Guide · Food

Rationing food

If supplies are limited and you don't know how long you'll have to wait, rationing helps your food last. Done sensibly, it keeps you healthy and thinking clearly.

Don't ration water

Drink enough to keep your urine pale. If water is short, eat less too, because digesting food, especially salty or protein-rich food, uses water. Avoid salty snacks when water is scarce.

Take stock first

1. Gather all food in one place.
2. Count it and estimate how many days it will last at normal amounts.
3. Decide how long you may need to make it last. Plan for longer than you hope.
4. Divide it into daily portions.

Eat in the right order

1. Fresh food from the fridge first, before it spoils.
2. Frozen food next, as it thaws.
3. Fresh fruit and vegetables.
4. Tinned and dried foods last, as they keep longest.

How much to cut back

• Most healthy adults can manage on reduced food for a few weeks without serious harm.
• Cutting back to around two-thirds of normal is manageable for most people for a while.
• Going below about half for a long time causes weakness, poor concentration and lowered resistance to cold and illness.
• Eat at least something every day, and eat a little at regular times rather than one big meal.

Protect those who need more

• Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, older people and people who are ill should not have their food cut as much.
• People doing heavy work, such as carrying water or clearing debris, need more.

Save energy

• Rest when you can and avoid unnecessary exertion.
• Stay warm. Your body burns food to keep you warm, so good clothing and shelter make food go further.
• Work in the cooler parts of the day in hot weather.

Keep it fair

• Agree the plan as a group.
• Share out portions openly.
• Store food securely so it isn't wasted or taken.

Stretching supplies

• Make soups and stews; they go further and use up scraps.
• Save cooking water from pasta and vegetables for soups.
• Add reliable wild foods only if you are 100% sure of them.

Watch for warning signs

Dizziness, confusion, fainting, severe weakness or swelling in the legs mean someone needs more food and, if possible, medical help.

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