Here is my suggested list of food storage items to stock up on in May based on my 3-Month Food Storage Plan. It contains long and short-term foods. Focus on a three-month supply first, but you could store more or less depending on your finances and space. This month focus on beverages.
Sales to watch for are Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day (great sales!). This is National BBQ month and National strawberry month. Items such as sunscreen, charcoal, igloos and strawberries will go on sale this month.
The May List
STEP 1: 3-Month FOOD STORAGE SUPPLY – Beverages
(Suggested amounts are for 1 adult)
CL = case lot sale, WM = Walmart, LDS = available at LDS Home storage center
LT = Long-Term shelf life if stored properly. Consider storing a year’s supply.
1. Decide on a monthly food storage budget
2. Choose a few items from the list that you want to focus on
3. Multiply list amounts by # of family members. Adjust amounts and items for younger children
4. Each week look at your grocery store ads for items on sale that match your goals
5. Carry your list with you, or put it on your cell phone notepad
FOOD ITEMS
Milk, Nonfat Dry 4 lbs. or 1 #10 LDS can (LT 20Y)
Fruit drink mix/Tang 1 lb. (LDS)
Cocoa mix 1 lb. (LDS)
Juices, bottle/can 3
NON-FOOD ITEMS
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
72-HOUR KIT (per person)
Book to read or activities
Underwear
2 pairs of socks
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES (per family)
Charcoal & lighter fluid
Cooler/Igloo
Hand towels
Tarps
Heavy rope
AUTO EMERGENCY KIT (per auto)
Pocket knife
Water bottles (1 per seat)
Work gloves
STEP 2: DRINKING WATER
Store a 2-Week Supply of drinking water, which is about 14 gallons per person. If you’ve already started this, continue to add to your supply. For drinking, that is about 4×24 ct. cases of 16.9 oz. bottles per person. You may need more for hygiene and cooking which you can store in other containers. Always keep stocked up on water. You can’t live without it.
STEP 3: FINANCIAL RESERVE
Each week add some money to an emergency fund. Decide on a do-able amount and set up weekly transfers from checking to savings. Or put aside your loose change in a jar. Whichever way you choose to save, use it only for emergencies.
PREPAREDNESS GOALS
1. Rotate water bottles
2. Make strawberry jam
3. Create family favorite food storage menus
4. Learn to shut off gas/water