December 7, 2007, Newsletter Issue #145: Food Purchasing

Tip of the Week

A good rule to follow when packing your food rations, is to purchase items in sizes that fit the situation. If you are packing a single kit, purchase food items in individual sizes. If you are packing a single container for a family of six, large economy packages are the best value and limit the amount of trash you have to dispose of. One rule is to only purchase an item that will be eaten in one sitting and not leave leftovers that will require refrigeration. If the electricity is out and you do not have a cooler, keeping food cold will be impossible. This can lead to food poisoning due to spoilage. You may have an additinal problem heating water for soups, coffee and tea.

Water can be purchased in pre-bottled, sealed containers and will keep for a long time. A good rule of thumb when purchasing water is two liters of water per day per person. If you need to reconstitute foods, additional water is going to be needed. Soda pop is not a good item for this kind of pack. The cans are bulky ,take more room to pack and the contents are under pressure and can explode. Nothing could be worse that having a sticky, wet and stained kit due to an exploding soda can or bottle. Besides,drinking soda will not slack your thirst as well as fruit juice or water. The small packets of fruit drinks with their own straws are a great item to add to your kit. Small cans of fruit, in individual cans, would be a great item because you can drink the liquid and eat the fruit. This is a great source of energy.

You may wish use health food energy bars, loaded with vitamins and minerals, in place of or in addition to granola bars. These are great for relieving stress and satisfying hunger.

If you drink coffee or tea, you may wish to include tea bags, instant tea or coffee. Just remember, hot water may not be available.

Another item you may want to include would be a good one-a-day multiple vitamin tablet. This would insure your proper intake of vitamins and minerals needed to maintain your body in good health.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.