What essential food item did McCandless acquire while in Fairbanks?

• A. Bread
• B. Rice in a big bag
• C. Beans
• D. Dried meat

Answer: (B)

Sustaining yourself on a simple, calorie-dense staple is the idea here. In Fairbanks, McCandless bought a large bag of rice because it provides a lot of calories per weight, stores well, and is easy to cook with minimal fuel—perfect for a traveler with limited resources. That makes it the best choice, as it represents a reliable base for meals during the early part of his journey when hunting and other supplies were uncertain. Bread spoils, beans require more preparation and fuel, and dried meat wasn’t described as his essential purchase there. The big bag of rice fits the need for a practical, long-lasting staple.