The math is simple: 4 people × 2,000 calories × days for food, and 4 × 1 gallon × days for water (Ready.gov's baseline). The cost column uses the single cheapest in-stock product per calorie today, bought in whole units. Real plans mix foods for variety, so treat it as a price floor.
| Days | Calories needed | Water to store | Cheapest food cart today | Per person-day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 24,000 | 12 gal | 8 × Emergency Food Favorite - Chicken Noodle Soup (5 x 4 Serving Pouches) = $120.00 | $10.00 |
| 14 | 112,000 | 56 gal | 2 × Mayday Food Bars 2400 Calorie -Case 24 = $333.00 | $5.95 |
| 30 | 240,000 | 120 gal | 3 × 4-Week Wise & Ready Bundle = $719.97 | $6.00 |
| 90 | 720,000 | 360 gal | 9 × 4-Week Wise & Ready Bundle = $2,159.91 | $6.00 |
| 365 | 2,920,000 | 1,460 gal | 15 × Wise 3-Month Supply & 72-Hour Kit Bundle = $8,249.85 | $5.65 |
Shipping and tax not included. Whole units only, so short durations can carry leftover calories.
Run your own numbers
Different household size or timeline? The Kit Calculator mixes up to two products to find the cheapest cart, and shows the water to store.
Start small
Ready.gov suggests a several-day supply of non-perishable food and water as the baseline. Two weeks is a common next step; see our 2-week cart.
Questions people ask
How many calories does a family of 4 need for a month?
At 2,000 calories per person per day: 4 × 2,000 × 30 = 240,000 calories.
How much water does a family of 4 need for 2 weeks?
56 gallons at Ready.gov's baseline of one gallon per person per day. Hot weather, children, nursing mothers and illness can raise that.
What does a year of food storage cost for 4?
Using only today's cheapest product per calorie: about $8,249.85 before tax and shipping. Mixed menus cost more.