This week our food storage focus is dry milk.
STEP 1: 3-Month Supply (per adult) – 4 lbs. or 1 #10 can dry non-fat powdered milk
Why?: (Remember: this is a small supply of this item so it does not have to be stored in a long-term container. If you don’t think you will use it, then consider why are you storing it?) Dry milk is useful for everyday drinking, baking, or for use in a power outage emergency. Contains necessary calcium. Aseptic boxes of milk such as Gossner milk or Hershey’s could be substituted, but they do take space. Some people store almond milk, coconut milk, or a dry milk alternative such as Morning Moos.
Tip: Dry milk comes in instant and non-instant forms. Instant dissolves quickly in water, however non-instant is excellent for baking and cooking. Instant tends to be more expensive and tastes better for drinking. Instant milk weighs less than non-instant milk. Store in a cool, dry place.
For recipes and tips: Go to my dry milk Pinterest board. Decide if you will use it for drinking or baking/cooking? This is such a personal decision. Personally, my storage contains mostly LDS dry milk for baking/cooking because of the price. I also have a small supply of Morning Moos (milk alternative) for drinking. Do what works best for your family and finances. If you are not sure, start with a small amount and learn to use it. Contact the manufacturer for a sample.
Shelf Life: Check with the manufacturer.
Shopping: Here are a few brands:
– LDS Non-Instant Dry Milk 4.1 lb./$8.60/20 year unopened shelf life. (Must can it yourself for this price)
– Augason Farms Country Fresh Instant Milk 1.81 lb./$11.25/10 year unopened shelf-life.
– Thrive Instant Milk 3.38 lb./$20.69/25 year unopened shelf-life
– Morning Moos Milk Alternative 3.5 lb./$15.75/25 year unopened shelf-life.
STEP 2: Drinking Water – 14 gallons (FEMA) or about 4×24 ct. cases of bottled water
Skip this if you’ve already got it.
Tip: Stock up this month! It’s everywhere today, but it may not be tomorrow. Buy more to replenish what you have used.
Shelf Life: see Still Tasty.com
STEP 3: Financial Reserve (per person) – $2.00 +/- per week
Skip this if you’ve already accumulated your goal.
Tip: Start your fund this month! Use only for emergencies. Keep some in the bank and some cash at home.
STEP 4: Longer-Term Supply (per adult) – 16 lbs. or 4 #10 can dry powdered milk
Tip: Non-instant milk is an excellent long-term storage item. I buy a few cans at a time so they don’t all expire at the same time.
Home Storage: Toiletries Group 1 (per adult) – Feminine or Incontinence items
Tip: Use your best judgement to figure out how much to stock up on for your family.
Preparedness Goal – Learn how to use dry powdered milk
How: If you are going to stock dry milk, learn how to use it. Practice this week. Go to my Pinterest board for ideas.
Equipment Goal – Recipe binder
Tip: If you are just starting out, learn to collect some family favorite food storage recipes. You can store them in a binder for easy access. Look for recipe storage ideas on my Pinterest board.
Weekly Inventory – Toiletries
Tip: Count the toiletry items you have in your home. Items such as toilet paper, soap, feminine items, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. Go to this post if you need ideas on how much to keep in stock.
Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the January 2013 Food Storage list.
Instructions:
Each week, I post various food storage and emergency items to gather. By stocking up year round, you build up your supplies economically, use some, leave some on the shelf, and buy some more. Cycling keeps your items fresh and integrated into your everyday diet. I’ve incorporated the LDS 4-Step Approach to Home Storage, but with my suggested items to gather.
Work on STEP 1, 2 and 3, before moving to STEP 4: Long-Term Food Supply. It may take you awhile to gather your 3-Month Supply, water and a financial reserve. As long as you are moving forward, that’s what matters most. Only gather what you can afford, will eat, and choose goals you have time for. Substitute other foods that work for your family.