Quick Answer
Plan for about 2,000 calories per person per day, the benchmark used in the FEMA and American Red Cross publication Food and Water in an Emergency. That is roughly 6,000 calories (3 days), 28,000 calories (2 weeks), and 60,000 calories (30 days) per person. Ready.gov (FEMA) recommends at least a 3-day supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply at home.
Calories to Store Per Person, by Duration
| Supply Duration | Calories / Person / Day | Total Calories Per Person | Recommended By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days (72 hours) | 2,000 | 6,000 | FEMA / Ready.gov (minimum) |
| 2 weeks (14 days) | 2,000 | 28,000 | FEMA / Ready.gov (home supply) |
| 30 days | 2,000 | 60,000 | Extended planning (see note) |
Note on the 30-day tier: FEMA / Ready.gov officially recommends a 3-day (evacuation) and 2-week (home) supply. The 30-day total is the same 2,000 cal/day figure carried out to 30 days for longer-term planners; it is not an official FEMA recommendation.
Total Calories by Household Size
| Household | 3-Day Supply | 2-Week Supply | 30-Day Supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 6,000 cal | 28,000 cal | 60,000 cal |
| 2 people | 12,000 cal | 56,000 cal | 120,000 cal |
| 4 people | 24,000 cal | 112,000 cal | 240,000 cal |
Calculated at the FEMA/Red Cross planning figure of 2,000 calories per person per day. Children, nursing mothers, and very active people may need more.
What Foods to Store (Ready.gov Categories)
FEMA / Ready.gov recommends shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Keep a manual can opener on hand.
| Category | Examples | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Canned proteins | Tuna, chicken, beans, chili | Ready to eat from the can, high calorie |
| Canned fruits & vegetables | Peaches, corn, mixed veg | Vitamins and added moisture |
| Dry staples / mixes | Rice, pasta, oats, crackers | Calorie-dense, long shelf life |
| High-energy foods | Peanut butter, nuts, trail mix, granola bars | Compact calories, no prep |
| Comfort & special-diet foods | Infant formula, low-sodium, gluten-free as needed | For infants and dietary needs |
Recommended Emergency Food Gear
Important
These are general planning figures from published FEMA and Red Cross guidance. Individual calorie needs vary by age, body size, activity, climate, and health. For infants, pregnant or nursing people, and anyone with medical dietary needs, plan accordingly and consult a professional. Rotate stored food and check expiration dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories of emergency food should I store per person per day?
Plan for about 2,000 calories per person per day, the benchmark in the FEMA and Red Cross publication Food and Water in an Emergency. That is roughly 6,000 calories for 3 days, 28,000 for 2 weeks, and 60,000 for 30 days per person.
How much emergency food does FEMA recommend storing?
Ready.gov (FEMA) recommends at least a several-day (72-hour) supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply at home. Choose shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration, cooking, or water, and include a manual can opener.
Can you survive on fewer calories in an emergency?
The FEMA and Red Cross guidance notes healthy people can survive on about half their usual intake for an extended period, and that staying cool and reducing activity lowers calorie and water needs. The 2,000 calorie figure is a planning target, not a strict minimum.
Sources
- Ready.gov (FEMA) — Food
- FEMA & American Red Cross — Food and Water in an Emergency (joint publication, ~2,000 calories/person/day)
- American Red Cross — Survival Kit Supplies
Related Calculators & Guides
- Food Storage Calculator — get exact quantities for your household
- Generator Wattage Reference Table
- Complete Water Storage Guide
- Survival Calorie Calculator