Having non-perishable food and some frozen food on hand is a big help if you cannot get to the store. You can plan quick and creative meals with just a few basic items. For information on proper storage, visit the Food Safety section.

In your pantry, keep:

• Canned vegetables and fruits.
• Canned salmon, tuna, chicken, beans, lentils, chickpeas.
• Low fat canned milk, dried skim milk powder, shelf-stable milk or unsweetened fortified soy beverage.
• Canned soup and pasta sauces, look for those with lower sodium (salt).
• Dried fruits, nuts, peanut (or other nut) butter.
• Whole grain pasta and crackers, oatmeal, whole grain ready to-eat cereals.
• Brown rice or other grains (e.g., couscous, quinoa).
• Coffee and tea.

It may also be a good idea to keep some essential baking/cooking ingredients on hand such as whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda.

In your freezer, keep:

• Frozen vegetables and fruits.
• Whole grain bread, rolls and muffins.
• Frozen meat, fish or poultry (without breading).