Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Being prepared is important at my house, so today I'm sharing my ideas about food storage.
If you look into my pantry (or in my closets, or under my bed) you might be a little surprised by what you find. I have food, water, and other essentials (like toilet paper) hidden all over my home. Crazy? I don't think so. Food storage is a big part of my life, and today I'll explain why it might be something you should try as well. I'll be interested to see if you change your mind about the value of food storage.
RELATED: Finding Hidden Storage Space in the Family Room
Why I Choose to Store Food and Other Essentials
My Cupboards are Never Bare
Perhaps my favorite thing about storing food is that I always have the basics on hand. Because I store staples--items that my family uses every day--I can always prepare a meal on the fly. Yes, I do run out of perishable items, but there is never a time when I can't feed my family because I forgot to go to the store. Do you have any idea how much money that saves on eating out alone?!
Buying in Bulk Saves Me Money
When buying items for my food storage, I typically buy in bulk. That means that I can take advantage of the lowest prices. I'm fortunate to live in an area that offers case lot sales at the majority of the grocery chains. Because I choose to store (and make room for it), I can take advantage of those huge sales. I can also wait for things to go on sale before buying them again.
I Am Prepared for Financial Emergencies and Unexpected Loss
I'd love it if none of us ever had to experience job loss, debilitating illness, or the loss of a spouse. The truth is, though, that's not reality. Bad things happen. We all need to be prepared for the unexpected. When the family's main source of income disappears, food storage becomes a lifeline! I have many friends who have lived on what they had stored in their home when times got tough.
It's just smart to plan for financial emergencies.
I Am Prepared for Weather Emergencies
Earthquake, tornado, flood, hurricanes--whatever the danger in your area, it's nice to be prepared.
I Am Prepared to Help Others
If there is ever an emergency, not only will I be able to feed my family, but I'll be able to help my neighbors as well. That feels pretty good.
I am Prepared to Feed My Daughter Who Has Food Allergies
I know many people assume that when an emergency comes, the government will step in and take care of everyone. Rather than wait around for help that may be days or weeks in coming (or never coming), I'd rather be prepared myself. One of my kiddos has celiac disease. That means that she cannot eat anything containing gluten (ie-wheat, barley, rye, malt, etc). What if I were to wait for someone else to feed my family, and there was nothing that she could safely eat?
Storing my own food gives me peace of mind that she will be taken care of.
I've Been Warned to Be Prepared by a Trusted Source
The main reason that I store food is that I have been asked to by a prophet of God.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also called the Mormon church). I believe that we have a prophet who is called by God and who receives revelation from God specific for today's world. Just like God spoke to prophets in the Bible, he still speaks to a prophet today. The prophet has warned us to prepare for emergencies, so I am trying to prepare.
You can find many more ideas for storing food and living frugally on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. I'm linking you to their section on Food Storage.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll check out some of my other ideas while you're here. (Images below are linked.)
Shirley Wood
It is very wise to be prepared, even more now than ever. In my lifetime, I have never seen so many disasters such as we experience these days. I myself was a victim of a flood in 1994. We were not prepared. I learned a lot from that experience. Would love for you to link up with us at Home Matters Linky party!
Heidi
Thanks for the invite, Shirley. I linked up. It's never fun to be caught unprepared! (Especially with kids.)
Melinda
I too believe in food storage. When I couponed I was able to do it very economically. And, my husband did lose his job, and my food stockpile allowed us to continue eating. Very importanr!
Heidi
I did really well with coupons, too--until the couponing TV shows came out! Then stores started changing their policies and made it a little harder. I'm glad your food storage helped you out when your hubby lost your job. That's what it's for!
Marilyn
Thanks for this great post! I store food but I'm not as organized as you...thanks for inspiring me today!
Heidi
Thanks, Marilyn. I'm only organized sporadically! I wish my whole house were organized. Some day!
Shecki @ Greatly Blessed
Not "food" but when I couponed, I had many household items stocked up because they were super cheap or free. During our adoption, when money was tight, it was so nice not to have to buy shampoo or detergent, etc. :)
Heidi
I loved getting things for free with coupons! It was hard work, but it was worth it. I haven't been able to do it for a while, but I'm glad it helped you through your adoption. Every little bit helps.
Julie V. (@SomebodysDinner)
Thanks for the list, Heidi.
I feel like I could store some more things at my home.
We ended up without water overnight once. The apartment owner asked if we had enough, and I told her we had 5 gallons for the 2 of us, that we'd be fine. Well then she explained that we could use our toilet by putting water into the back. I had to admit that we had drinking water, but not gallons to pour down the toilet for each flush.
But it made me realize that as great as it felt to have water to drink, there is always something else that I have no idea I need to store.
I'm following you on Pinterest and G + now, so I'll see you around.
-Julie
Heidi Fowler
I would have never thought of being able to flush the toilet! You're right, Julie. There's always something!
Tracy @ OurSimpleLifeSC
I have a sense of calm when I knowing I have enough in the house to handle being snowed or iced in, but more than anything I know if all my children surprise me and are here for a meal I always have enough to feed everyone!
Heidi Fowler
Me, too, Tracy. My kids are here for every meal because they're so little, but it's nice to know I can feed any stray kids that wander in with them!