Quick Answer
Store about 2,000 calories per person per day, the FEMA and Red Cross planning figure. In stored-food weight that is roughly 1.5 to 2 pounds of mixed canned and dry food per person per day. For one person that means about 5 lb (3 days), 25 lb (2 weeks), and 53 lb (30 days). Freeze-dried supplies weigh far less.
Calories and Pounds to Store by People and Duration
Calories at 2,000 per person per day; weight at about 1.75 lb of mixed canned and dry food per person per day.
| Household | 3 Days | 7 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 6,000 cal / 5 lb | 14,000 cal / 12 lb | 28,000 cal / 25 lb | 60,000 cal / 53 lb |
| 2 people | 12,000 cal / 11 lb | 28,000 cal / 25 lb | 56,000 cal / 49 lb | 120,000 cal / 105 lb |
| 3 people | 18,000 cal / 16 lb | 42,000 cal / 37 lb | 84,000 cal / 74 lb | 180,000 cal / 158 lb |
| 4 people | 24,000 cal / 21 lb | 56,000 cal / 49 lb | 112,000 cal / 98 lb | 240,000 cal / 210 lb |
| 5 people | 30,000 cal / 26 lb | 70,000 cal / 61 lb | 140,000 cal / 123 lb | 300,000 cal / 263 lb |
| 6 people | 36,000 cal / 32 lb | 84,000 cal / 74 lb | 168,000 cal / 147 lb | 360,000 cal / 315 lb |
FEMA / Ready.gov officially recommends a 3-day (evacuation) and 2-week (home) supply. The 30-day column is for longer-term planning, not an official minimum. Weights are approximate and drop sharply if you store freeze-dried meals instead of cans. Children, pregnant or nursing people, and very active adults may need more calories.
Weight and Shelf Life of Common Stored Foods
| Food | Calories (per typical serving) | Approx. Weight | Shelf Life (sealed, cool, dry) |
|---|---|---|---|
| White rice (dry) | ~675 / cup | Dense, compact | 25–30 years |
| Dried beans / lentils | ~660 / cup | Dense, compact | 25–30 years |
| Rolled oats | ~300 / cup | Light, bulky | 25–30 years |
| Peanut butter | ~190 / 2 tbsp | ~2 lb / jar | 2–5 years |
| Canned tuna / chicken | ~120–180 / can | ~5–10 oz / can | 2–5 years |
| Canned vegetables / fruit | ~80–150 / can | ~14–16 oz / can | 2–5 years |
| Freeze-dried entrée | ~250–400 / pouch | ~3–5 oz / pouch | 25–30 years |
| Honey | ~60 / tbsp | Dense | Indefinite |
For a full per-food breakdown, see the Emergency Food Shelf Life Chart. To convert these numbers into a shopping list for your household, use the Food Storage Calculator or the Freeze-Dried Food Calculator.
Recommended Food Gear
Important
These are general planning figures researched from published FEMA and Red Cross guidance, not professional emergency, medical, or nutrition advice. 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 much food should I store per person per day?
About 2,000 calories per person per day, which is roughly 1.5 to 2 pounds of mixed canned and dry food. Freeze-dried meals weigh far less for the same calories.
How many pounds of food do I need for 2 weeks?
At about 1.75 pounds per person per day, one person needs roughly 25 pounds for 2 weeks and a family of 4 needs about 98 pounds of mixed canned and dry food.
How much emergency food does FEMA recommend?
At least a 3-day supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply at home, made up of shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration, cooking, or water.
What foods last the longest?
Sealed freeze-dried meals, white rice, and dried beans can last 25 to 30 years; honey and salt last indefinitely; canned goods generally keep 2 to 5 years.
Sources
- Ready.gov (FEMA): Food
- FEMA & American Red Cross: Food and Water in an Emergency (~2,000 calories/person/day)
- USDA / manufacturer shelf-life guidance for canned, dried, and freeze-dried foods
Related Calculators & Charts
- Food Storage Calculator: exact quantities for your household
- Emergency Food Shelf Life Chart
- Emergency Water Storage Chart
- Emergency Food Calories & Quantities Reference