What I Am Buying

I had a friend this week ask me where I buy some of my food storage. I realized that I haven't done a post of what I buy and where I buy it from. Most items can be purchased at the grocery store, but to get the best price when you are buying in bulk there are better deals out there. I will go through the items that I use for my family so this is not a comprehensive list by all means. It just helps to know what my bottom line price is and what I will and won't pay for certain items. Buying items at their cheapest price point allows you to save a LOT of $$$.

If you would like to read a wonderful price comparison list click HERE . The list was put together in April during the case lot sales, and compares the case lot prices to Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, & the LDS Cannery by preparedldsfamily.com. I actually printed it out and keep it in my purse so I am prepared at the store if I find an item on clearance and I know whether or not it is a stock up price. FYI: case lot sales are in April and September for Smiths and Macey's grocery stores.

Here's What I Am Buying: Prices are from May 2011 (add about 10% for 2013 prices)

Frozen Items

• I buy frozen veggies at the grocery store and I wait until they are .88 or less for 16oz.
• I buy Kroger frozen chicken in bags and I wait for it to go on sale for $6.96 or less.

Meat- I have to add a disclaimer here. I don't eat meat and my family really only eats chicken. I buy ground beef TVP, aka "fake" meat at Honeyville grain in 25lb bags.

• Tuna- .50 or less at the grocery store during case lot sales. Fresh Market & Macey's is where I purchase it.
• Canned chicken is the best price at Costco. You get 6 12.5oz cans for $9.99 (bottle your own chicken and buy chicken in bulk on sale to save the most money)
• The best way to get meat for cheap is to wait for a sale and buy enough for 3 months and freeze it well.

Beans

• Canned beans are cheapest at Smiths during the case lot sales. .50 a can
• Dry beans are cheapest at the cannery. Black beans 25lbs $14.50, white navy beans 25lb bag $14.10, pinto beans #10 can $4.65
• Pinto beans are cheapest at Costco 25lb bag $13.99

Pasta

• I always get pasta during the case lot sales 8 48oz bags for $14.55
• I also found great sales at Smiths this year and got 1lb bags for .29-.49 and with coupons I got 25 boxes of spaghetti for free (it is really worth it to coupon)
• Mac'n Cheese is also cheapest at the case lot sales. WF mac'n cheese. 24 boxes for $6.00 at Macey's, If you have to have the Kraft brand it is cheapest at Walmart.

Soups

• Ramen noodles I buy at the Smiths case lot sale. 12ct for $3.00
• Kroger broth at the case lot sale. 24ct for $11.99.
• Chicken Noodle soup, WF at Maceys 24ct for $11.28
• Kroger Tomato soup at Smiths case lot sale 24ct for $10.68
• Creamed soups I bought at Macey's. 24ct for $11.76
• Progresso soups I buy in the winter during sales at Smiths and Walgreens

Vegetables

• Canned tomatoes from Smiths case lot sale. 24ct for $11.99
• Kroger tomato sauce 8oz cans from case lot sale. 24ct for $5.99
• Kroger tomato paste from case lot sale. 24ct for $7.99
• Hunt's pasta sauce from case lot sales and other sales during the year. I don't pay more than .75 a can.
• Canned veggies from Macey's case lot sale. 24ct for $10.56
• Dehydrated carrots from LDS cannery. #10 can for $7.10
• Canned mushrooms from Winco .45 ea and Walmart for .46
• WF diced green chilies from Macey's case lot sale. 24 for $12.00 (these go on sale all year for .50, don't pay more than that)
• Dehydrated onions from LDS cannery. #10 can $6.00 (I rarely buy real onions, I use these in all my cooking)
• Potato flakes from LDS cannery. #10 can $2.85 (shelf life of 30+ years)

Fruits

• Raisins are cheapest at Macey's during the case lot sale and at Sam's Club for 32oz for $3.49ea. Costco's bag is only one penny more at $3.50 for 32oz.
• Dehydrated apple slices from LDS cannery. #10 can for $4.90
• Applesauce from Costco in #10 cans are $3.xx. I can't remember the actually price, but it is natural applesauce with no sugar and it is great for substituting for oil in baking.
• Kroger mandarin oranges from case lot sale. 24ct for $7.99
• WF canned pineapple is cheapest during the Macey's case lot sale, but I have found Dole pineapple for under .70 with coupons during the year.
• I buy canned pears from the case lot sales and it is always a little different between Smiths and Macey's, but I don't pay more than .68 a can.

