Total Needed
1,600 lbs
Containers
49
Cal/day
1,667
Shelf Life
30 years
1,667
30 years
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Inputs
Result
(400 lbs/year / 12) × 12 × 4 = 1,600 lbs. 1,600 / 33 lbs per bucket = 48.5, ceil = 49. Daily cal = (1,600 × 1,500) / (12 × 30) / 4 = 1,667.
Inputs
Result
(300/12) × 6 × 2 = 300 lbs. 300 / 6.5 lbs per can = 46.2, ceil = 47. Daily cal = (300 × 1,650) / (6 × 30) / 2 = 1,375.
For a one-year supply, the standard recommendation is 400 lbs of wheat/grain, 300 lbs of rice, 60 lbs of dried beans, 60 lbs of sugar, 16 lbs of powdered milk, 10 lbs of cooking oil, and 8 lbs of salt per person. This provides roughly 2,000–2,400 calories per day.
| Food | Lbs/Person/Year | Cal/Lb | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 400 | 1,500 | 30 years |
| Rice | 300 | 1,650 | 30 years |
| Beans | 60 | 1,550 | 30 years |
| Sugar | 60 | 1,775 | Indefinite |
Five-gallon food-grade buckets with gamma lids are the most popular choice, holding 33 lbs of wheat or rice. For smaller portions, #10 cans (6.5 lbs) offer excellent protection. Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers inside buckets provide the best long-term seal. All containers should be food-grade, airtight, and stored in a cool, dark location.
Properly stored dry goods last 30+ years: wheat, white rice, dried beans, oats, and pasta in sealed containers with oxygen absorbers. Sugar, salt, and honey last indefinitely. Brown rice is the exception — only 1 year due to oil content. Cooking oil lasts 5 years maximum.
A standard one-year supply (400 lbs wheat + 300 lbs rice + 60 lbs beans + extras) provides about 2,200 calories per person per day. Wheat contributes 1,500 cal/lb, rice 1,650, and beans 1,550. Adding cooking oil (4,000 cal/lb) significantly boosts daily calories with minimal weight.
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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
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