If you're familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons or LDS), you've likely heard that we like to store food. Lots of food. The LDS church encourages its members to become self-reliant in preparing for the immediate and future needs of their own families. It also has a huge centralized welfare program to serve the needy around the world.
So what exactly does the LDS church teach about food storage?
Basically we believe you should have enough food on hand to feed your family for one year. Does that sound crazy? A little. Does it sound daunting? Definitely. Is it possible? Absolutely.
Members are encouraged to start small, putting aside a few extra cans a month until a year's supply is acquired. Depending on the type of food being stored, you may need to rotate your food supply so that you are using up your old stores, while replenishing your supplies with new food.
https://www.lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-b/homemaking/lesson-25-home-storage?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage
Why do we do it?
In short, we like to be prepared. Whether it's a short term emergency like a natural disaster, or a long term situation like unemployment, it is comforting to know that your family will have what it needs. I personally hate to be hungry. I'm known to get more than a bit snippy when my blood sugar gets too low. I have a recurring nightmare that I go to Walmart and it's gone! The doors are boarded up and I'm alone in an empty parking lot crying for Great Value brand sandwich cookies. So I sleep better at night knowing there is food in my pantry and I won't have to eat my own arm if a crisis occurs. Many families have experienced the blessings of having food on hand during severe weather that traps them at home. During tough economic times, my family has been able to supplement our shrinking food budget with food from our year's storage.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/10/she-is-not-afraid-of-the-snow-for-her-household?lang=eng
So what should you store, and how much?
That depends largely on your family. You should store food that you like to eat. Unfortunately Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers and DQ Blizzards don't last very long on the pantry shelf. So you may have to come up with some of your lesser favorite foods to store. The variety of shelf stable foods is endless, and continues to change and improve, so you are sure to find something out there that works for your family. The best things in our pantry right now are our home canned peaches and applesauce. What could be better than fresh fruit, picked right from the tree (for free!) and canned at home for later use? I love it!
For specific guidelines on exactly how much food to store each month, go to:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/03/random-sampler/food-storage-for-one-year?lang=eng
So is that it?
As with most things in life, there is a physical reason for doing things, as well as a deeper emotional, mental, or spiritual reason. For Mormons, food storage isn't just about food. It's about being obedient and trusting that the Lord will make up the difference. We believe that if we do our part to prepare and provide for our families, the Lord will not only protect us, but will be able to use us as a tool to help those around us.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/03/becoming-self-reliant-spiritually-and-physically?lang=eng
So whatever your circumstance, I encourage you to give food storage a try. Start small, put a little aside every week, and see what a difference it can make.
Marcia
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