01/22/2026
If we end up with power outages or icy roads this weekend, having the right food on hand will make a big difference. Storm prep doesn’t have to mean chips and packaged snacks—there are healthy, shelf-stable options that support energy, blood sugar, and hormones even when the lights go out. Here are some ideas to use.
🥭 FRUITS (Shelf-Stable, No Fridge)
Apples
Pears
Oranges
Grapefruit
Lemons
Limes
Bananas (use first)
Pomegranates
Pineapple (whole)
Papaya (whole)
Mango (unripe to start)
Kiwi
Melons (whole): cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
Peaches, plums, nectarines (shorter shelf life)
🥕 VEGETABLES (Shelf-Stable, No Fridge)
Root + Storage Veg
Carrots
Beets
Turnips
Rutabaga
Parsnips
Radishes
Potatoes (all varieties)
Onions
Garlic
Shallots
Other Shelf-Stable Veg
Bell peppers
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Squash (summer & winter)
Eggplant
Cabbage (1–2 weeks without refrigeration)
Celery (short-term shelf stable)
Green beans (fresh)
Leeks (use early)
Pumpkin
Tomato
🥔 STARCHY VEGETABLES / NATURAL CARBS
Potatoes (russet, red, Yukon)
Sweet potatoes
Yams
Winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti, pumpkin, kabocha)
Plantains
Corn (fresh in husk 1–2 days)
🥫 BPA-FREE SHELF-STABLE CAN/CARTON ITEMS
(Look for No Salt Added / Low Sodium and BPA-Free)
Beans & Legumes
Black beans
Pinto beans
Kidney beans
Garbanzo/chickpeas
Cannellini/Great Northern
Lentils (canned or boxed)
Brands known BPA-free + low/no salt:
Eden Foods (gold standard: BPA-free & no salt)
365 Whole Foods
Pacific Foods cartons
Trader Joe’s BPA-free options
Pomi (boxed)
Canned Tomatoes (BPA-Free)
Diced tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Whole peeled tomatoes
Tomato paste
Boxed strained tomatoes (Pomi)
Vegetables (BPA-Free + No Salt)
Corn
Peas
Green beans
Mushrooms
Artichokes (check sodium/packaging)
Canned Fruit in Juice/Water (BPA-Free)
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Mandarin oranges
Mixed fruit
Avoid: Syrup
Nut butters (unsalted, glass)
Single-serve nut/seed packets
Shelf-Stable Broths (Cartons BPA-Free)
Chicken broth (unsalted)/or bone broth
Vegetable broth (unsalted)
Beef broth (unsalted)/bone broth
📦 OTHER SHELF-STABLE CLEAN CARB + PANTRY OPTIONS
(Not refrigerated + storm-friendly)
Dried beans
Dried lentils
Rice (brown,, basmati)
Oats
Quinoa
Pasta
Legume pasta (chickpea/lentil)
Applesauce cups/pouches (unsweetened)
Dried fruit (no sugar added)
Trail mix (unsalted)
Nuts + seeds (unsalted)* transition and maintenance clients
Shelf-stable plant milks (unsweetened cartons)
Whole grain crackers (unsalted)
STORAGE NOTES (Storm Specific)
To extend life during outages: ✔ store cool + dry
✔ keep onions + potatoes separated
✔ avoid sealed plastic bags (moisture mold risk)
✔ use ripe items first (bananas, peaches, tomatoes)
Blessings to you all
Fit Busy Mom Coach Julie Williams,BS CHC,IWHI-certified perimenopause and menopause specialist and Exercise Professional