Sugars

• Sugar is cheapest during Nov. and Dec. I stock up when there are sales. I don't like to spend more than $12 on a 25lb bag.
• Powdered sugar and brown sugar are cheapest during the holiday's as well. Don't pay more than a $1.00 for a 2lb bag.
• Honey can be found at Costco all the time for 6lbs for $11.99. Macey's also has really great prices during the case lot sales. 6 5lb containers for $59.88

Grains

• I buy rice from Costco in 50lb bags for around $15.00. The price goes up and down all the time. You just have to watch it. Sams Club has 50lbs for about the same price. The cannery has 25lb boxes for $8.45 and are really easy to store.
• Oats I buy at the cannery. 25lbs for $7.60. Winco also has oats in their bulk area for .58lb!
• Flour is cheapest during the holiday's but there are also great sales during the year. I like to wait until I can get 5lb for $1.50 with coupons.
• Hard White Wheat is a great deal at Macey's case lot sale. 45lb bucket with lid sealed for $11.99. LDS cannery 25lb bag for $5.80.

Milk/Dairy

• Powdered milk from the cannery. #10 cans for $7.05. I bake with it a lot and make yogurt from it. Mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese can also be made from powdered milk. You will need it whether you like to drink it or not. It also has a shelf life of 25-30 years.
• Morning Moos dried milk alternative. I bought a 50lb bucket a Costco last year for around $60.00, now the best price is a 37lb bucket at Costco for $39.97. #10 cans for $10.99 can be found at Macey's during the case lot sale.
• Evaporated milk at Smiths case lot sale. 24ct for $15.60
• Cheese- don't pay more than $1.50 for a pound of cheese. It goes on sale ALL the time and is good for a LONG time. Look at the expiration dates on it when you buy it. Tillamook goes on sale at Winco for $3.98 for 2lbs all the time, and it lasts for months.
• Dried eggs-I cook with these now instead of real eggs. I only use real eggs for boiled eggs. Canned eggs are best at the Macey's case lot sale, #10 can for $14.00. I found some at Honeville Grain for $12.00 last month, so keep a look out for sales. Don't pay more than .99 for a dozen of eggs. Costco has great deals and so do the grocery stores.

Baking Items

• Salt is cheapest at Walmart. 26oz for .38
• Yeast- I use instant yeast and wait until it is $2.99lb. Emergency Essentials had it in May on sale. I stocked up. Yeast keeps indefinitely in the freezer. Costco and Sam's Club have great prices on yeast.
• Lemon juice, vanilla I get at Maceys during the case lot sales.
• Cake mixes and brownie mixes from case lot sales at Macey's and also during the holidays. .78 is an awesome price for mixes. With coupons I have gotten them for .50 and less.
• Baking cocoa is the best at Costco. 23oz for $5.59. It also has an indefinite shelf life.
• Spices are cheapest at Winco in their bulk area. You can fill a whole spice container for mere pennies. I filled my chive container for .11, it really is an awesome store!!

Oils and Fats

• Kroger oil was $2.00 for 48oz at the last case lot sale, but they had a sale in April and I got them for $1.48 so watch. (This is why it is great to have the price list printed out and with you)
• Cooking spray-Pam goes on sale, but Walmart has it all the time for $1.58 for 8oz.
• Peanut butter is cheapest at Smiths during the case lot sales. 18oz for $1.00 and it is the Kroger brand or Skippy.
• Olives are cheapest during Thanksgiving time for .88. Case lots and random sales during the year also have that price. I found some at Reams today (5/29) for .88.
• Ketchup is cheapest during Memorial day and Fourth of July sales. Try not to spend more than .80 for 24oz. Case lot sales have them as well.
• Mustard is cheapest during summer holiday's as well. Under $1.00 for 32oz is a great price.
• Salad dressing goes on sale all the time. It doesn't have a long shelf life so watch the dates if you are stocking up. With coupons you can get it free a lot of the times too.

