Include Healthy Foods in Your Hurricane Disaster Kit:

Today Being June 1st reminds all Polk County Residents to have a Disaster Kit assembled and stored ready to pull out in a moment’s notice should we need it this Hurricane season. When it comes to Preparing our Kit & sticking to a Healthier guideline, the first step is planning, it's important to prepare early, storing up healthier foods that won't pack on the pounds.


There are many choices available, so it shouldn't be difficult to find healthy alternatives to doughnuts, cookies, and chips. They're always adding new food items in the grocery store when buying foods for hurricane season; try to find items that won't spoil easily such as meal-replacement bars, ready-to-eat canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, granola bars, rice cakes, trail mix, and dried foods such as beef or turkey jerky.

Beef jerky is high in protein and low in carbs, and good for diabetics. Canned tuna and chicken are good for protein. Fruits that do not require refrigeration are also good to have on hand. There are also many grain products available, such as rice mixes that are already cooked, Add some beans and salsa to the rice and you'll have a tasty meal that doesn't require much thought, time, or preparation.

Hard cheeses also can be left out for a while, Make sure you don't eat too much salt, and while protein is good, don't overdue. Instant meals such as cups of noodles or individually packed snacks such as pudding and applesauce are good items to purchase.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, refrigerated dairy products such as milk, cream, and yogurt should be discarded if held above 40 degrees for more than two hours, have canned milk, nondairy creamer and powdered milk in the pantry in case the power is out for a while.

Canned juice and juice boxes that are low in sugar are other suggestions. Those who are on a special diet or have infants and small children should make sure they have the necessary foods before a storm hits.

If you still have food left over from last year, check for expiration dates. Also pay attention to "best if used by" dates. You can pick up a copy of the “The Healthy Hurricane/Disaster Cookbook," free of charge, at the Extension Service office, 1702 U.S. 17 S., in Bartow, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We will also have a booth at this year’s “Polk County Hurricane Expo” & Cookbooks will be available there this coming Saturday June 5th @ the Orange Dome in Winter Haven from 9-3 pm.

If you have any other disaster food or food safety questions or to get an information packet or a cookbook, contacts me, Joyce Tompkins at the Polk County Extension Service at: 863-519-8677, Ext. 114 or e-mail j6256@ufl.edu.

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