Nations Sound Alarm: Stockpile Food Now or Face Catastrophe

Governments are sounding the alarm, urging citizens to stockpile food and supplies in anticipation of emergencies like war, extreme weather, and cybersecurity threats.

Different nations have varying recommendations for preparedness. The common guideline suggests having emergency supplies ready for a three-day period. Recently, France and the U.K. advised their populations to prepare for 72 hours of self-sufficiency.

A government account from Normandy, France, bluntly stated on social media, “Don't wait for the emergency: prepare now!”

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham chimed in during a BBC Radio interview, sharing his personal stockpile: “I do like my beans, so I have plenty of those in the cupboard, and soup. I think those are the kind of things that I would recommend people to have.”

Countries like Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands echo this sentiment, recommending a 72-hour emergency kit. Others, such as Sweden and Norway, suggest a week’s worth of supplies, while Germany advises preparation for up to ten days.

The United States offers less specific guidance. The Department of Homeland Security's Ready.gov states: “Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days.”

India’s National Disaster Management Authority recommends having a disaster emergency kit but does not specify a time frame.

Some nations provide region-specific advice. For instance, Western Australia warns residents in cyclone-prone areas to prepare an emergency kit with food, water, and medication. Cape Town in South Africa advises households to maintain enough supplies for at least three days.

Emergency preparedness has gained traction in Europe over the past two years. The European Commission introduced its Preparedness Union Strategy in March 2025, citing escalating geopolitical tensions and natural disaster threats due to climate change.

While the duration of recommended provisions varies, the contents of an emergency kit remain consistent across governments. Essentials include non-perishable food, water, medicine, batteries, a flashlight, and a radio.

A map compiled by a news outlet highlights countries where governments are advocating for emergency preparedness and food stockpiling.

Countries in Europe include the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and Croatia.

North America includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In South America: Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil.

Africa is represented by South Africa.

Asian nations include Japan, Taiwan, Israel, India, Philippines, and Singapore.

Oceania features New Zealand and Australia.

Dan Bongino, a conservative podcaster and former deputy director of the FBI, recently discussed emergency preparedness on his show. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and being prepared: “The way to reduce anxiety and panic in tumultuous times is to be prepared.”

Bongino advised listeners to acquire an emergency radio, batteries, emergency food supplies, rain collection systems, and water filtration tablets.

Benjamin Wilson, Assistant Director of the FBI Office of Public Affairs, responded via email regarding Bongino's comments: "Dan Bongino led the FBI as deputy director during one of the most successful periods of crime reduction in American history—including the historic Summer Heat violent crime surge." He added that any stories about Bongino's time at the FBI should focus on that success while acknowledging Bongino's right to speak as a private citizen.

This push for emergency preparedness aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent memo stating that more U.S. military bases must be capable of operating independently for at least three months if cut off from external supplies during a conflict.

On September 30, Hegseth launched the Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply and Survivability (FORTRESS) initiative. He labeled it the “nation’s insurance policy” to ensure that the U.S. can secure necessary materials and maintain operations if traditional supply chains are disrupted.

This article has been updated to include comment from Benjamin Wilson.