Water

• 24 packs of water for $2.50 or less is a great deal. It goes on sale all year long, just watch for the price.Costco has a 35ct of water for $3.45 if you don't want to wait for a sale.

Misc.

• 5 gallon buckets with lids- $3.99 at Macey's during the case lot sales
• 5 gallon Gamma lids (these are amazing) Don't pay more than $5.99 for these. Macey's and Honeyville have these on sale during the case lot seasons.
• 55 water drum- don't pay more than $39.99 for these. During conference these go on sale at Emergency Essentials and Macey's has them at the case lot sales.
• Paper towel and toilet paper I buy at Macey's during the case lot sales. It was $3.98 for 12 double rolls of TP and 8 big rolls of paper towel. I buy enough for 6 months which is the time until the next case lot sale.
• Laundry det. goes on sale all the time. I wait for sales with coupons so your best bet would be to watch for sales and learn what the bottom line price is for the brand you use.
• Dishwasher detergent I also get for free with coupons but watch for sales for what brand you like to use.

Ideas to get the best price:

1. You can't be brand specific, a lot of store brands are made in the same facilities as name brand.
2. Know what you use. Buying 50 cans of stew because it is cheap and finding out no one likes it, saves you no money.
3. Know what price you are willing to wait for and pay for.
4. Be patient and know that food goes on sale about every 3 months. You will catch the good deal the next time around.
5. Watch the blog on Wednesday's for the weekly grocery sales. Knowing what is a good price will help in saving you a lot of money.

MAY GOALS

1. PURCHASE VEGETABLES THAT FIT INTO YOUR 3-MONTH MENU. THINK OF CANNED, DEHYDRATED, FREEZE DRIED, AND FRESH. (185lbs per family is a year supply)
2. PLASTIC BAGS OF ALL SIZES, ALUMINUM FOIL, AND PLASTIC WRAP.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!

Neighborhood Earthquake Survival Night

LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND US...
IT'S CRUNCH TIME!!!

Save Wednesday, June 23rd 2010
for the
Upper Avenues Neighborhood
Earthquake Survival & Awareness Night

For everyone 12 & up (nursery provided)
7:00 p.m.
18th Ave. Ward Building

Guest Speaker: Maralin Hoff
"The Earthquake Lady"

from the Utah Department of Public Safety
Division of Homeland Security
Earthquake Specialist

• Learn how to survive the BIG ONE
• Work on Disaster Communication Skills
• Neighborhood Disaster Coordination
• And MUCH, MUCH MORE INFORMATION!!

If you are interested in volunteering to be
a Block Captain, or if you have questions:
Please contact Robin Kimball 801-531-7839

If you are prepared....
YOU SHALL NOT FEAR!!

This will be a wonderful neighborhood event. We all need to know what to do in an earthquake. Maralin brings amazing displays and handouts that will give us all the information that we need. Please keep the date open and invite you neighbors to attend.

MAY GOALS

1. PURCHASE VEGETABLES THAT FIT INTO YOUR 3-MONTH MENU. THINK OF CANNED, DEHYDRATED, FREEZE DRIED, AND FRESH. (185lbs per family is a year supply)
   
2. PLASTIC BAGS OF ALL SIZES, ALUMINUM FOIL, AND PLASTIC WRAP.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I want to start off this post by letting you know how much I love my calling. I love gathering information and putting it on this blog for everyone to use. I have been getting compliments lately that I am doing a great job. Now, I am not bragging I only say this because I get these compliments a lot, but I only hear a few comments on what people are getting for their storage and it worries me. (Not that everyone should be telling me what they are buying, but I get comments of "We really should do this" more than people saying "We ARE implementing your ideas".) I know that the monthly newsletters are being read and that others do read the blog. I try really hard to make food storage easy and usable. I am worried that I am getting the information out to you, but that there is no action being taken in getting your food storage done. I really want you all to commit to working on this area of your life.

