In schools and workplaces worldwide, being ready for emergencies is essential. One valuable tool for preparedness is Meals Ready to Eat, or MREs. These convenient meal packages offer several advantages over grocery store food in emergency situations. Let’s explore why schools and workplaces should consider incorporating MREs into their emergency plans, along with the benefits they provide.

Why Schools Should Have MREs

Schools face various emergencies, from natural disasters like earthquakes to unforeseen events like lockdowns. In such situations, having MREs on hand can ensure students and staff have access to essential nutrition until help arrives or normal operations can resume.

Benefits of MREs Over Grocery Store Food

• Long Shelf Life: MREs have an impressive shelf life, often lasting for several years when stored properly. This longevity ensures they remain viable for emergencies, unlike perishable grocery items that may expire quickly.
• Nutritional Value: MREs are designed to provide a balanced mix of nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. This ensures individuals receive adequate nutrition during stressful situations, which is especially crucial for children in schools.
• Ease of Preparation: MREs are easy to prepare, typically requiring only a small amount of water for heating. This simplicity is beneficial in emergency situations where access to cooking facilities may be limited or unavailable.
• Compactness and Portability: Despite containing a full meal, MREs are lightweight and compact, making them easy to store and transport. Compared to grocery store food, which may require bulky storage and refrigeration, MREs offer a space-efficient solution.

Types of Emergencies Where MREs Are Beneficial

Schools may encounter various emergencies where MREs prove invaluable:

• Natural Disasters: Events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods can disrupt food supplies and access to facilities. MREs provide a reliable source of sustenance until normal services can be restored.
• Lockdowns or Shelter-in-Place Situations: During security threats or other emergencies requiring students and staff to remain indoors, having MREs ensures everyone has access to food without needing to leave designated safe areas.

How Much Space Do MREs Take Compared to Grocery Store Food?

A 25-person supply of MREs occupies significantly less space than an equivalent supply of grocery store food. MREs are individually packaged and compact, allowing for easy stacking and storage in emergency kits or designated storage areas. In contrast, grocery store food, especially perishable items, may require larger storage areas and refrigeration, which may not be feasible in all emergency situations.

Why Workplaces Should Have MREs

Just like schools, workplaces should prioritize emergency preparedness. MREs offer a practical solution for providing sustenance to employees during emergencies, ensuring their well-being until help arrives or normal operations resume.

What Does a 3-Day Supply of MREs Look Like?

A 3-day supply of MREs typically includes enough meals to sustain an individual for three days. This may consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with snacks and beverages. The exact quantity depends on the number of individuals being provided for, but it’s designed to be compact and easily transportable, making it suitable for emergency kits or storage in workplaces and schools.

MREs are valuable resources for schools and workplaces seeking to enhance their emergency preparedness efforts. With their long shelf life, nutritional value, ease of preparation, and space-efficient storage, MREs offer a practical solution for ensuring individuals have access to essential nutrition during emergencies. By incorporating MREs into their emergency plans, schools and workplaces can better safeguard the well-being of their students and employees in times of crisis.