By JANET K. KEELER
St. Petersburg Times
Putting together a hurricane food pantry may be the last thing on the to-do list for people out of work and others struggling in a lousy economy.
But Mother Nature doesn't care about budget shortfalls. The hurricane season started June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.
The good news is that forecasters downgraded their predictions in April, saying 2009 will be an average season with 12 named storms and just two of them intense. As is true every year, the bad news is that one could affect your area.
So, it's a good idea to get ready as best you can. Buy a few items each time you grocery shop so the initial outlay isn't so steep. Avoid foods that family members do not eat regularly. For instance, if Spam is on their "yuck" list, don't buy it. There are other ways to get protein, including canned tuna and beef jerky.
As a storm approaches, do an inventory of the pantry, refrigerator and freezer. You may already have foods appropriate for an emergency, such as bread, crackers and peanut butter.
Store food in something portable, so you can take it with you if you have to evacuate. If you are able to stay home, you may be dealing with long-term power outages rather than structural damage. This can be quite frustrating when everything seems fine but you have no refrigeration and can't use your stove. But it's even more frustrating to be standing in a long line in the blazing sun waiting for water in the hours after the storm has passed.
Keep in mind whom you will be feeding when making a list of storm-ready food. Do you have young children, or perhaps a newborn? Are there dietary concerns that are about more than losing weight? For instance, diabetics and people allergic to wheat will need special considerations since so many shelf-stable foods are harmful to both because of their high carbohydrate and grain content.
Disaster-preparedness experts recommend you have at least a seven-day supply of food and drink for each family member. That's 1 gallon per person per day.
When the storm season is over and we've hopefully escaped unscathed, cycle the food into your regular meals or donate it to a food shelter.
HURRICANE FOOD KIT
Use this checklist to determine what you've got in the pantry. Then take it to the supermarket to finish stocking your hurricane grocery kit.
Canned soups, chili, vegetables, stews: They can be eaten cold but can also be heated in a pot on the grill.
Cereal: Vitamin-fortified cereal can be eaten dry or with boxed or powdered milk.
Beverages: Juice, power drinks and enhanced water offer an alternative to plain water. Shelf-stable milk can be used for cereals or to drink. Buy in small boxes because, once opened, they must be consumed.
Crackers: For snacking or eating with cheese and cold cuts from the fridge just after the power goes out.
Condiments: Mayonnaise is generally a no-no because of refrigeration issues, but buy the smallest jar you can and make tuna or chicken salad. Look for condiments -- ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, relish, salt and pepper -- in individual packets.
Water: One gallon a day per person for drinking, more if you'll be using it to reconstitute powdered milk. Have enough for seven days.
Fresh fruit: When a storm is a few days away, buy apples and oranges. They last a while, and it is good to eat something fresh.
Healthier snacks: Granola bars, Fruit Roll-Ups, dried fruit, nuts and trail mix offer nutrition and have a long shelf life.
Comfort food: You might as well buy the Twinkies. You know you're going to crave them. Salty snacks such as chips and pretzels will make you thirsty. Go easy on them.
Other foods to consider: Peanut butter, individual applesauce and fruit cups, rice cakes, dehydrated food (from camping stores) and Meals Ready to Eat (from military surplus stores).
Supplies: Garbage bags and ties, paper towels, wipes, fuel (charcoal, lighter fluid, matches) or a full propane tank for the grill, hand sanitizer. Don't forget the manual can opener. Plastic wrap or storage containers.
Tableware: Paper plates, napkins and paper or plastic cups; plastic forks, knives and spoons; a couple of serving spoons, forks and knives for food preparation and serving.
Food for pets: Food and drink for your pets, and their familiar dishes. Vitamins and medications.
Preserved meats: Beef jerky is high-protein, low-carb and good for diabetics. Canned tuna, chicken, even Spam also provide protein.
Information from St. Petersburg Times files was used in this report.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service www.scrippsnews.com)
