Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of April 1st)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Congratulations to the Makaafi Family! They won the March FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing, a one burner Butane Stove with two cans of Butane Fuel.

April Goals: Sanitation/Add Grains, Rice, Cereal and Dry Pastas to your Food Storage

Story:

A few years ago our daughter Heidi set a goal to walk in the 26.2 miles Los Angeles Avon Breast Cancer Marathon Walk in honor of her grandmother who had breast cancer. It was held in the hottest month in California, September. Thousands participated.

As the day worn on the heat continued to rise. They walked from the Santa Monica Pier inward 26.2 miles towards Los Angeles. Most of the walk Heidi was in the front. As the walk continued it became harder as they went up and down large hills. The hills became so high you could not see the next one. People were amazed at her performance, being able to stay in the front for so long. Many of the participants asked her how long she had trained for the marathon. She said, "Train, were we suppose to train?" She had walked and jogged every day, but had not trained for the gurgling 26.2 miles marathon.

As the day worn on she began to show some signs of concern for the medical teams along the way. They spoke with her for a few minutes as she walked and insisted on checking her. She insisted she was alright, but reluctantly followed their advise and concerns. It appeared she was dehydrated and was having some difficulty with a knee and her ankles. They advised her to stop, but she insisted she would be alright and continued the walk. She drank more water as she continued. Each hill became more difficult and painful than the last. She knew she was in trouble, but wanted to finish the marathon in honor of her grandmother. She said a silent prayer and immediately felt a cool breeze blow over her and knew her Heavenly Father and grandmother would help her. She continued the walk several more miles. Now less than a mile from the finish, the medical team noticed she was limping quite a bit and insisted she pull over again. Once again, she fought them, she was so close, she could see the finish. This time they would not take no for an answer and pulled her out. They insisted she drop out of the marathon walk, she was putting her health in danger. After many tears she sadly followed their advise, she would have crawled if they would have let her stay in the marathon. They took her by golf cart to the finish line, less than a mile away. She cried and cried, but knew she had tried her best.

Why this story? How does it relate to Emergency Preparedness and Food Storage?

Never give up. You may think getting your Food Storage and Emergency Supplies in order are an impossible task, but it just takes one step at a time. It does not happen in one day, one week or one month. It takes time by adding a little to your Food Storage and Emergency Supplies each time you go to the grocery store.

April Goals:

1. Sanitation: This month add a portable toilet, toilet paper and baby wipes to your Emergency Supplies.

See the sign-up sheet at church on the Sunday, the 8th, if you have not already signed up. The cost, $20, which includes the portable toilet shown below, 6 Enzyme packets and a bag of cat liter. You will need to purchase the heavy large black plastic trash bags. You should purchase extra bags of cat liter. Last date to sign up and pay Sister Cuppett is Sunday, April 29th. You can also purchase the portable toilet at EmergencyEssentails.com for $14.95, which comes with 2 Enzyme packets. Shipping cost is $6.
This is how it works--Use it only if you cannot use your house toilet. Line the portable toilet with a heavy plastic black trash bag, pour it just enough cat liter, about 5 inches. After someone uses the toilet, sprinkle with a little of the Enzymes, which helps breakdown the waste. Add more cat liter as needed. Once the toilet is about 1/2-3/4 full, remove the trash bag carefully and bury it, if possible in your yard.

2. Weekly Assignment: Add Grains, Rice, Cereals and Dry Pastas to your Food Storage.

This week add a large bag of Rice and a large container of Instant Oats to your Food Storage. Costco and Sams Club have these items in bulk.

Grains: Most us know the usually ones, corn, barley, millet, oats, rice, rye and wheat. But there is also Amaranth, Kamut, Quinoa, Rice, Rye, Spelt, and Teff. They are an everyday staple in most diets, from cereal you eat at breakfast to the popcorn you eat as a snack. They are the edible, carbohydrate-rich seeds of various plants and grasses. They can vary in price.

How much should you store per person? Store a combination of the above grains your family will eat. Determine how much you will need of each grain for your family.

