk or bread on this list. Remember, this is supposed to be a list of foods you can use when things are looking tight.
It’s also a list of items that will LAST; we’re looking to have a 2 week food supply list that can be stored not just for lean months but for pandemics and any other situations that may require you to stay home.
Feel free to add bread and milk to your list when you go shopping, if you can afford them.
How To Use This 2 Week Food Supply List
This list is a bit different from our cheap grocery list we shared, since this is focusing on items that create very cheap meals and are easy to store for hard times.
A 2 week food supply list can be taken any budget-friendly store (like ALDI, Save A Lot or Gordon Food Service), and you’ll be able to stock up for little money.
Use this list as your emergency stockpile list when it’s the middle of the month and you’re not sure how you’re going to take care of groceries.
2 Week Food Supply List for Families
- Canned vegetables of choice (we love corn and peas
- Canned fish (tuna and sardines tend to be the cheapest)
- Canned beans
- Dried fruit (use sparingly/as a treat)
- Dried beans
- Oatmeal or Rolled Oats
- Small pasta (find 1 pound for $1 or less)
- Rice
- Spaghetti sauce
- Canned soups and pastas
- Canned fruit
- Pickled food
- Coffee and tea
- 7 gallons of water (in case your water gets cut off)
- Powdered milk (if budget permits)
- canned evaporated milk
- Cooking oil
- Flour
- Sugar
- Pancake mix (get complete mix, not the one that requires milk/eggs)
- Peanut butter or other nut/sun butters
- Pudding and JELLO cups
- Candy bars of choice (if budget allows)
- 3 jars jelly or jam
- Crackers
- bottled lemon juice
- Table and Kosher salt (can use kosher salt to make Gatorade)
- Hard candy (cheap treat)
- Honey or agave syrup
- Pet food (if you have a pet)
Store Your Food Supply Appropriately
If you are purchasing these items to keep on hand in case something happens, be sure to store them properly.
Most of these can be put in a storage bin that can be stacked or slid underneath a bed. We like these bins from Target, but you can also find them at Walmart or all over Amazon.
For the powdered milk, flour, and sugar, be sure they are stored in a place where bugs aren’t able to get to it.
We always place our flour in the fridge or freezer for a few days, to kill off any weebles. Then, it can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container.
Thanks for being very specific on your list options and giving different categories
You’re welcome!
Do you have an amount of what should be stored per person?
I don’t. I’ll add that to my list of posts to write in the future.
I love your article. It is a really good idea to keep a small stockpile on hand for those tough times. So many people get overwhelmed by the preparedness information that is commonly available. This is an easy way to make a good start. It would be wonderful to progress to any other 2 weeks and also no cook (or simple methods to cook indoors if the power goes out). Thanks for taking the time to do this!
Thanks for being so specific and mentioning things we can get at a regular store instead of those expensive premade kits. I would’ve liked to see amounts to buy but I can definitely figure that out. Thanks again for being realistic.