I get a lot of my food storage products through Alison’s Pantry, a foods company based in Pleasant Grove, UT that delivers products through local Reps in 10 states.  They sell bulk grains, fresh spices in 1 lb. bags, and a delicious line of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables (Achieve), plus buckets and other food storage containers to organize everything.  (I’m not only the AP Sales Manager, I’m also a client…” ) If you live in one of the states below, this month you can earn a chance to win a $100 Alison’s Pantry gift certificate just by signing up to receive e-mail updates on AP sales and special product offers.

• Utah
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Idaho
• New Mexico
• Wyoming
• Montana
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• South Dakota

Just click HERE to join the mailing list. The winner will be drawn on July 11th, and posted to the Alison’s Pantry Facebook page.

1. Offer to present a free mini-class in your area on preparing food storage recipes, or planning your year-supply.  You can even do this in your home with a few friends.  You may be surprised how many people would love to learn what you know!
2. Take a few jars of your prized peaches and leave them on the doorsteps of friends with a note that encourages them to share their bounty with someone else in the area.
3. Help a friend build a few shelves in her storage room to hold more food storage.
4. Teach your kids frugality by inviting them to help you cut coupons and shop for toothpaste, shampoo, and soap to replenish your supply. (The blessing of teaching your children the value of a dollar will always come back around.)
5. Bake something using food storage ingredients and take it to a neighbor who could use a pick-me-up (include the recipe).

I’d love to hear your creative ideas too!

Click HERE for a link to the Pay It Forward Day website, where you can download free printable tags to introduce others to the idea of paying it forward. Enjoy your day!

Too much rain in the corn areas has delayed planting, so only a record corn crop will keep the supply from being depleted next year. Watch for case-lot sales on canned and frozen corn if your family enjoys this vegetable.  I also store freeze-dried corn, which is compact and light-weight, retains the most nutrition, and rehydrates with sweet flavor. 

With steadily increasing fuel prices, we are starting to see people  cut back on their miles driven and some companies are charging higher delivery fees.  It’s a good time to inventory your food storage supplies, see where items may be lacking and search for the best prices to replenish your supply.  Consider whether your inventory has all of the ingredients for meals your family enjoys.  Higher fuel costs will lead to rising food prices in general.

Be prepared, not fearful!

http://www.ldsliving.com/story/64148-prices-at-lds-canneries-show-food-inflation-up-11-to-49-percent

If possible, plant corn as well. Corn on the cob will be in short supply and suppliers don’t expect to be able to replenish the supply until mid-August.

As I receive other updates on produce and commodities, I’ll try to keep posts current.  These unexpected shortages validate the need to store dehydrated and freeze dried products in order to have a well-rounded supply of foods we enjoy eating if certain foods become unavailable or very costly for one reason or another.

Preparedness brings peace…and good eating!

And this is why I started this site.   Storing the basics shown above is a great place to start, but I don’t think many of us want to channel our pioneer ancestry to this extent. I believe in knowing how to use these staples to make healthy foods, but also in storing the ingredients that enhance them and make them enjoyable to eat.  Every edible thing in your house will be considered “food storage” in the event of an emergency!  Store a well-rounded supply of what YOUR family will eat!

I think the simplest method for putting one foot in front of the other to build a supply of food and gear for emergencies is found at Food Storage Made Easy.  These lovely ladies have compiled a very practical, organized system of ”baby-steps” in easy-to-complete checklists. It’s a great place to start!

Celebrate National Preparedness Month by inventorying your current food storage, and making a plan to improve and rotate your food storage every month.  Then come back to All About Food Storage often, and I’ll help you enjoy all of the foods with which you’re filling your pantry!

All About Food Storage has joined the Parade of Giveaways at Food Storage Made Easy.  Be sure to enter to win this fun prize to stock your cupboard with spices for holiday baking and cozy meals. I think spices are an essential part of food storage because they add flavor and variety to basic ingredients!

Here’s what you’ll win:

One large, bulk 1-lb. bag of EACH of these fresh, fragrant spices and spice blends (from Alison’s Pantry):

• Apple Pie Spice
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Chili Seasoning Mix
• Hearty Bean Seasoning
• Ole’ Taco Seasoning
• Savory Stew Seasoning
• Spanish Rice Seasoning
• and Rosemary & Garlic Seasoning

Plus, a 120+ page cookbook, Simple Recipes Using Food Storage, with great recipes, tips, and conversions. Total value: over $50.

Handy resource full of food storage recipes, tips and conversions!

How do you enter?  It’s soooo easy!

• “Like” the All About Food Storage Facebook Page, and/ or
• Comment on this post

You can enter your name twice for the giveaway.  The contest begins September 1st (don’t post until tomorrow) and runs through September 30th. The winner will be announced here and on the Food Storage Made Easy site on October 1st. This giveaway is limited to residents of the United States.

GOOD LUCK!

I’m joining in on the fun!  Check back September 1st to learn more about how to win a great prize package from All About Food Storage as part of the Parade of Giveaways hosted by Food Storage Made Easy. Just a week away…

If your garden harvest is bountiful this year, you’ll love these handy charts for dehydrating fruits and vegetables. Just click below for the links with helpful preparation tips and drying times:

FRUITS

VEGETABLES

I love the idea of home-grown, DIY food storage!