What to Store in a Food Storage

Latter-day prophets have counseled members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build up a food storage, but what should we store?

The LDS Church recommends that we store at least two weeks worth of water per person, and a year's supply of food, clothing, and fuel, if possible, in our food storage. We should also have a first aid kit in case of an emergency. Our food storage should contain what we would eat, and if we don't currently eat their recommended items, we should try to incorporate them into our diets.

First, start with the basics, then work from there to build up your food storage.

"We continue to encourage members to store sufficient food, clothing, and where possible fuel for at least one year. We have not laid down an exact formula for what should be stored. However, we suggest that members concentrate on essential foods that sustain life, such as grains, legumes, cooking oil, powdered milk, salt, sugar or honey, and water. Most families can achieve and maintain this basic level of preparedness. The decision to do more than this rests with the individual.

"We encourage you to follow this counsel with the assurance that a people prepared through obedience to the commandments of God need not fear" (Home Storage: Build on the Basics, Ensign, June 1989, 39).

See the following food storage and emergency preparedness resources to help you get started:

• How to Start a Food Storage
• Assessing Your Needs
• Food Storage Rotation
• How to Store What You Eat
• Acquiring A Year Supply
• Top 5 Food Storage Books

Also see the following LDS Church articles for help and guidelines in purchasing, storing, and preserving your food storage:

• "Storing Fats and Oils," (scroll down) Oscar A. Pike, Ensign, June 1999, 71
• "Update on Milk Storage," Ensign, Mar. 1997, 70
• "Frugal Food Storage," (scroll down) Colleen Hansen, Ensign, Jan. 1993, 73-74
• "Taking the Bite out of Food Storage," Pam Taylor, Ensign, Mar. 1992, 72

It may feel overwhelming to think of storing a year's supply of basic essentials, but all you have to do is start a little at a time. As you steadily add to your food storage you'll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve your goals.

Once you've decided to start your food storage you may ask yourself how you can afford food storage.