Disaster dining at its finest

When disaster strikes, an emergency preparedness kit can literally be a lifesaver. Candles and batteries are great things to have on hand, but they certainly won't keep bellies full.

On Aug. 2, teams were invited to cook for a panel of local celebrity judges using only foods one would find in an emergency food kit — the challenge was to make it taste good.

The Canadian Red Cross challenge saw contestants using taco shells, spam, marshmallows, canned beans and pudding to prepare their meals. Qualities like taste, presentation and creativity were considered when the winners were selected.

Yollande Twilley, a Canadian Red Cross volunteer, won the competition with her teammates G-Rant from Hot 93.5 and Darrell Hillier, a claims associate at Wal-Mart.

“It was a lot of fun,” Twilley said. Despite using “not the most common food,” she and her team were able to create a dish that appealed to judges.

While the name of the game was friendly, fun competition, the Canadian Red Cross was hoping to drive home a more important message with the event.

“Learn to be prepared in case of a disaster,” Twilley said. “It's certainly possible to have an interesting meal” during emergencies, when one is prepared.

David St. Georges, community services co-ordinator for the Red Cross, said the event also launched a fundraising campaign by Wal-Mart in support of the CRC. In the coming weeks, cashiers at the store will be asking shoppers to make $1 donations to the organization. The funds raised will go toward supporting those who need it most.

Last year, St. Georges said the CRS in Sudbury helped 229 families last year. The organization jumps in “anytime that you would vacate from your home,” like fire or flooding, he said.

Every household should have an emergency kit that includes items like water (at least two litres of water per person per day), and food that won't spoil.

“Families should have (food) items they are comfortable with,” St. Georges said.

Posted by Arron Pickard