This week our food storage focus is dried egg powder.
STEP 1: 3-Month Supply (per adult) – Powdered whole eggs 8 oz. (optional)
Why?: Powdered eggs can be helpful if we had an egg shortage, power outage or while camping. They are made from real eggs, are pasteurized and are simple to prepare by just adding water. Check your label to know how much powder and water you need to make 1 egg.
Tip: They are not cheap, so try to buy when they are on sale. Most 33 – 40 oz. cans cost $22.00 and make 70 to 80 eggs, which is about .25 per egg. If you live in Utah, there is a case lot sale going on this week with Augason Farms whole eggs at $16.99. But I have found them priced closer to $13.50 at Macey’s during the case lot sale in April.
Tip: Find other foods you can substitute for eggs here.
Shelf Life: 3 – 10 years, varies by manufacturer.
STEP 2: Drinking Water – 14 gallons (FEMA) or about 4×24 ct. cases of bottled water
(Skip this step 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 use. Small bottles are for short-term storage because you periodically use them. More durable containers are for long-term storage and need to be refilled every 6 months.
Shelf Life: small bottles 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! Decide on an amount you want for emergencies and put aside weekly amounts until you build up your reserve. Keep some in the bank and some cash at home.
STEP 4: Longer-Term Supply (per adult) – Nothing this week.
Home Storage: Toiletries Group 2 (per adult) – Mouthwash 3 ea. for 3-month supply
Tip: Use your best judgement to figure out how much to stock for your family. A 3-month or 12 -month supply may be affordable for some families, but a 1 month supply may work for others. Once you know how much you want to stock, try to restock it after you use one item.
Preparedness Goal – CERT Training
How: If you would like to become part of the Community Emergency Response Teams in your neighborhood or workplace, sign up for CERT training. It usually takes 2 Saturdays to learn basic disaster response skills.
Equipment Goal – Ham radio or walkie talkies (optional)
Why: During a disaster, users of ham radios are able to help with communication. You may already be trained through your church or work. Or, you may have sport walkie talkies that can also help with communication. Keep your equipment in workable order and teach your family how to use it.
Weekly Inventory – Baking Basics
How: Go through your supply of these items. They include all of your baking ingredients, but don’t include fats, oils and spices. Count, organize, and use those close to their expiration date. Toss dented or torn container items. Mark what you have on your inventory list.
Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the February 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.
Your food storage should consist of shelf-stable foods. What we store in our 3-month supply (STEP 1) is everyday foods or short-term storage foods which have an approximate range of 3 month – 10 year shelf-life. What we store in our long-term supply are foods that have a 20 to 30 year shelf life. Don’t consider what’s in your refrigerator or freezer as this type of storage, because it could be gone quickly with a 24-hour power outage. However, we all buy perishable foods and can continue to purchase them and inventory them. Hope that all made sense.
Remember, design your food storage for your family, your way. Nothing cookie-cutter about this.