LDS Food Storage

You might not know much about LDS food storage, but the concept is far from being new. Members of the Church of Latter Day Saints practice this method for keeping a variety of foodstuff. It utilizes simple and practical concepts for providing for the members and their household.

This storage method comprises many processes ranging from the canning of fruits and vegetables to rotating your stock in order to maintain a steady supply. The practice can be useful in emergencies, which is the main reason why it interests so many. It is also a good way to save money on your grocery bill, since stockpiling items can help you beat inevitable price increases

The Basic Steps

This system starts with a plan, which covers the items you want to start with. The foods you consume regularly are normally the first types of food for storage. This method also pays attention to good nutrition as well. An easy way to start an LDS food storage preparation is to follow these basic guidelines:

• Use enough supplies that can last for a minimum of three months. You should also put away basic toiletries and essential items if possible.
  
• Start collecting drinking water, ensuring that the containers are suitable for this purpose.
  
• Start saving a small amount of money on a set schedule. Gradually increase the amount if you are able to do so.
  
• Once you can handle these steps, it is time to start storing foodstuff for longer periods.
  

Of course, the church offers spiritual support at all stages of the LDS food storage process. This support includes providing guidelines and help in planning and food. It helps to remember that you can do the first three steps together, and make the necessary changes as you go along.

Storing Foodstuff Properly

The important thing to remember with LDS food storage is to prevent or minimize exposure to heat and light. Many people successfully use their cellars for keeping foods for a long time. Whether using a cellar or pantry, make sure that it is not warm, and that the temperature will remain constant. You can make use of any dry space in your home that is relatively cool as a place to stockpile food.

Some other useful considerations in the early stages that will help determine how much and what to store are:

• The size of your family
  
• The kinds of foods they like to eat
  
• What are the most nutritious foods you can store?
  

It is easy to get hold of sealable containers that are ideal for storing rice and flour. Any container you use must be airtight. Using containers that allows air in will hasten spoilage and make it easy for insect infestation to happen. Containers for storing water must be BPA free, although keeping water for more than a few months is not the norm. 

To help ensure the purity of the water, using chlorine tablets or a basic water filtration system is common practice among LDS members.

Canning foods is a big part of the LDS food storage process. A pressure canner is one piece of equipment that is standard for the canning process. If you are unable to get one, you can research home canning methods online. Canning fresh supplies is a good way to ensure having access to healthy food if there is a shortage for any reason.

The reasoning behind this storage concept is not to instill fear, but rather to help you be prepared for any eventuality. With a little research, you will find that the plan is simple and easy to follow, and you can make changes to your methods at any time.

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