Get that grocery store shopping list ready to stock up on essential items
Hurricane Laura’s exact track is still uncertain, but Houstonians need to prepare now in case the forecast worsens. This means replenishing your emergency supplies, packing a to-go bag and stocking your pantry with storm-friendly foods.
In the event of a storm or hurricane, you may lose power. Buy nonperishable foods and goods that will last several days outside the fridge. (No, this does not include brisket.) Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked or even heated up. What follows is a sample shopping list and other ideas.
In addition to food, you need 1 gallon of water per person per day. Plan for a week. Example: If you are a household of two, buy 14 gallons of water.
Foods to buy
Bread
Crackers
Rice cakes
Peanut butter Canned beans (garbanzo, pinto, black, red kidney, navy) Canned fish (tuna is best) Canned soup Canned vegetables Trail mix
Nuts
Dried fruit (raisins, dried apricot, dried mango) Granola bars
Cereal
Powdered milk Condensed milk Hardy, long-lasting fruit (apples, pears, oranges) Canned fruit
Chips (kettle chips, tortilla chips)
Popcorn
Beef jerky Spam
Apple sauce Chocolate pudding
Foods to prep
Any kind of grain (or even a legume, like lentils) is a great addition to your storm supplies, as it will last a while outside the fridge and is perfectly edible cold. However, you need to cook grains ahead of time. Make some time in the days before a weather event to cook batches and store them in containers. During a storm, make a meal more interesting by adding any canned bean, vegetable and protein to the mix, as well as any of the shelf-stable condiments listed below. Ta-da: You’ve got yourself a hurricane grain bowl!
Rice (pretty much any kind) Couscous
Pearl couscous
Farro
Barley
Quinoa
Bulgur Buckwheat
Lentils Condiments
Hot sauce
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar White wine vinegar Red wine vinegar Balsamic vinegar Distilled white vinegar Apple cider vinegar Sriracha Gochujang Mustard
Honey