Emergency Food for Special Diets & Allergies

The importance of being prepared

Emergencies don't wait for convenient times. If someone in your household has allergies, medical needs, or special dietary requirements, you need dedicated emergency supplies for them. Don't assume you can improvise in a crisis.

For babies and young children

Infant formula

Keep a 72-hour supply of powdered formula (unopened tins last longer than liquid)
Store in a cool, dry place
Keep bottled water on hand to mix formula (boil the water first)
Include bottles and teats (even if you normally use others)
Check best-before dates every 6 months
Rotate stock regularly

If formula runs out during an emergency:

Contact local authorities for assistance
Call a poison control centre or pharmacist for guidance (they may have recommendations for temporary substitutes)
Boiled cow's milk is a last resort only if no alternative exists

Solid foods for weaning babies

Canned or pouched baby food: fruits, vegetables, meat
Baby rice cereal: mix with boiled water or formula
Canned fruit and vegetables: plain (no added salt or sugar if possible)
Include a spoon or feeder for eating
Label everything with dates

Baby supplies to include

Nappies and wipes (keep extra beyond 72 hours)
Baby medication (if needed)
Teething gel or pain relief (as advised by your doctor)

For people with food allergies

Set aside dedicated foods that match each person's allergies
Label containers clearly with the person's name and date
Store separately to avoid cross-contamination
Include a written list of safe foods and brands
Avoid items with warnings like "may contain traces of"
Keep duplicates: two different brands/types of safe food to prevent running out

Common allergen-free options

Peanut allergy: Tree nuts, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), tahini
Tree nut allergy: Peanut butter, seeds
Celiac/gluten: Rice, canned vegetables, canned fruit, beans, corn tortillas
Shellfish: Canned fish (tuna, salmon), beans, meat
Dairy: Dairy-free powdered milk or fortified non-dairy milk powder

For people with medical dietary needs

Diabetic diets

Sugar-free energy bars
Unsweetened canned fruit
Nuts and seeds (protein, moderate carbs)
Whole-grain crackers (if tolerated)
Consult a dietitian for your specific food list

Low-sodium diets

Canned vegetables with no added salt (or rinse salt-added varieties)
Unsalted nuts and seeds
Fresh canned fruit
Check all labels for sodium content

Low-fibre diets

Canned white fish and chicken (soft)
Canned vegetables (drained): carrots, green beans
White crackers and refined foods
Avoid high-fibre items like beans and whole grains

Storage and rotation for special diets

Dedicate a bin or section of your pantry to each person's needs
Label with the person's name and dietary restriction
Check dates twice yearly (during seasonal time changes)
Rotate stock regularly so nothing expires
Keep a written list of what you have for each person

During a power outage or emergency

If a family member needs refrigerated medical foods:

Keep an insulated cooler or bag handy
Use cool packs from your freezer if available
Limit opening the fridge—each opening warms the inside
Contact local authorities for help if you run out of essential foods or medication

Getting help

If you're unsure what to store:

Ask your doctor or specialist—they know your specific needs
Contact a registered dietitian for guidance
Call 211 (across Canada) for emergency food assistance
Ask your pharmacy what to keep in an emergency kit