RSS - June

Remember the first few weeks after Governor Herbert announced the Stay Home/Stay Safe directive in response to COVID-19? Truckloads of toilet paper at Costco disappeared in minutes. Nobody could find hand sanitizer or potatoes. Local store shelves were empty of canned goods and food staples like flour and rice for weeks. Hopefully these experiences taught each of us how vital it is to have adequate supplies of basic food items and other necessities in our home storage before a crisis happens.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF HOME STORAGE

1. Food in emergency kits and non-food items to include in your home storage (06.13.2020 email)
2. Short-term food supply, also known as "pantry storage," is the 3-month supply of food we eat, rotate, and replace on a regular basis (06.20.2020 email)
3. Long-term food supply includes foods that have a longer shelf life and are used to stay alive in extreme situations (06.27.2020 email)
4. Water supply (highlighted in May 2020)
5. Financial reserves (calendar year 2021's focus)

BASIC FOOD STORAGE Q's & A's

You and each member of your family should have a 96-Hour Emergency Kit. An important part of these kits is a 4-day supply of food and water. The food items should be non-perishable, compact, lightweight and in sealed packages. MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) are frequently used because they require little or no preparation. Freeze-dried foods are lightweight but require extra water. Plan nutritionally balanced meals, keeping in mind this is a survival kit. Include vitamins, or other supplements, as well as medications. Plan your emergency food needs carefully, especially if you are a diabetic or are gluten intolerant.

It is also suggested that a 4-day supply of food and water is kept in your cars and at your places of employment.

Possible food items for an Emergency Food Kit include: MRE's, freeze-dried food (these require additional water), snack crackers, hard candy, dried fruits, vegetable capsules, instant oatmeal, powdered milk, jerky, bouillon cubes, raisins/nuts/food bars, instant rice/potatoes, dried soups, gum, granola, nutrition and protein bars, vitamins, instant pudding, and powdered drink mixes. Depending on what food you put in your kit determines what equipment is needed for cooking and eating it. A can opener and a razor blade should also be included in these kits.

Your home storage should also include critical non-food items that are necessary for health and safety. This includes things like batteries, medicines, hygiene items, and cash money.

96-Hour Emergency Food Kit

Non-Food Home Storage Items

Your pantry storage (3-month supply of food) is the working supply of your overall food storage. It should be made up of items that you and your family regularly eat. "But wait!" you say. "Is this in addition to having long-term food storage?" YES! Although, the two are not mutually exclusive. Long-term food storage and pantry storage should work hand in hand.

Long-term food storage is food with a long shelf life (up to 30 years!) and provides the bare necessities to stay alive. A portion of these items may be rotated in your 3-month supply, but your 3-month food supply should revolve around meals your family actually wants to eat. It is generally stored in your pantry, cupboards, freezer, and refrigerator.

3-MONTH FOOD SUPPLY

For longer-term needs, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans. These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your 3-month supply.

Costs will vary depending on where and how you purchase your food storage. It is important to remember that you should not go to extremes; for instance, it is not prudent to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. Develop it gradually to diffuse the overall cost over time so that it will not become a financial burden.

Click HERE to see details from the Church's Provident Living website about product and packaging recommendations as well as food storage guidelines.

An Approach to Longer-Term Food Storage

Long Term Food Storage Tips & Tricks

Food Storage Cost Cutting