Appendix I: Emergency Pantry Staples (Israel)¶
Items commonly available in Israeli supermarkets. Focus on shelf-stable, calorie-dense, minimal-preparation foods. All items below are available kosher.
Water¶
- 3 litres per person per day (drinking + basic hygiene)
- Minimum 72-hour supply → 9L per person
- Store in sealed containers away from sunlight
- Rotate every 6 months
- Tip: freeze extra bottles — they keep food cold if power fails and become drinking water as they melt
Staple Foods¶
| CATEGORY | ITEMS | SHELF LIFE |
|---|---|---|
| Canned Goods | Tuna (שימורי טונה) · Chickpeas (חומוס) · Corn · Beans · Tomatoes · Sardines | 2–5 years |
| Grains & Starches | Rice · Pasta · Couscous · Matza / crackers · Instant oatmeal | 1–2 years |
| Proteins | Canned tuna/sardines · Tahini (טחינה) · Halva (חלווה) · Peanut butter · Canned hummus | 6–24 months |
| Dried Goods | Lentils (עדשים) · Dried fruits · Nuts · Sunflower seeds · Bamba | 6–12 months |
| Quick Energy | Energy bars · Chocolate · Honey · Jam · Sugar · Dates (תמרים) | 6–24 months |
| Beverages | Instant coffee · Tea bags · Powdered milk · Juice boxes (UHT) | 6–12 months |
| Cooking Aids | Salt · Cooking oil · Instant soup mix (קנורר) · Spices | 1–2 years |
| Baby / Special | Formula · Baby food jars · Gluten-free alternatives · Ensure/Ensure-type drinks | Check labels |
Practical Tips¶
- Buy items you actually eat — rotate through normal cooking
- FIFO: First In, First Out — new stock to the back
- Label everything with purchase date
- No power = no fridge: plan for shelf-stable only
- Can opener: keep one with the pantry supplies (not in a drawer you won't find in the dark)
- Kashrut: all items above are available with hechsher at major Israeli chains (Shufersal, Rami Levy, Yochananof)
- Pesach: maintain a separate small stock of kitniyot-free / Pesach-suitable items if needed
- Babies: maintain at least 2 weeks of formula at all times
- Special diets: stock according to medical needs first
Wellness
Don't panic-buy. Build your stock gradually over 2–3 weeks. Add a few extra items to each regular shop. This is sustainable and doesn't empty shelves for others.