As I have mentioned before, calories per dollar is an important tool to determine the value of your food storage purchases. Click here for more on this.
Being mindful of calories per dollar goes hand in hand with knowing how many calories per person per day you need.
Generally, an active adult needs "between 2000-2600 calories per day, more if very active. Children need 1500-1600 calories per day to maintain growth and energy" (See 14 Tips for Food Storage Shopping). So taking the calories you need per day and multiplying it by 365 days in a year, an adult would need between 730,000-949,000 calories in one year. A child would need between 547,500-584,000 calories in one year.
Also remember that most food storage will store at least 10 years, and some for as long as 25 years (for more information on shelf life, please see Tip #13) . In 10 years your 9 year old will be in college, and in 25 he/she could have kids of their own. Be ready to add to your supply for your kids as they grow or plan for them as adults, depending on your circumstances. It's always better to have a little extra than not enough.
--Chase
7 comments
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Anonymous
I agree with Mike. I moved to North Dakota in 1998 and when Winter comes..it is tye high fat foods that people go for first. So with this in mind my food storage has a lot of canned butter and MRE peanut butter.
Mr. and Mrs. Hillarious
Hmmm I've never thought about calories per person. I'll have to do some calculations for my family now!
Papi
And don't forget how much more calories are needed for strenous activity.
Rebecca Hansen Merrill
I know parents who give their children food storage when they move out. that way, the child is able to have a start on his/her food storage. I plan on doing that for my children too.
lfhpueblo
I agree with Mike's comment.
Mike
You should probably add in there that in a cold climate, where you're outdoors and don't have central heating etc., your calories go up drastically. If you are in a colder climate, plan on needing at least double the normal calories per day just to stay warm and account for those extra calories to survive!