Food Storage Types
As we plan for another year, we need to continue with our efforts with an adequate food storage program. We all come from different backgrounds, family sizes and food needs. We all have different budgets and storage space that is available to us. So what is the best way to have a food storage supply? There is no right or wrong answer but it just has to work for us when we need it. The First Presidency has encourage us to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. It is recommended that we start by working on a 3 month supply and build up for longer term needs. One of the biggest obstacles with our food storage is rotation. We may collect food but it goes bad before we know it. So I propose that there are 2 types of food storage: Rotated and Non- rotated.
Rotated -
The ideal food storage to have would be a food pantry that contains 3 months of the food we normally eat. This food is rotated and replaced weekly. Longer term storage also needs rotation but we have more time to utilize it and replace it. We must be aware of expiration dates as to avoid spoilage. Rotating food storage takes time and discipline to make effective. See Tips and Ideas for Food Storage Rotation under our Articles section.
Non-rotated-
This type of food storage has everything we need but has a 25-30 year shelf-life. This food is freeze-dried and in cans or pouches. No discipline and no regular rotation needed. They may even consist pre-made meals. All you do is just add hot water and you have instant lasagna and blueberry crumble. You just replace it every 25 years. For some people and for some lifestyles, this is worth considering. Companies have made this easy for us to build our food storage a la cart or they offer preset breakfasts, lunches and dinners already for us. I have listed some of the more prominent Food Storage Companies and contact information (most of them are Utah companies) under the Articles section for you to view and compare. Plan to pay a premium for this type of food.
The important thing to understand is that the type of food storage is secondary to just having a food storage program. Our needs and abilities are different but we will all have the same need to eat. Personally, my wife and I have the rotating food storage but I added a 2 week supply of the Grab and Go freeze-dried meals to have a variety of both kinds. Best wishes as you continue your efforts!
