Final answer:
The anticipated shelf life required for food for a mission to Mars is at least 5 years, to cover the travel and stay duration. Planning for a human colony on Mars includes ensuring long-lasting, nutritious food and other life support necessities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anticipated shelf life required for food on a mission to Mars would have to be at least c) 5 years. This duration would cover the time it takes to travel to and from Mars, plus the time spent on the Martian surface. For a team planning the first human colony on Mars, it's crucial to bring along food that's both nutritious and has a long shelf life to ensure the astronauts' survival for years.
When creating a list of necessities for surviving on Mars, some considerations would include: sustainable food production systems, water purification units, life support systems (including oxygen supply and waste management), shelter that protects from Martian weather and radiation, scientific research equipment, communication devices for contacting Earth, and emergency medical supplies.