DO THE MATH

I like things concrete.  I like to plan and have a way to execute that plan. I like to set a goal and have a way to accomplish it.  The phrase, "Get your food storage" is somewhat vague.  Early in our marriage, I tried to gather a little of this or that but never really knew if I was "there."

I was so excited when one Sunday we were handed a copy of a letter from the First Presidency outlining basic food storage needs.  These are foods that would "be required to keep [members] alive if they did not have anything else to eat." The letter also states that "When member have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day" (January, 2002).  These food and amounts are per person:

•  Grains 400 lbs. 
•  Legumes (dry beans, split peas, lentils, etc.) 60 lbs. 
•  Powdered milk 16 lbs. 
•  Cooking Oil 10 qts. 
•  Sugar or honey 60 lbs 
• Salt 8 lbs. 
•  Water (2 weeks) 14 gal. 

In the May 2006 Ensign, these guidelines were published again along with portion percentages.  Basically,  kids under 3 eat half the amounts, ages 4-6 70%, ages 7-10 90%, and ages 11 and up 100% (though I have also heard to do 150% for teens).

I have used these numbers and guidelines often during the last 17 years.  The needs for our family has changed, but it has been nice to be able to concretely do the math to know where I need to be for a start.

I guarantee you will want more than this list if you really did have to live off of your food storage for any period of time.  But, I do feel like this gives a really great start to where you need to be.  

Once you determine how much you need, the next step is where to buy it.  

If you want to buy it in one swoop and have it all packaged for you, Rainy Day Foods is a great resource.  They have  everything!  Shipping can get a little pricey, but if you find several families that want to do a bulk order, that would help on shipping costs.  Emergency Essentials also has some great pre-packaged options.  

If you are willing to package the food yourself, there are some great local options:

• WinCo (my personal favorite).  You can get anything they sell in their bulk section in a box or bag (even at a discount).  You can order online and have it delivered to the store, or you can order with customer service.  Be aware, they only take cash, debit, or checks.  Locations are in Temecula, Oceanside, and San Marcos.
• Church Cannery.  They have several of the basics that you can buy in bags.  They are located in Murrieta at 25855 Jefferson Ave #3H or in San Diego at 4722 Mercury Ave (which is close to the Costco Business Center).
• Costco.  I have found that White Flour, Sugar, Pinto Beans, and Rice are less expensive here.  In Kearny Mesa area, there is a Costco Business Center that has many different things that are available in bulk--think black beans, lentils, caramel, and more!

I challenge you to do the math.  Find out how much of the basic food storage items you need for your family.  Make a plan to get your food storage, either all at once or set a monthly goal.  Make sure you store it safely in the right containers, and be sure to rotate.  If you know you won't eat it, don't store it. Store extras of what your family likes the most.  Most of all, start storing something.