"The many eruptions, earthquakes, and tidal waves which have occurred...are signs which the Savior declared would foreshadow his second coming, although he said his advent should be as a thief in the night...The wise and prudent will heed the warning and prepare themselves that they be not taken unawares. I testify, that {the Latter-Day Saints}...will be the first to fall beneath the judgments of the Almighty, for his judgments will begin at his own house."
President Joseph F. Smith Quotes taken from Lesson 44 Preparing for the Second Coming of Christ, page 393.

D&C 112:24-26 reads: "Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord."
"And upon my house shall it begin and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord."


While talking with my sister this week we were discussing how badly she wants to build her food storage. She is in a situation of living where she will be moving and all of their possessions are in storage. She has all the intentions and the will to have her storage in place, but can't right now. My sister has her 72-hour kits and some other food that she is able to store, but what makes her sad is when she hears people talk about how they should work on their storage but don't. These people are very able and have the resources and space to have a wonderful food storage, but they don't actively work on it.

I know many of you are working on you storage and preparedness and I do see that, but I really want everyone to be prepared. I want to help everyone NOW, so we are prepared for LATER. Please take the time to put aside some food and necessities now when the time is relatively calm. Buy 2 extra items every time you go to the store and you will be amazed at how quickly it ads up. I don't want to seem like I am pointing fingers but this topic has been going through my head all week. I am really just worried for all of you.


MAY GOALS

1. PURCHASE VEGETABLES THAT FIT INTO YOUR 3-MONTH MENU. THINK OF CANNED, DEHYDRATED, FREEZE DRIED, AND FRESH. (185lbs per family is a year supply)
2. PLASTIC BAGS OF ALL SIZES, ALUMINUM FOIL, AND PLASTIC WRAP.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!

Preparedness Test

I found a great preparedness test that will help you zero in on the areas of preparation that you need to work on. It came from a great book called "LDS Preparedness Manual" and is a compilation of all things related to preparedness. If you have time and would like to read all of it, click HERE and download it to review. It is about 222 pages so it has a LOT of information.

Ok, are you ready? Time to test your preparedness IQ! Good Luck! (If it makes you feel any better I didn't answer yes to all of the questions :)


PREPAREDNESS TEST
1. Has your family rehearsed fire escape routes from your home? YES - NO
2. Does your family know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake or YES - NO
other emergency situation?
3. Do you have heavy objects hanging over beds that can fall during an earthquake? YES - NO
4. Do you have access to an operational flashlight in every occupied bedroom?
(use of candles is not recommended unless you are sure there is no leaking gas) YES - NO
5. Do you keep shoes near your bed to protect your feet against broken glass? YES - NO
6. If a water line was ruptured during an earthquake, do you know how to shut off the
main water line to your house? YES - NO
7. Can this water valve be turned off by hand without the use of a tool?
Do you have a tool if one is needed? YES - NO
8. Do you know where the main gas shut-off valve to your house is located? YES - NO
9. If you smell gas, do you know how and would you be able to shut off this valve? YES - NO
10. Gas valves usually cannot be turned off by hand. Is there a tool near your valve? YES - NO
11. Would you be able to safely restart your furnace when gas is safely available? YES - NO
12. Do you have working smoke alarms in the proper places to warn you of fire? YES - NO
13. In case of a minor fire, do you have a fire extinguisher that you know how to use?YES - NO
14. Do you have duplicate keys and copies of important insurance and other papers
stored outside your home? YES - No
15. Do you have a functional emergency radio to receive emergency information? YES - NO
16. If your family had to evacuate your home, have you identified a meeting place? YES - NO

IF AN EMERGENCY LASTED FOR THREE DAYS ( 72 HOURS) BEFORE HELP WAS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY......................................
17. Would you have sufficient food? YES - NO
18. Would you have the means to cook food without gas and electricity? YES - NO
19. Would you have sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and sanitary needs? YES - NO
20. Do you have access to a 72 hour evacuation kit? YES - NO
21. Would you be able to carry or transport these kits? YES - NO
22. Have you established an out-of-state contact? YES - NO
23. Do you have a first aid kit in your home and in each car? YES - NO
24. Do you have work gloves and some tools for minor rescue and clean up? YES - NO
25. Do you have emergency cash on hand? (During emergencies banks and ATMs are closed) YES - NO
26. Without electricity and gas do you have a way to heat at least part of your house? YES - NO
27. If you need medications, do you have a month’s supply on hand? YES - NO
28. Do you have a plan for toilet facilities if there is an extended water shortage? YES - NO
29. Do you have a supply of food, clothing, and fuel where appropriate:
For 6 months? For a year? YES - NO