Pounds Per Person: 300 pounds per person per year, 150 pounds per person for 6 months, 75 pounds per person for 3 months, 25 pounds per person for a month

How to store: Store in #10 cans or Mylar bags in a cool dry dark place. They will store for 30 years. If stored in the store plastic bags they come in, first put in the freezer for 24 hours to get rid of any moths, their eggs and larva. Then let warm up to room temperature. Watch the expiration dates on the packages. They usually on store for about a year this way.

Storing Brown Rice and other foods with high oil, high moisture or high sugar content: These types of foods, like brown rice, nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, cornmeal, candy bars, egg noodles, poppy seeds, dried apricots, cookies, granola bars, just about anything in the pantry. In our house we mostly use brown rice. Do not store them in #10 cans (due to interaction with metal) or Mylar bags. They have a short shelf life. You can store all these types of food in mason canning jars up to 3-5 years if you vacuum out the air. Here is how you do it---Put your ingredients in a mason jar and put a lid (just the flat lid, not the screw on lid) on the jar. Attach the hose of your jar sealer to the port hole of your Food Saver. Place the jar sealer attachment over your lid and start the machine. The jar can be opened and resealed over and over if you are careful taking off the lid. If a jar with not seal, try placing one lid down and one facing up or you can heat the lid in boiling water. (If you heat the like, you cannot use it again.) Store in a cool dry dark place. Remember, the warmer the temperature, the shorter the shelf life. Check the food in the jars every years.

Note: You cannot vacuum seal foods that need refrigeration...only foods that sit your pantry shelf. Vacuum sealing fine powders, like cake mix, will gum up the works of your machine. To avoid this, put a plastic or zip lock bag in your jar, fill the bag, express the air, zip lock in then vacuum seal.

Food Saver Vacuum Sealer: I purchased my on ebay for about $20, much cheaper than in the department stores. You can also find them on craigslist. If it does not come with the jar sealer attachment, you can purchase the small and large jar attachments online for about $10-$15.

Food Storage Tips:

Secret to successful Food Storage---ROTATION!

This quote is from he Utah State University Extension Center--

"Commercially canned foods should retain their best quality until the expiration code date on the can. This date is usually 2-5 years from the manufacture date. High acid foods (like tomatoes and some fruits/juices) usually have a shorter shelf life than low acid foods. For emergency storage, commercially canned foods in metal or jars will remain safe to consume as long as the seal has not been broken."

"The Canned Food Alliance also shares the view that canned foods are safe to eat as long as the can is not damaged in any way. They will lose nutritional value but are safe to eat. With this information, and the knowledge that most of the foods from the cannery will last 20 and 30 years (freeze dried or dehydrated in #10 cans or Mylar bags), food storage and it's rotation have become much easier for everyone." Wendy Dewiit, "Everything Under the Sun"

But it is better to rotate before the canned or jar foods expire!

Remember: Post your name and comment to have your name entered into the April FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 25th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"The greatest events that have been spoken of by all the Holy Prophets will come along so naturally as the consequences of certain causes, that unless our eyes are enlightened by the Spirit of God, and the spirit of revelation rests upon us, we will fail to see that these are the events predicted by the Holy Prophets." George Q. Cannon

Our prophets and other church leaders have been warning us for years of the last days and how difficult it will be for those of us who are not prepared both spiritually and temporally. We need to take the time to evaluate where we and our family are spiritually and temporally. We need to work on those things we need to do to be prepared both spiritually and temporally for what may come your way. Being in tune with the Spirit may save our life and our loved ones lives. We need to heed the inspiration and warnings we receive. Do not procrastinate. We need to be aware of what is going on around us, in our community, our government, the nation and the world. Someday, I strongly feel, that food will not be as accessible as it is now, or will be so expensive we cannot afford it. Why not get your Food Storage and Emergency Supplies in order now so you do not have to suffer or fear the worlds future events. If we are striving to follow the counsel or our church prophets and leaders the Lord will bless you.

March Goals--Plant a Vegetable Garden, Herb Garden and Fruit Tree, Add Beans and Legumes to your Food Storage:

1) Vegetable Garden, Herb Garden and Fruit Tree--See all the postings for this month (March) regarding this challenge. Plant your gardens before the end of April.

2) This week add Legumes (lentils and split peas) to your Food Storage: These are in combination with your beans. See the previous March postings for how much to store per person in your family.



