Friday, April 3, 2009

Begin Again

After famously admitting that my "food storage" consisted of dented cans of pineapple chunk and french cut green beans I found a good deal of comfort in this Ensign article (read the whole thing here):

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) suggested that Church members adopt a simpler approach to home storage.

“We can begin ever so modestly,” President Hinckley explained. “We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months.”1

Sister Jeffries notes that “the beauty of this system is its appropriateness for families just starting their storage programs, as well as for those living in small homes and apartments, where space is at a premium. President Hinckley clearly recognized that change and adaptation are needed so that all of us might benefit from the Lord’s inspired program.”


Research shows that these common longer-term food storage items, if they are properly packaged and stored at or below room temperature (75 degrees F; 24 degrees C), remain nutritious and edible much longer than previously thought. Even after long-term storage, these foods can help sustain life in an emergency.

Food

Shelf-Life Estimate in Years

Wheat

30+

White Rice

30+

Corn

30+

Pinto Beans

30

Dried Apple Slices

30

Macaroni

30

Rolled Oats

30

Potato Flakes

30

Powdered Milk

Debbie has organized me beautifully and pointed out all the places that have room for increase so you'll be hearing about my long-term food storage adventures in the coming months.

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2 comments:

  1. Take full advantage of Costco and the church Cannery for good buys on your list. In fact, our cannery isn't even doing sugar/flour, etc. anymore cuz it's much cheaper at costco. Use the dry pack canner to store it properly for that long shelf life you've described. Works great! We have one in our area (kept at a member's home) to borrow & you can buy cans, lids, dry packets & the food at the cannery. Remember, it won't matter how much $$ you have if there isn't anything on the shelves to buy! I've lived long enough to have seen that happen. Good luck! I'll post a copy of (what I'm sure you've all seen) of a food storage plan by the week. Easy and cheap enough for everyone to do.

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  2. If you go to the link on the sidebar for Provident Living, then "Family Home Storage", then "Home Storage Center Order Form" you can access the prices for drypack cannery items. You usually can't beat their prices.

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