Raw Foods For My Emergency Kit

by Lynda M
(San Jose, CA)

Hi Andrew,

Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge and wisdom! I am so very appreciative!

I live south of San Francisco,in San Jose,CA. An earthquake is not an "if", but a "when". I carry an emergency kit in my car with water, clothes, a first aid kit, and food.

As I was updating it this week, I realized that the food that I had packed 6-8 months ago no longer reflected my new raw food lifestyle. I had some energy bars, peanut butter, gu's and trail mix.

What are your suggestions for foods that are packable and healthy. Is dried fruit a viable alternative for such situations?

Best Regards,
Lynda MacNeil

Andrew's Answer:

Hi Lynda.

The problem is that healthy food that doesn't rot is something of a contradiction in terms, and sticking to a healthy raw food diet in times of disaster is no easy thing.

Lines of distribution break down, and fresh produce is in short supply.

And the older a food is, and the more resistant it is to decomposition, the worse it is for you.

Often, such long-lasting foods are laced with salt and various preservatives to stop the bacteria which would normally move in to break it down. These are not great for the body.

However, in times of earthquakes or other natural disasters we are left to make the best choices that we can. We're left wondering, what's the least worst option I have available?

Dried fruit is one possibility. However, even dried fruit decays, and you should check to make sure it's still fresh enough to eat. Raisins, for instance, usually last 6 months to a year.

Ideally, dried fruit should be rehydrated via soaking in water before you eat it.

Although I haven't tried them, another option I might consider would be minimally-processed vegan "raw food" bars (whether they qualify as raw food or not is debatable)

Certain types of Larabars are one option. Their website claims the bars last for a year.

Nuts and seeds are not something I suggest people eat in large quantities, but they have the benefit of being quite calorically dense. You may wish to consider adding some to your kit.

Although I'm committed to eat a healthy raw food diet, I think that if ever there was a time for some flexibility, it would be during a natural disaster.

Make sure you live first. You can always go back to an ideal diet when you're safe.

Following Up:

Learn how to eat a healthy raw food diet.

Figure out which foods are healthy and which are harmful.