Food Storage on a Budget

 

FOOD STORAGE on a Budget

Church Leaders have asked us to have our Food Storage at the ready! 

Now you ask, “Where do I get the money for these things? I agree we need them, but I’m having a hard time making ends meet.”

Here is how you do it. Use any one or all of these suggestions:

1. Follow the prophet. He has counseled us to plant a garden and fruit trees. This year, don’t just think about it—do it. Grow all the food you possibly can. 

2. Buy in bulk. If you cannot afford to buy in bulk alone, get together with other families in the Ward and buy in bulk together. You can buy in bulk from Winco, Cash-N-Carry, and Costco, as well as from many other online stores for a decent price.

3. Save during the Holidays. Decide as a family this year that 25 or 50 percent of your Christmas will be spent on a year’s supply. Many families in the Church spend considerable sums of money for Christmas. Half or part of these Christmas monies will go a long way toward purchasing the basics. Brethren, give your wife a year’s supply of wheat for Christmas, and she’ll know your heart is in the right place. 

4. When you desire new clothes, don’t buy them. Repair and mend and make your present wardrobe last a few months longer. Use that money for the food basics. Make all of your nonfood necessities that you feasibly can, such as furniture and clothing. 

5. Cut the amount of money you spend on recreation by 50 percent. Do fun things that do not require money outlay but make more lasting impressions on your children. There are many free entertainment opportunities in our community. The Springfield Library holds Story Time for young children, there are Summer Reading Programs, Home Depot activities for the Kids… etc.

6. Decide as a family that there will be no vacation next year unless you have your year’s supply. Many Church members could buy a full year’s supply of the basics from what they would save by not taking a vacation. Take the vacation time and work on a family garden. Be together, and it can be just as much fun. 

7. Sell something. If you haven’t a year’s supply yet and you do have boats, snowmobiles, campers, or other luxury possessions, sell or trade one or two or more of them and get your year’s supply. 

8. Shop smart at the Grocery store. The grocery bill is one bill that can be cut. Every time you enter the store and feel tempted by effective merchandising to buy cookies, candy, ice cream, non-food items, or magazines—don’t! Think carefully; buy only the essentials. Then figure what you have saved and spend it on powdered milk, sugar, honey, salt, or grain. Plan your meals for the week. This way you only have to shop once a week and you only buy the things that you need. Also use coupons, price match & shop sales. With the money you save use towards food storage. When something goes on sale for a huge savings, stock up on that one item. You will be able to accumulate your 3 months supply by doing this.

9. Have a Garage Sale. Sell all the clothes that your children no longer fit and the toys they no longer play with at garage sales, on craigslist or ebay. If your family is still growing, save all these things to use for your next child. Also shop garage sales to buy the things you need at a great price.

10. Take a lunch. Make your lunch every day to take it to work. Homemade lunches will save BIG time compared to eating out.

11. Shop Around - When you are purchasing large items, always research the item to find which one (style/model/brand) will be right for your family. Take your time. Do not make frivolous or quick purchases. Pray about it. Contact manufacturers and ask if they have a damaged version of the item you are looking for. Often times they are willing to sell scratched or slightly dented items at half price.