Legumes provide a hearty alternative to meat-based meals, but each has a distinct taste. They can be cooked in water or stock (vegetable, beef or chicken) and enriched with great tasting vegetables. They are very economical too, about $1 a one pound bag in the grocery stores. You can also buy them by the bulk at Costco and Sams Club. You can find great recipes in cookbooks and online. Put some recipes in with your legumes in your Food Storage.

Lentil and Split Pea Soup Recipes (Both of these recipes are low in sodium and fat):

Lentil Vegetable Soup

3-4 cans of Vegetable or Chicken Broth (low sodium and fat free--I use Swanson)
1 small -medium onion, diced
2-3 stalks of celery, diced
6 gloves of garlic, diced (I like a lot of garlic, you can reduce the amount)
2-3 carrots, diced
1 zucchini, sliced in quarters length wise and then sliced into pieces
1 package dry lentils
3/4 cup dried parsley
2-3 bay leaves (depending on the size)
salt to taste (I do not use a lot of salt because the broth has quite bit even though low sodium) 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Wash the lentils using a colander. Saute the onion, celery and garlic in a little of the broth until tender. Add the carrots and zucchini and saute about 2 minutes. Add the broth, lentils, parsley, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Add enough water to bring the liquid up to about 1 inch from the brim of the pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup (We served this at the Choir Christmas Dinner)

1 cup dry green split peas
6 cups water
1 1/2 cups onions, diced
2 cups celery, diced
2 cups carrots, diced
2 teaspoons-2 tablespoons chicken like seasoning of your choice, to taste
3/4 teaspoon basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

Wash split peas using a colander. In a medium-large pot, bring water to a boil. Add all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer until split peas and vegetables are tender. Pour hot soup into a blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot. Add salt to taste. Heat through. Serves 6 cups.

Emergency Preparedness Tip:

If you come across standing water over a street or road, do not drive through it, drive around it. You do not know how deep the water is, or if there is a large hole there.

If driving to the mountains for a fun day or weekend in the snow, always keep a couple of warm blankets, water, food, flashlight, battery operated radio, extra batteries and flares in your car. If you get lost or breakdown you will have items to keep you warn, set up a warning signal and have food and water. Stay in your car, do not go for help.

If there is a Pandemic you will need to cover all your windows and doors with a heavy plastic and duck tape the edges to keep from air and germs coming into your house. Keep these supplies in your house or garage. It may be difficult to purchase them when the emergency arises.

Remember: Post your name and comment for this Sunday, March 25th FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing by 8:00 am.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 18th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"In mercy the Lord warns and forewarns. He sees the coming storm, knows the forces operating to produce it, and calls aloud though His prophets, advises, counsels, exhorts, even commands---that we prepare for what is about to befall and take shelter while yet there is time. But we go our several ways, feasting and making merry, consoling conscience with the easy fancy of 'time enough' and in idle hope that the tempest will pass us by, or that, when it begins to gather thick and black about us we can turn back and find shelter."
James E. Talmage, The Parables of James El Talmage, page 50

WHAT IF...

What if there was a fire in your home or work place?
What if there was a huge earthquake while at home or work?
What if you had to evacuate immediately?
What if there was a Pandemic and you could not leave your home for several weeks?
What if you had no running water and all the stores were out of water for a month?
What if there was no food to purchase, the store shelves were empty?
What if food prices were so extreme you could not afford them?
What if you had no extra food stored for emergencies?
What if you had no electricity for a month?
What if you had no candles, no batteries for your flashlight and portable radio?
What if you had no portable radio so you could hear what to do if there was an emergency situation?
What if you had no way to contact someone for help?
What if you could not get out, roads and streets were blocked?
What if no emergency response teams could get to you and your loved ones?
What if you had severe emergency medical needs? Could you take care of them?
What if you were not prepared?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE US TO PREPARE FOR THE ABOVE?

SOME DAY WILL BE TOO LATE!

March Goals--Plant a Vegetable and Herb Garden, Fruit Tree and add dry beans and legumes to our Food Storage

Weekly Challenge:

1. Vegetable Garden, Herb Garden, and Fruit Trees--

1) Have you made a plan for your vegetable and herb garden?
2) Have you thought about what type of fruit tree you are going to plant? If planting it in a container, have you purchased the container?
3) Have you purchased your containers if you are doing a container vegetable and herb garden?
4) Have you started to purchase the vegetable seeds? Do not purchase the vegetable plants until you are ready to plant them.

