“But I can’t afford to build a food storage.”
Has anyone ever said that one? I did, once. And I’ve heard it more than once. For some of us, building a food storage is incredibly intimidating. Even the counsel from the 1st Presidency to focus on a 3-month supply can be too frightening for some to think about. Time, financial issues, insecurity, fear, being overwhelmed already, prevent some from obeying this principle, or from having the faith to start. The long lists and large amounts can be overwhelming.
If this is you, would you consider something? Do you have $2.50? On your next shopping trip buy 3 cans of green beans (or any other vegetable your family will eat) then throw them in the bottom of your closet for now. Look in your pantry or cabinets. What can you spare, or not use this week after all? Throw it in the closet, too, checking the expiration date first. Maybe you can buy a couple extra items next week. Maybe not, but…. You have the start of a food storage.
Wal Mart is selling a 5-pack of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for that $2.50 (in central Arkansas, at least). If your family eats this, can you buy an extra 5-pack and throw it in the back of the pantry? You have the start of a food storage!!! (doing the snoopy dance).
I know it is true the the Lord is there, whispering His encouragement and will bless you for every baby step you take. It is hard to be brave sometimes, I know, but listen for His whisperings. He’ll be there.
And remember, store only what you eat.
- visit www.providentliving.org for information on food storage and other interesting topics
- see the “All Is Safely Gathered In” pamphlet provided by the church. Check with your Relief Society President for this.
- About.com is a good place to look for food storage and emergency preparation. Here is a page with links to help you on your way or just to explore for further information.
- There is also a food storage calculator at About.com to help you find out how much your family needs.
- I googled, “food storage list,” and this page of links came up for you to explore, if you wish.
- If you’ve used one item, can you put it on the list to buy 2 the next time you shop? Can you be brave enough? Have faith enough?
- Check the dollar store for good deals.
- A favorite food storage cook book I found, Cookin’ With Home Storage, by Peggy Layton, includes home remedies, syrups, household cleaners, survival foods, such as emergency baby formula, edible wildlife and when they are active.
According to some Relief Society materials I possess, we have a monthly food storage program to help us on our way. We’re going to use this for now, here on this blog.
August food storage item of month is Wheat, and other grains, such as rice, corn, oats, flour, whatever your family uses. 3oo lbs/person/year (if you are on the baby step program, buy an extra bag or two of some grain, be it rice, cornmeal, oatmeal and put it in the back of your freezer). I would also consider pasta in this category. Make sure you have a variety of grains. I know someone who tried to live on only cornmeal and turned up malnourished.
Rice and ground flour develop grain bugs quickly in my climate, where the humidity is, like, 107 %, so consider this factor. You may need to freeze them.
Wheat is heavier than white flour and needs more leavening.
- In yeast breads, use more yeast and or let it rise longer.
- In baking powder leavened products, increase baking powder by 1 tsp for each 3 cups of whole wheat flour.
- Recipes using baking soda do not need to be adjusted.
- In baked products using eggs, separate the eggs and beat the whites until stiff. Then fold in just before baking. for extra lightness, an extra separated egg may be added. Good for waffles and especially cakes.
It is wise to get your family accustomed to eating food storage items so they will not get sick if you suddenly find you have to depend on it.
Breakfast cereal
1 cup of wheat makes 4-6 servings
Use either whole or cracked wheat with raisins, honey, cinnamon sugar, vanilla sugar or brown sugar.
Thermos method
1 cup whole wheat
2 cups boiling water
1/2 tsp salt
Place on a quart sized thermos; screw top lightly. Leave overnight. Serve with milk, if you like, and garnish as you wish.
Gas Range method-using pilot light
1 cup whole wheat
2 cups boiling water
1/2 tsp salt
Place ingredients in a pan over the pilot light all night.
Crock Pot Method
1 cup whole wheat
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
Cook 6-8 hours or overnight on low
Cornbread waffles
2 cups pancake mix
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 Tbl Sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 -7-oz can corn, drained
1- 1/2 Cups milk
2 eggs, separated
Chili beans and cheese (opt)
In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine pancake mix, sugar and cornmeal. Set aside.
In a medium sized bowl, beat egg yolks. Add oil, milk, and drained corn. Add to wet ingredients, stirring to mix. Gently fold in the egg whites. Bake on waffle iron according to general directions, until crisp. Serve plain or with chili and cheese.
cheese. cook on waffle iron until crisp. Serve with heated chili and top with grated cheese.
The general program list is:
January-Salt and leavenings 5 lbs/person/year
February-Beans 60 lbs/person/year
March—Rice and other grains (also see august) part of your 300 lbs/person/year
April—Oil and Shortenings 20 lbs/person/year
72-hour emergency kit expiration date check and rotation—done General Conference weekends
May- Paper products and garden needs
June—Milk or milk substitutes 75 lbs or 300 quarts/person/year
July—Sugar and honey 60 lbs/person/year
August--Wheat and grains—300 lbs/person/year
September—Fruits and vegetables 5 servings/person/day or desired servings/week x 52
October—Fuel and light, Alternate energy cooking, candles, flashlights, clothing and warmth,
72-hour emergency kit expiration date check and rotation—done General Conference weekends
November—water and filter accessories
December—soap, personal hygiene items and inventory storage
This listing does not include meats and poultry, I know, but we can survive on a vegetarian diet. Watch for meat sales and add as you are able.
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