Prepare for winter weather with Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council's 'Emergency Eats Challenge'

Recipes accepted from the public through Sept. 30

Submitted by the Erie County Department of Health

The Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council (FPC) has launched an “Emergency Eats Recipe Challenge” and encourages the public to participate by submitting simple and delicious ideas for meals and snacks for emergency situations.

FPC’s emergency food working group created an "Emergency Eats Challenge," which asks the public to submit recipes that can be made during an emergency event where power, resources and fresh food may be limited.

In reference to the “Emergency Eats Challenge,” FPC Chair Sarah Gatti said, "Providing Erie County residents with a community-driven cookbook is essential for ensuring everyone has access to nourishing, enjoyable meals during emergency situations. As extreme weather events become more frequent in our region, emergency food solutions have become a top priority for the Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council.”

Gatti, who is also a principal planner in the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, continued, “When power is out, travel is restricted, and fresh food is scarce, these recipes will offer practical ways to keep families fed, while also encouraging the community to share knowledge and resources to ease the hardships of emergency events." 

FPC will feature these recipes in an "Emergency Eats Cookbook" this fall in preparation for the winter season. The cookbook will be accessible online as well as through physical copies distributed throughout the county.

Submissions should: 

√ Cost about $10 or less to make 

√ Require minimal cooking or specialty equipment

Fit into one of the following award categories: 

√ Most resourceful: Making the most of limited ingredients. 

√ Healthiest: Promoting nutritious and balanced meals. 

√ Best cultural representation: Highlighting diverse cultural flavors and traditions. 

√ Most cost-effective: Providing delicious meals on a budget.

Four winners, one from each category, will be chosen to receive prizes, including: 

√ An FPC tote bag 

√ A printed and bound copy of the “Emergency Eats Cookbook”

√ A $25 gift card to a grocery store of your choice

Submit recipes by visiting the “Emergency Eats” website and follow the directions to participate in this challenge. Submissions will be accepted until Sept. 30. 

For more:

√ Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council: www.erie.gov/fpc 

√ “Emergency Eats Submissions”: https://www3.erie.gov/fpc/emergency-eats-recipe-challenge