How much emergency food does a family of 4 need for 2 weeks?
At 2,000 calories per person per day, a family of four needs 112,000 calories for two weeks. Here's what that looks like in emergency food kits.
The math
4 people × 14 days × 2,000 kcal = 112,000 kcal
Young children usually need less than 2,000 calories a day, so a family with small kids may need less. The calculator lets you set your own daily figure.
Cheapest single-product options
| Option | Units | Total cost | Days covered | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augason Farms 3-Month Emergency Food Supply | 1 | $548.97 | 14.5 | Brand per-day claim |
| Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply Kit | 3 | $548.97 | 14.5 | Brand per-day claim |
| My Patriot Supply 4-Week Emergency Food Supply | 2 | $555.90 | 14.0 | Brand per-day claim |
| My Patriot Supply 2-Week Emergency Food Supply | 4 | $591.80 | 14.0 | Brand per-day claim |
| My Patriot Supply 72-Hour Food Kit Sample Pack | 18 | $629.82 | 14.0 | Label total |
| ReadyWise 1 Month Emergency Food Supply | 2 | $639.98 | 15.6 | Label total |
"Days covered" is how long the units last for 4 people at 2,000 calories a day. Rounding up to whole units means some options cover more than 14 days.
Things to keep in mind
- Water: plan at least one gallon per person per day for drinking (Ready.gov). For four people over two weeks that's 56 gallons, plus water to prepare freeze-dried meals.
- Variety: the cheapest option per calorie isn't always the one your family will eat. Mixing a low-cost bulk kit with a few favorite meals is common.
- Prices were checked on November 8, 2026. Larger kits often go on sale.