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!