A New Look at Food Storage

About a week ago, our ward had a preparedness carnival. Since I am our ward's home and food storage specialist, I was asked to put together a booth about food storage. As I was talking to people, I was surprised to know that very few were aware of the new food storage program, as suggested by our church. The old program suggested that members begin their food storage by purchasing long term food items and gradually purchase enough for a year's supply of food. The new guidelines recommend a simplified, four-step approach.

1. Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for three months.
2. Store drinking water.
3. Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.
4. Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.

For more information about the new guidelines, visit www.providentliving.org.