In just a few more weeks it will be time to plant your vegetable and herb garden.

Vegetable Gardening Tip--Natural Way to get rid of snails in your garden:

Save your egg shells. Let them dry out, then crumble them into pieces, not to small. Once you plant your vegetable garden, sprinkle the broken egg shells around your vegetable plants. When the snails crawl over them it cuts them and they dry out and die. No need for chemicals and very economical. They are also good for the soil!

2. Add beans and legumes to your Food Storage--

The past couple of weeks we have been adding different types of dry beans to our Food Storage.

This week and next week please add legumes (dry spilt peas and lentils) to your Food Storage. They are very economical and good source of fiber and protein!

Remember: You need a mixture of dry beans and dry legumes, 60 pounds per person for a year. First work on getting at least 5 pounds per person for a mouth. Then continue to add until you have a years supply for each family member.

Remember: Post your name and comment for next weeks, Sunday, March 25th, FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 11th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"The degree of our preparation will be equal to the extent of our obedience, which will determine the measure of our peace of mind." Neil H. Leash, LDS Author

Just a few days ago I was speaking with one of our daughters regarding Emergency Preparedness and Food Storage. We discussed how many people question why they should store extra food and emergency supplies if a disaster is going to wipe it out? Why, because we are an obedient people and we have been counseled by our church leaders, and in the scriptures, to be prepared with extra food, water and emergency supplies in case we do need it.

It does not matter how much we have, one week's supply or a years supply, what does matter is that we are being obedient and striving to be as prepared as possible. Even if we add just one can or one package of some type of food to our Food Storage each week we are striving to be obedient and Heavenly Father will watch over us. If all our Food Storage and Emergency Supplies are wiped out by a disaster, Heavenly Father will provide a way for us to provide for our families. I truly believe this and testify of it!

March Goals--Plant a vegetable garden, a herb garden and a fruit tree, and add dry beans and legumes to your Food Storage

Check out last week's , March 4th, posting for great ideas on planting a vegetable garden and the "Postings" on the right under "Vegetable Gardening" for more ideas.

Monthly Goal--Plant a Vegetable Garden and/or Herb Garden and a Fruit Tree:

1) Make a plan-decide what you want to grow
2) Dig up a part of the yard that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight, or purchase large containers to plant in
3) Purchase the plants and seeds you want to plant
4) Purchase containers if doing a container garden

5) Involve the whole family
6) Plant your vegetable garden and tend it regularly
7) Plant at least one fruit tree, if no yard or space, in a large container

Problem with ants inside your house: Because we have not had as much rain as last year, many may experience a larger annoyance of ants this Spring and Summer. Here is a safe, economical way to control them. It really works, we have done this each year!

1. Take a personal size plastic drinking water bottle, once empty,
2. Put 2 cups of water in a sauce pan with 1 cup of sugar and boil until the sugar is dissolved, let cool slightly
3. Put one tablespoon of boric acid in the bottle, fill part way with the sugar water, shake with the lid on it
4. Push paper towels into the bottle until about half full
5. Place another tablespoon of boric acid in the bottle with more sugar water, shake
6. Push more paper towels into the bottle until full, add more sugar water if needed to reach the top, and shake
7. Take off the lid, place the bottles along the outside of your house in a shaded area where you see ants, place a small twig or stick in the bottle so it touches the ground, tip just enough so the water mixture covers the twig
8. The ants will take small pieces of the soaked paper towel back to the ant nest and it will kill all the ants, including the queen ant. It will take awhile for it to work, but it should get rid of your ants. If you see more ants later on in the Spring or Summer, repeat the process.

1. Weekly Assignment--Add dry beans to your Food Storage (We will work on legumes the next two weeks)

1) Buy a variety of beans--navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, Lima beans, garbanzo beans, etc. (store only the kinds your family will eat). You can purchase them in bags in the grocery store, Costso, Sams Club by different amounts and #10 cans and/or Mylar bags from food storage companies. Our LDS Dry Pack Cannery has pinto beans, black beans and navy beans to can in either the #10 cans (about 5+ pounds) or the Mylar pouch (about 6+ pounds). You can can them yourself or purchase them in #10 cans already canned. If you can them yourself the cost is $4-$5 per #10 can or Mylar pouch. Prepackaged #10 cans of pinto beans are about $4.70 each (5.2 pounds each can).

