Start with the Basics

Basic foods are less expensive, last a long time, and do not require huge space for storing. In a disaster they are hardest to come by. Lots of vegetables can be grown in any yard space but grains are so land intensive to grow it is doubtful they will be obtainable by most people.

The basics are as follows. These recommended amounts are calculated to supply the same rations per day that the handcart companies received during their treks. We would recommend these amounts as a starting place with additions made according to the family’s needs. The following is a recommended amount for 1 year.

Thoughts of importance:

Variety

Most people do not have enough variety in their storage. Almost all of the people who store have stored only the four basic items of wheat, milk, honey, and salt. Many people are allergic to wheat and may not be aware of it until they are eating it meal after meal. Moreover, wheat is often too harsh for young children. They can tolerate it in small amounts but not as their staple. Another problem is that we get tired of eating the same foods over and over and many times prefer to not eat, than to sample that particular food again. This is called appetite fatigue. Variety is key to a successful storage program. It is essential that you store flavorings such as tomato, bullion, cheese, spices to cook with, onions, etc. Few people get beyond storing the four basic items, but it is extremely important that you do so. Store dehydrated and/or freeze-dried foods as well as home canned and store-bought goods. One of the best suggestions we can give is to buy a good food storage cookbook.

Vitamins

Vitamins are important especially if you have children since children do not store body reserves of nutrients as adults do. A good quality multivitamin and vitamin C are the most vital.

Storage

Whatever you decide to use to store the basics and other food items remember to choose containers that are waterproof, mouse proof, crush proof, and stackable. Buckets with a thick seal seem to make food last the longest right now. With grains, to protect from weevil, we have used a ¼ cup of diatomaceous earth mixed with 50 lbs. of wheat in a six-gallon bucket. Diatomaceous earth with rice and oats as well.

Beginning

Even budgeting in the periodic purchase (once a week or once a month) of one bag of grain, or beans, or milk, or spices, or whatever and an appropriate storage container to store it in puts a person on the road to gathering a store for a time of need.

Our feeling is that this can be done without a spirit of fear and with an attitude that is wise and not hasty.

By just beginning to move forward and going forward as you can, not running faster than you have strength, it is possible for you to discover what your family likes and needs so that you can modify the variety of your storage program according to your family’s unique tastes and circumstances.

McKay Platt