Keep a stock of food in the home that will last you 1-6 months if you can.  There are different opinions on how long you should prepare for disaster. 
Do your best. Have at least a few days worth of food and water in your home. 

Don’t store anything you wont use up in six months of normal life, it might take up too much room or expire before you use it. Once you have six months stocked up rotate supplies and replenish as needed. You may shop better with less trips to the store and less impulse buys. 

MRE (meals ready to eat) and freeze dried emergency food systems may not be right for the average family.  They are best used at mass care centers and shelters before hot food is set up. 

Many things you may want for emergencies can be purchased at the dollar-more or less-store. Start there.*

The dollar-more or less-store*

Rice and beans in smaller sized bags
Ramen and pasta
Canned foods
Shelf stable milks
Bars of soap
Travel size toiletries
First aid
Storage Containers
Garage bags
Instant food
Feminine hygiene
Baby supplies, baby wipes
Generic OTC meds, first aid supplies
Dust Masks
Rubber gloves 
Whistle
Duct tape
Solar lighting
Extra batteries
Reading glasses 

Costco list *

Rice and beans in large bags
Snacks
Grains like Oats, wheat, quinoa, amaranth, farrow etc. Only if you eat it normally, rotate stock regularly
Bread flour
Tea, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix
Pasta
Canned fish, meat
Tomato Sauce
Peanut Butter
Protein bars, breakfast bars,
Dried fruit
Jerky
Toilet paper
Baby wipes
Canned fruit and veggies 
Canned water, seltzer

Items for Your Camping Kit: (some things, like kitchen items can be found used)

Tents
Sleeping bags
Tarps
Lights
A pot and a skillet
plates, silverware, cups, mugs
Can opener
Camp stove
Cooler
Camp lights and fans
Insect repellant, mosquito nets

Other stuff

Cash
Home Battery back up
Walkie Talkies
Portable Battery back up (120v)
Shelf stable cheese, (vacuum sealed hard cheeses ) Powdered milk and cheese
Liquid soap. You can wash your self and clothes with castile soap
Water purification Sticks
Jugs dedicated for water storage
Rodent proof Garbage barrels for storing food
A rain barrel
Fire safe bag for documents
Portable radio
Dehydrator
Vacuum Sealer  Some foods can be sealed up to prevent spoilage from water. You can seal some types of bags with a hair straightener or hair dryer
You can Preserve food for many years with mylar bags and oxygen reducers

Canning supplies. Learn how to preserve food 
Extra clothes 

*Price compare with your regular store/on line; it may be cheaper

Pets

Food
Meds
Treats
Leashes
Carriers/kennels
Pet clothing, booties
An enclosure/playpen 
kitty litter and a card board box