Note: See the chart on last week's posting for how much to store per person in your family.

2. Weekly Assignment--Emergency Family Medical Supplies (for those working on this please add the following this week)

Note: Add as many of the pads and tape as you think you will need for your family in an emergency situation, which could be for several months:

1) Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
2) Adhesive bandage tape, hypoallergenic, 1 inch
3) Visine eye drops

Emergency Preparedness Tips:

Sturdy shoes, flashlight and eye glass: Something we learned at the American Red Cross CPR/First-aid Class was to keep our sturdy shoes and flashlight under our bed in case of an earthquake, or we have to evacuate in hurry, in an extra large plastic zip lock bag tied to the bed leg. If you wear glass, keep an old pair in the bag. This way if there is an earthquake, you will be able to find the items quickly.

Crowbar: Our daughter said they were advised to "keep a crowbar in their bedroom". You may need to use it to open a blocked door, move a heavy item, open a blocked window and get into your child's room. I would keep it under the bed also. Remember: during an earthquake at night, while in bed, stay in your bed, cover your head with your pillow and your body with your blankets. Stay there until the earthquake stops.

Remember: Post your name and comment to have your name entered into the FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing to be held Sunday, March 25th.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 4th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote--The Lord Holds Us Accountable:

"Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." Ezekiel 33:4

These are powerful words! We will be accountable to the Lord if we do not heed the warnings from our Church leaders regarding being prepared both spiritually and temporally. It is also our responsibility to warn others. How many times do we have to be admonished by our Church leaders to be prepared before we will heed the words of warning? There is no more time for procrastination!

Last Sunday Bishop Adams, Bishop of Carson Ward, warned the Priesthood (and their families) to be prepared!

March Ward Emergency Preparedness Goal: Plant a vegetable garden and fruit trees, and add beans and legumes to your Food Storage:

1) Weekly Assignment--Plant a vegetable garden and fruit trees

March is here and I am excited! It means Spring is close and it is time to plan and plant our vegetable gardens. I will spend this month giving you ideas on planting a vegetable garden and fruit trees, even if you live in a condo or apartment you can have some type of small garden and fruit trees. We will also work on adding beans and legumes to your Food Storage.

Make a plan for your Vegetable Garden. Anyone can have some type of vegetable garden! If you rent, ask your landlord if it ok. If not in the ground, then try large containers and pots.

If you live in a house with a yard, no matter how small you can grow a vegetable garden and fruit trees:

1. Decide what you want to grow. Only grow vegetables your family will eat! No matter how small the area, growing something is better than nothing. This is a great activity to do as a family.
2. Decide on the place to have your vegetable garden. Draw out a plan on paper.
3. Prepared the area by digging up the grass and weeds about a week before you plant. Add a vegetable fertilizer just before planting, work it into the soil. I use Miracle Grow. Do you want a garden directly in the ground or a raised garden? Decide which you want. If a Raised garden you will need to build the sides and add soil. Home Depot has kits for this, or ask one of their employees for help. Raised gardens are best because the soil stays warmer.
4. Make sure the area gets at least 6-8 hours of sun light.
5. Purchase your seeds and vegetable plants when you are ready to plant. Some vegetables are better if you start them out as plants, like tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and cucumbers. Carrots, radishes, celery, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, peas, pole beans and others you can start from seeds. Make sure the plants you purchase are healthy and the seeds are not expired.
6. Buy only Non-Hybrid and Non-GMO (genetically alternated) seeds and plants. If you buy the Hybrid and GMO seeds and harvest the seeds for future planting, they will not grow.
7. Save your milk, juice and 2 liter soda plastic bottles. They make a great green house for your young plants, holding in the heat and keeping the March winds off of them. Cut off the bottom, remove the cap, cover the small plant with the bottle. Water as needed. Once the plant gets big enough, remove the bottle.
8. Save your toilet paper and paper towel rolls. They make great eco-friendly seed-started plant containers. Take the toilet paper roll and cut it in half, then cut down on four sides about 1/3 of the way down, fold the ends down to form the bottom. Place the tube containers in a pan or tray with good drainage, place Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix in each container, place 3 seeds in the dirt, cover lightly, and water lightly daily with a watering can. Once they germinate and are large enough, transplant them into your vegetable garden bed or large container. Remove the smallest ones and only plant the healthiest largest one and the toilet paper container, it will biodegrade. If you purchase the eco-friendly seed starter-kit with 72 cells it will cost you $6+.
9. If you do not want to plant a vegetable garden in the ground or raised bed, then you can plant most vegetables in containers.
10. Check out the "Postings" on the right under "Vegetable Gardening" for more ideas on planting and caring for your vegetable garden.

