February is “National Canned Food Month” – Prep your pantry, Redbirds!

February is designated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ready.gov calendar as"National Canned Food Month" - an opportunity to strengthen your household and workplace readiness by building reliable, long-lasting food resilience for winter emergencies.

While Illinois winters often bring unpredictable weather, power outages, and travel disruptions, having safe, shelf-stable food on hand ensures you and your family are supported during unexpected events.

Key preparedness actions for this month:

• Review your emergency food supply. Ensure you maintain at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each member of your household. Include ready-to-eat items that don't require cooking if the power goes out.
• Build or strengthen your canned goods inventory. Canned soups, vegetables, proteins, fruits, beans, and shelf-stable meals are excellent additions to home and office readiness kits. They're durable, affordable, long-lasting, and ideal for winter preparedness.
• Check expiration dates and rotate stock. Follow the "first in, first out" method to keep your supply fresh. Replace expired or damaged cans and take note of what your household uses most frequently.
• Store your food safely. Keep canned items in a cool, dry place. Avoid freezing temperatures, which can cause cans to crack or split.

Winter hazards - from heavy snow and ice to sudden power outages - can limit access to grocery stores or make travel unsafe. A well-prepared food supply ensures that even in challenging conditions, you remain nourished, comfortable, and ready to support your household or workplace. Taking small steps this month helps keep our Redbird community resilient and cared for all winter long.

For more resources, visit Ready.gov's toolkit on emergency planning and preparedness. On campus, contact ISU Emergency Management at [email protected] or (309) 438-0100.

Be sure to follow us at @saferedbirds on social media for preparedness tips and updates.