These are all questions that need answers if you are to be safe in an emergency.
If you answered ‘No’ to any of them, its now time to work on getting those items done.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SHUT OFF THE UTILITIES TO YOUR HOUSE? CLICK HERE TO READ A GREAT ARTICLE WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

Don't forget about the May goals.

MAY GOALS

1. PURCHASE VEGETABLES THAT FIT INTO YOUR 3-MONTH MENU. THINK OF CANNED, DEHYDRATED, FREEZE DRIED, AND FRESH. (185lbs per family is a year supply)
2. PLASTIC BAGS OF ALL SIZES, ALUMINUM FOIL, AND PLASTIC WRAP.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!

Vegetables & Garbage Bags

Welcome to May! I can't believe we are on the fifth month of gathering our food storage. How are you all doing? If you haven't gathered items or have forgotten what we have worked on, the list is on the right hand side of the blog. Plan, buy the amount within your budget and remember to always follow the Spirit when planning what to do for your family.

May is the month for vegetables. For a year supply your family will need

 approximately 185lbs. This category is hard because so many of us eat fresh vegetables, but there are many companies that have dehydrated and freeze dried fruits and vegetables. At Honeyville Grain they are having a "case lot" sale on all of their #1o cans until May15th. You can mix or match any 6 cans and get 10% off each can. Honeyville is located 635 N. Billy Mitchel Rd., just west of the airport.

We are all familiar with the typical canned veggie; corn, carrots, beans, and peas, but have you thought of salsa, tomatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or artichokes? These will give you a wider variety without the complaints from the peanut gallery :)

Canning and dehydrating your vegetables is also another great way to preserve your garden vegetables. This is also great if you find a great deal and need to store the surplus. I received many zucchini's from friends last year and I shredded and dehydrated them and then sealed them in a mason jar. Now I can make zucchini bread or add them to soups or hide them in foods for added nutrition. A Food Saver will also vacuum seal your mason jars for added longevity. I don't think there is a vegetable that you can't dehydrate. Just make sure to add more water to your storage to re-hydrate all your bounty.

If you love to can or would like to learn more check out the National Center for Food Preservation's website HERE.

The non-food goal for May is to store aluminum foil, plastic wrap and plastic bags, and this means all sizes. You will need small baggie size on up to garbage bag sized bags. Watch around Memorial Day for sales on all paper goods. I like to buy garbage bags at Big Lots and I get smaller baggies and plastic wrap at Walmart. Every once in awhile there is a great sale on gallon size bags and I will stock up. Keep your eyes out this month for these items to be on sale. You can also get big rolls of plastic wrap and tin foil from 
Costco and Sam's Club. I would also recommend storing the plastic grocery bags. I know, we are suppose to be using the reusable bags, but the plastic ones can be used for other things. We use them as bathroom trash can liners, dirty diaper trash bags, and storing them is easy. I found a cylinder piece of fabric that holds the bags at Smiths. You can stuff a lot of them in that thing. In an emergency there won't be garbage service and we will need somewhere for the trash to go.

Today I was able to attend the Food Storage Fair at Weber State University. It was a day full of vendors and classes all about food storage. I was in heaven! Some of the information was basic, but there were great bread classes and also great companies that have wonderful food storage items. The handouts that I received are going to be online soon so.... Click HERE to view the USU extension services website to see all the information that I received today.

MAY GOALS

1. PURCHASE VEGETABLES THAT FIT INTO YOUR 3-MONTH MENU. THINK OF CANNED, DEHYDRATED, FREEZE DRIED, AND FRESH. (185lbs per family is a year supply)
2. PLASTIC BAGS OF ALL SIZES, ALUMINUM FOIL, AND PLASTIC WRAP.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!