If you live in a condo or apartment:

1. Plant your vegetable garden in containers. You can plant any vegetable except ones like Pumpkins, etc., vine running type. Cucumbers and other smaller vegetables that grow on vines can be grow up a trellis in the container. Purchase a watering can so you can water as needed. They will require more watering than if in the ground. Do not let them dry out.
2. Follow all the suggestions above.

Great Idea: I really love the idea below of making a rain gutter window-box for your salad veggies and herbs. Just attach it to your garage wall with good drainage holes, but make sure it is on a side that gets lots of sun light. It takes so little space. I am going to try this this year.





Fruit Trees:

1. Plant at least one fruit tree. If you do not have room in your yard you can plant a fruit tree in a large container. Place the tree where is will received good sun light. Water and fertilize as needed. In California you can grow citrus fruits, figs, plums, and apricots. Apples do not do as well because it does not get cold enough here in the winter. If you live in a condo or apartment you can put it on your patio, balcony or by your front or back door. The tree will not get huge, but will provide you with fruit. This also goes for those who live in a house and do not have enough more to plant the fruit tree in the yard. I am doing to try the container type this year.

Herb Garden: Try planting a herb garden too, better if raised. You can also grow them in a window-box or window ledge that gets lots of sun light. Fresh herbs are so great to cook with.

Note: In August we will have a class at church on canning, freezing and dehydrating your vegetables for long storage.

2) Weekly Assignment--Beans and Legumes: This week add dry beans to your Food Storage (We will work on storing legumes later this month):

Determine how many pounds of beans and legumes, combination of both, you will need for your family for 3 months to 1 year. Multiply the number of pounds per person by the number of people in your family. Decide on the amount you want to store for your family, 1 month 3 months, 6 months or a year's supply per person.

Beans (navy, pinto, kidney, black, lima, garbanzo, black-eyed peas, soybeans) and Legumes (split peas, lentils, etc)--------
60 pounds per person for a year
30 pounds per person for 6 months
15 pounds per person for 3 months
5 pounds per person for a month

Why store beans and legumes: Bean and legumes are an economical substitute for meat or other animal protein. The packaged beans and legumes, which are on the grocery shelf, are normally the highest grades. They are very economical, usual about a $1 for a one pound bag. You can purchase larger amount at Costco and Sam Club. Also the LDS Dry Pack Cannery has pinto beans in #10 cans for sale, and you can purchase large bags and put them in Mylar bags yourself. Very easy to store. Store a variety of beans and legumes. With rice they are a complete protein.

How to store: If you buy beans and legumes from the grocery store, before storing away, first put them in the freezer for 24 hours to get rid of any moths or their eggs and larva. Let them cool down to room tempature and then put them in a double zip lock plastic bag. Mark the date on the zip lock bag. I put my plastic bags in individual plastic box container, by type. They store for a long time, but best to rotate them when you purchase new beans and legumes. Older beans will need a longer soaking and cooking time. If they are in #10 cans or Mylar bags in plastic buckets, they will store for 20+ years, if stored correctly.

Where to Store: Read March's Ensign issued regarding great places to store your Food Storage. Store in a cool dry dark place.

If you do not currently cook with dry beans and legumes learn how to cook with them and keep a list of good recipes using beans and legumes with your Food Storage. They are great in homemade soups.

Emergency Family Medical Supplies (If you are working on this, add the follow this week):

1) Thermometer (for adult and infant/child)
2) 3 Triangular bandages (you can make your own from left over fabric, 36x36)
3) Antacids

Remember: Post your name and comment to have your name put into our March 25th FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.