Emergency Food Stockpile Calculator

Emergency food prep — the Australian approach

Australia's Get Ready program recommends every household maintain at minimum a 3-day emergency food supply, and ideally up to 2 weeks for most regions. For areas prone to cyclones, floods, or bushfires — much of regional Australia — a 4-week supply is sensible, and some preppers advocate for 3 months or more.

The best emergency stockpile is one you'll actually rotate and eat — not a box of forgotten baked beans that sits untouched for a decade. Focus on shelf-stable versions of foods your household already enjoys.

• Rotate, rotate, rotate: Use the FIFO method — first in, first out. Add new stock to the back, consume oldest stock from the front. This way your stockpile stays fresh and you never waste money on expired food.
• White rice is king: White rice stored in sealed, airtight containers away from light can last 25+ years. It's cheap, calorie-dense, and forms the backbone of emergency food storage globally. Brown rice is more nutritious but only lasts 6–12 months due to its oil content.
• Canned goods are safer than you think: Most canned food is safe well beyond the 'best before' date — that date is about quality, not safety. Properly stored cans can be edible for decades. Check for dents, rust, or swollen lids before using.
• Calories matter in a crisis: During emergencies you may be more active (evacuating, managing property) or less (sheltering in place). Aim for at least 1,500 calories per adult per day — ideally 2,000+. Children need proportionally less but still need adequate nutrition.
• Water comes first: Without water, food is irrelevant. A human can survive 3 weeks without food but only 3 days without water. Always sort your water supply before focusing on food stockpiling.
• Don't forget the extras: Prescription medications, infant formula, pet food, salt, sugar, cooking oil, and fuel for cooking are commonly overlooked until it's too late.
• Morale matters: Emergency management professionals consistently report that familiar comfort foods dramatically improve morale and decision-making during prolonged emergencies. Don't underestimate the power of a cup of Milo or a Tim Tam.