The Galveston County Daily News

When Hurricane Ike was barreling toward us, residents who decided to stay stocked up with enough food to get them through the few days they expected to be without power.

But many people bought provisions that didn’t last without refrigeration or needed to be cooked — poor choices for the weeks it took CenterPoint Energy to fix the electricity grid.

Those people ended up stuck with meals ready to eat (MRE’s), appreciated only by former military personnel.

To avoid eating all of your meals out of hermetically sealed plastic pouches, stock your storm pantry with the following:

• Canned beans, fruit or vegetables you can eat at room temperature;

• Canned tuna, chicken or Spam;

• Canned soup (non-condensed), stew or chili;

• Beef jerky;

• Nuts and dried fruit;

• Peanut butter and bread, for sandwiches;

• Peanut butter or cheese crackers;

• Granola and energy bars;

• Boxed or prepackaged juice drinks;

• Pudding snacks;

•Cookies or crackers;

• Energy drinks, like Gatorade; and

• Bottled water.