How Much Food and Water Do You Need for a Year?
Share
When planning for emergencies, one of the biggest questions people ask is: “How much food and water does my family need for a year?”
A year’s supply sounds overwhelming, but when you break it down into daily needs, it becomes much more manageable. Here’s how to figure out what you need to keep your family safe, healthy, and fed for a full year.
Step 1: Water – Your First Priority
Water is more critical than food. You can survive weeks without food but only a few days without water. For long-term storage, calculate your needs like this:
How Much Water Per Person?
- Daily drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day
- Cooking and hygiene: 1 additional gallon per person per day
Emergency organizations will tell you that you need at least 1 gallon of water per day, but if you want to thrive and not just survive, we recommend at least 2 gallons of water per person per day. Think about how often you wash your hands, will you wash dishes, or clothes? Will you wash your face or your hair, or bathe? As you can see, even 2 gallons per person per day may not cut it, but doubling the recommended amount is what we are going to aim for.
Your water bill will give a realistic number for how many gallons of water you use each month. Keep in mind this is probably while using a washing machine, a dish washer, outdoor sprinklers, etc...It's actually quite shocking compared to the small amount of 2 gallons per person per day that we are suggesting.
To learn more about water storage and preparation check out this article here.
Annual Water Needs:
For 1 person:
- Drinking water only: 365 gallons
- Drinking + cooking/hygiene: 730 gallons (2 gallons/day)
For a family of 5:
- Drinking only: 1,825 gallons
- Drinking + cooking/hygiene: 3,650 gallons
How to Store That Much Water
- Large tanks: 250–3,000 gallon tanks are ideal if you have the space.
- 55-gallon barrels: Store several around your property or garage.
- Portable containers: 5–7 gallon jugs for easy transport.
- Water filters: Even with storage, always have a way to purify new sources of water.
Storing this much water is often difficult. If you live someplace where it rains reliably you can work rain collection into your water storage plan. For instance, I live in the desert. It rains or snows at least once every 3 months. My goal is to store at least 3 months of water and collect another 3 months worth when it rains or snows.
Tip: Rotate your stored water every 6–12 months for freshness unless using treated, sealed commercial containers.
To learn more about water storage containers and the best options for every budget and space, check out this article here.
Step 2: Food – How Much Do You Really Need?
Food calculations depend on calories. Adults generally need 2,000 calories/day (more for active individuals). Children need less, however, I counted my children as adults so that more active adults could have more, and as my children grew I didn't need to worry if I had stored enough.
Calories Per Person Per Year:
- 2,000 calories/day x 365 days = 730,000 calories
For a family of 5:
- 730,000 x 5 = 3,650,000 calories
Breaking Down Food Storage
A one-year food supply can include:
1. Staple Grains (rice, wheat, oats, pasta) – 50-60%
2. Beans and Legumes – 15-20%
3. Fats and Oils – 10%
4. Powdered or Freeze-Dried Dairy – 5-10%
5. Fruits and Vegetables (freeze-dried, dehydrated, canned) – 10-15%
6. Extras and Comfort Foods – spices, sugar, baking supplies
Typical Amounts Per Person for One Year
- Grains: 300–400 lbs
- Beans/Legumes: 60-80 lbs
- Powdered milk: 16 lbs
- Sugars (honey, sugar, syrup): 60 lbs
- Fats/Oils: 20-30 lbs (rotate every year)
- Salt: 8 lbs
- Freeze-dried fruits/veggies: 100-150 lbs
- Canned/jarred foods: Variable
For a family of 5, simply multiply by 5.
I have 3 months of pantry staples I rotate through regularly, and 9 months of long term food storage that can be stored up for 25+ years.
To learn more about long term vs short term food storage, check out this article.
Consider Variety and Rotation
- Canned foods: Easy to use, store 1–2 years.
- Freeze-dried foods: 20–30 year shelf life, just add water.
- Home preserved: Jams, dehydrated produce, and home-canned meals help diversify your supply. To learn about preserving food at home check out this article
Step 3: Build Slowly – One Month at a Time
Instead of trying to buy a year’s supply overnight:
- Start with 3 days.
- Move up to 1 month.
- Aim for 3 months.
- Expand to a full year over time.
This approach keeps things affordable and less overwhelming.
To learn about how to financially prep without going broke, check out this article.
Step 4: Track and Adjust
- Inventory regularly so you know what you have.
- Rotate foods (first in, first out) to avoid waste.
- Adjust quantities for dietary needs (preferences, allergies, babies, medical conditions).
Final Numbers Recap
For 1 adult for 1 year:
- Water: 365–730 gallons
- Food: 730,000 calories (~400 lbs grains, 60 lbs beans, etc.)
For a family of 5 for 1 year:
- Water: 1,825–3,650 gallons
- Food: 3.65 million calories
Why It Matters
In a crisis, food and water become the ultimate form of security. Building a year’s supply is an investment in peace of mind, knowing your family can weather anything from natural disasters to job loss.
Ready to start?
Pick one item to stock up on this week. Each small step moves you closer to a full year of security.
No fuss, no fluff, no fear.
These articles might be of interest to you:
How to Store Water in Small Spaces: Creative Solutions for Apartments and Tiny Homes
Emergency Water Storage Mistakes to Avoid
How to use long term food storage (25 recipes included)
Growing Food Indoors: A Guide to Fresh Homegrown Produce