An Excerpt about food storage

Here's something that I read this week that I thought was really really good! Our June Enrichment will have some kind of food storage component to it--so let's spend the next month really getting prepared! If you have any questions that you'd like us to try to answer (or have someone else in the ward answer that may be more knowledgeable) please email me at brittanmitchell@gmail.com

Here's the article that I liked:

During the past few weeks the news has finally picked up on the fact that grain prices are skyrocketing, especially rice and wheat. I have one warehouse that reports that it will get two more shipments guaranteed, but then it is unsure. Other storehouses are rationing. And the price of wheat which used to be $9.00 for 50 lbs is now more like $35.00 to $50.00.

So what does this mean? Should we be afraid? Absolutely not. All we need to do is modify our plans and continue our preparations. The most important part of preparation is actually having a personal plan and following that plan.

Let me give you some positive perspective in hopes that it will help.

First, we need to expect that food will cost more than it did, but there is still food--plenty of it. Don't be afraid. Don't despair. You may need to look a little harder, and we'll do our best to help you.

Second, remember that spring is here and farmers are planting more grain. There will be another harvest, and you will need to pay attention to get wheat. . . .

Third, remember that food storage is more than just wheat. So yes, continue to locate wheat as you can. Wheat is a staple, at least in the Western world. BUT, wheat is only one of the commodities--one of the grains. Look at rice (also being rationed, but more about that in a moment), barley, oats, rye, millet, amaranth, quinoa, spelt and kamut. Learn to integrate different grains to supplement and extend your wheat. This is not only to "spread the wealth" but also to add more and balanced nutrition.

Fourth, learn to use beans. Legumes are not being rationed. Prices may be rising a little, but not nearly at the same pace as the grains. Begin to stock beans and legumes. Choose a variety of beans. And don't wait. Use money out of your current food budget and buy 25 lbs whenever you can. They are not that expensive, yet As you have seen in our videos, you can sprout, grind, bake, boil, preserve, and cook beans in a wonderful variety. If you don't know how yet, LEARN to use them in ways that your family will eat. IT IS POSSIBLE--EVEN IN YOUR FAMILY.

. . . .

Now a little perspective on Rice. Rice is also being rationed. But what that really means currently, at least in the United States, is that stores are only letting you buy one or two bags, instead of 5, 10, 50 bags at a time. That's not really rationing; it is simply controlling a potential hysteria. I believe that was a wise move, not a crisis one. So don't let yourself get caught up in that.

Interestly, rice is the only grain commodity that is commonly sold in 25-50 pound bags in the supermarkets. This means that during each trip to the supermarket you should pick up only one or two bags, and let others do the same. Let the normal flow of grains continue. So don't despair. Just be wise. Buy one each time you can. Let others do the same.

Create your plan. Stay with your plan. Acquire the kitchen tools that you need, and be positive and encouraging to others. (From SimplyLivingSmart)