Start with beans and grains. This is the cheapest way to begin. You can store beans and rice in a popcorn tin or other simple container for the short-term. And while nobody is going to want to live on an exclusive diet of beans and rice, for $25 you could have survival rations for months.

The next step is to go into an Aldi's or Save-a-Lot store (you probably have some type of no-frills stock-up store near you) and buy dry and canned goods. Cans and boxes (protected from bugs) can be stored for long periods. This gives you some variety in your survival diet, as well as meat protein (like from tuna) and vitamins from the vegetables and especially tomato sauces. Be creative! Here's a company that offers a free soup sample that would be perfect for storage.

Some of the hardest things to get in a real emergency are vitamin C and oil. Olive oil can be stored for a long period. Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C pills, in addition to multi-vitamins, are a smart addition to your storage pantry.

Remember that babies need special food. They can't eat a beans and grain diet. Not only will it give them intestinal upset, babies just can't get enough calories from "survival" foods. If you might be taking care of a baby (and you can never tell...) store powdered formula, or at least evaporated milk and corn syrup for a do-it-yourself formula. Special baby vitamins are needed if the baby is eating homeade formula.

A quick and convenient way to pack your larder is to get some freeze-dried foods , or even MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). Both of these food types will keep for a LONG time. It's a trouble-free way to create a tasty emergency food supply.

Speaking of intestinal upset, you will need to accustom your body to coarser foods. Slowly your system will learn how to handle the foods until they don't give you any problems at all. You can start by eating a lot of beans; pork and beans, baked beans, kidney beans in your salad, refried beans. Any way you can get beans in your diet will help. Also start making more whole-grain dishes. 100%, whole wheat bread, couscous, and bulger are all good ways to get your body accustomed to high-fiber foods. Modify your diet now and you'll get the added benefit of being healthier. Otherwise, stock up on Beano!

Don't forget the sweets. Eating beans is more tolerable if you can also have chocolate.