The Merrill Project: #FoodStorageChallenge

Showing posts with label #FoodStorageChallenge. Show all posts

Should I have Comfort Food in my Food Storage?

This post as moved! You can find "Should I Have Comfort Food In My Food Storage?" HERE.

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How can I be sure I will EAT my Food Storage?

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I've got a Book Review!

I am proud to announce that I just got an AWESOME book review from The Essential Homemaker. I love her highlights of the book and am so grateful for all that she shared!

I was 100% nervous when she offered to review and post about MY book.

But...

I am SO SO SO glad I took the jump! It's totally worth it to hear another persons opinion of MY book! Someone that I'm not related too, or know as a friend or acquaintance to actually like my book... "A Practical Guide for Food Storage". If you want to join my Food Storage Challenge that runs along with information from by book just click HERE.

You can read her review HERE.

I am also excited to announce that you can now buy my book in Kindle format instead of just paperback. Thanks for all your support!

This post may contain affiliate links. In the event that an affiliate link is used, I receive commission on the sale of the products. The affiliate link does not INCREASE your cost in any way. The affiliate program does not sway my decision of what products to use and share as I only feature items I would link to with or without an affiliate link. All reviews and opinions on this site are mine and mine alone.

Month 5: Storage Part 2

Since my wheat comes in 25 lb bags and I put them in large buckets, you're stuck with a measuring cup full :)

Shopping List:
LDS Cannery OR Home Storage Center/Honeyville/Augason Farms/Thrive
*4 28oz or 1.8bl bag Powder Milk. $25 OR 116 (3 Tablespoon) servings if buying #10 can
*5 #10 can Sugar. $21.25 OR 19 cups if buying in a different container
*2 #10 can Potato Flakes. $9 OR 78 (1/3 cup) servings if buying it elsewhere
*4 #10 can Noodles. $17 OR 312 (1/2 cup) servings if buying boxed
*8 #10 can Quick Oats. $26 OR 216 (1/2 cup) servings of buying it elsewhere or different container
*1 25lb bag Wheat. Red, White, Hard, Soft, doesn't matter. $6 OR 2 #10 cans OR 39 cups.

Total: $104.25

***Here is a quick link to Prepared Housewives blog giving you tips about the LDS Cannery, AKA Home Storage Center***

Here is the promised list of various blogs that have different Food Storage Rotation DIY plans. I saw many that used cardboard... but opted agasint posting those because I perfer not to use them. You can certaninly look up those and choose what works best for YOUR family, YOUR space, YOUR time, and YOUR budget.

Wikihow

Here are two blogs that have posted creative ideas and tips storing food storage around the house.
Prepared Housewives
One Good Thing by Jillee

Other Related Posts:
Food Storage Part 1

PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS CHALLENGE:
Food Storage Challenge Introduction
Month #1: What are #10 cans?
Month #1.5: Storing Bulk Items
Month #2: Breakfast Recipes
Month #3: Money Saving Tips
Month #4: Storage Part 1
Month #4.5: How to Rotate Food you Don't Like

We love to share our personal projects and what "works for us", however, we cannot guarantee that those same projects will also work for you. No two homes or two spaces are considered the same. As the reader, you assume any risks involved when completing projects seen on this site. We are not personally liable for any projects that are completed based on the ideas and inspiration shared here.This post may contain affiliate links. In the event that an affiliate link is used, I receive commission on the sale of the products. The affiliate link does not INCREASE your cost in any way. The affiliate program does not sway my decision of what products to use and share as I only feature items I would link to with or without an affiliate link. All reviews and opinions on this site are mine and mine alone.

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

Month 4.5: How to Rotate Food You Don't Like

Shopping List:

Walmart/Aldis

*16 24oz Spaghetti Sauce. $16
*4 8oz Baking Cocoa. $8.76

Total: $24.76

As you are collecting more and more food, I'd like to give you some tips on ways to rotate the items.

*One of the reasons I use Freeze Dried beef and dairy is because I DON'T have to rotate it. Therefore... It's one less thing of my busy life I do'nt need to worry about.

*But... if I wanted to rotate my FD items, it's really easy. You can cook with it for your regular meals, OR it's easy and light weight to use camping trips, back packing or canoe trips.

*How do I rotate food I NEVER use, OR don't like? I HATE Spaghetti and Alfredo... noddles. BUT it is SUCH an easy meal and CHEAP for a food storage. That's why I include it. The way I rotate items I don’t really like (Baked Beans in my husbands case), is combine them with a more elaborate recipe. So I will do Spaghetti and Meat balls with noodles, or add some bell peppers and other items to the sauce to “spruce it up”. The Baked Beans... well, I usually offer to bring chips and beans to our summer BBQ friends/family activities. That way, it's being rotated without my husband having to eat it! I also make an elaborate meal using those items, then invite family/friends over for dinner so I don't have to have it for left over. (They only THINK I'm being nice! hahaha)

*The baking products should be fairly easy to rotate, if you do a lot of baking. Don’t bake much? Don't worry! Bake for neighbors, or your friend who hsd sick kiddos, or someone getting home from the hospital. Trust me, even if you're sick, home made brownies and cookies ALWAYS sound good for dinner!

PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS CHALLENGE:
Food Storage Challenge Introduction
Month #1: What are #10 cans?
Month #1.5: Storing Bulk Items
Month #2: Breakfast Recipes
Month #3: Money Saving Tips
Month #4: Storage Part 1

Click here to buy on Amazon now

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

Month 4: Storage Part 1

Shopping List:

Honeyville/Augason Farms/ Thrive

*2 Freeze Dried Chicken. $84.18
OR 52 servings if buying canned
*2 Re-fried Bean Flakes. $22.38
OR 36 ½ c servings... if buying 16 oz can, that is 10 cans

Total: $106.56

Storage

There are many different ways to store your food items. My personal favorite is this food rotation system from Shelf Reliance (when bought from Costco it was cheaper). You can click Here to check it out. You can also get it from Thrive by clicking Here

Regular can sizes (each column holds 15-17 cans), and #10 can on bottom (holds 7).

#10 size only. Holds 7 cans each.

I have both of these. I am able to re size the width of the rows to fit various sizes. I am able to hold ALL of my canned food items, and MOST of my #10 food items in these two shelves for a year supply of food for a family of 4. I chose these two, even though they are quite expensive, because they hold 7 (#10 cans) and 15-17 regular food canned items per shelf, and rotate it in the exact order I put them in. I also like how they can be taken apart, and moved (like cross country).

I also have a set of wire shelves to hold the other items such as below. Between these three shelves, I hold ALL my year supply of food storage, MINUS my wheat and flour.

I have researched on Pinterest some of the shelves made ones with wood, that are a lot cheaper and can be hung up various places, but when I was originally looking for what I wanted, we didn't have the time or build them, or desire. I absolutely LOVE the ones I have. I've had them for 4 years, and not ONCE have I regretted making the purchase. You can see my Storage Post 2 coming January 6, 2016 on some links of various blogs designs for rotation systems.

There are SO SO SO many different options out there, that I KNOW you can find one that fits your family perfectly!

REMEMBER! Check back January 6th for a list of blogs that have posted various plans. (You can also search Pinterest for Food Rotation System DIY for more ideas)

PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS CHALLENGE:
Food Storage Challenge Introduction
Month #1: What are #10 cans?
Month #1.5: Storing Bulk Items
Month #2: Breakfast Recipes
Month #3: Money Saving Tips

Click here to buy on Amazon now

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

Month 3: Money Saving Tips

Shopping List:

Honeyville/Augason Farms/ Thrive
*1 Freeze Dried Chicken. $43
OR 26 servings if buying canned
*2 Freeze Dried Bell Peppers. $42
*1 Freeze Dried OR Dehydrated Onions. $14.10
*1 Re-fried Bean Flakes. $11.19
OR 18 ½ c servings... if buying 16 oz can, that is 6 cans

Total: $110.29

Some of you may be thinking “Ok. I've been able to handle the extra money from our budget so far... but Christmas is less than 2 months away. Where am I going to get that extra money?””

Have no fear!!! Here are some great blogs that have Money Saving Tips...

Carissa Shaw A list of 15 ways to save money
Kids Activities Blog A list of 50 ways to save money

Blissful and Domestic Tips on how to cut your grocery bill in half

Beauty Through Imperfection Four more ways to save money... without changing your lifestyle

Parents Four more ways to save money on your grocery bill

The Humbled Homemaker More tips on how this mom is able to stay at home with her kids, and avoid spending extra $$$

I have tried to make the food storage budget as cheep as possible. I know buying freeze dried food ISN'T CHEAP... but it works for me without having to worry about dairy products. ALSO, I don’t eat “canned meat”. I would rather has FD meet instead.

I wanted to list some tips... because it is close to Christmas, on ideas/ways you can try to save money in some places so you can afford Food Storage... oh, and Christmas gifts!

PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS CHALLENGE:
Food Storage Challenge Introduction
Month #1: What are #10 cans?
Month #1.5: Storing Bulk Items
Month #2: Breakfast Recipes

Click here to buy on Amazon now

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

Month 2: Breakfast Recipies

Shopping List:
Walmart/Aldis
*8 boxes Onion Soup Mix (2 pkg in a box). $6.50
*16 cans Cream of Chicken Soup. $13
*2 Raisins (20oz) Containers. $6
*1 Steak Seasoning Container. $1

Costco/Sams Club
*1 8lb Popcorn Container. $9.50
*1 gallon Syrup. $7
*1 16oz Vanilla. $8
*2 72oz bags Chocolate Chips. $20
* 2 80oz Honey. $28
*1 Brick Yeast. $4.50

Total: $103.50

Breakfast Recipes

Biscuits- Makes 8
***Oven time 45min***
2 c white flour
2 tsp baking powder
4 Tbsp shortening
½ tsp salt
¾ c milk (¼ c powder & 1c water)
Heat oven to 425. Combine all dry ingredients (including milk powder). Cut in shortening. Add water gradually until dough is soft. Kneed for about 30 sec. Shape and bake 12-15min at 425 degrees

*included 1 Tbsp Jam per person
*included 1 Tbsp butter per person = 4 Tbsp powder + 4 Tbsp water

Oatmeal- serves 4 (1c cooked each)
***Stove time about 30min***

2 c oats
4 c water
1 tsp salt
Boil sat and water. Add oats. Cook 30sec – 2min. Let set to cool.
Milk- to add to cereal if desired, or to drink. One cup per person.
4 c water
1 c powdered milk
Mix according to directions on package.

Oatmeal Bars- makes 8×8in pan to serve 4
***Oven time 30min***
Mix:
1/3 c brown sugar
¼ c white sugar
½ c milk (2 Tbsp powder + ½ c water)
1 egg (2 ½ Tbsp “whole egg” powder + 2 ½ Tbsp water)
1 Tbsp oil
1 tsp vanilla
Then Add:
¾ c wheat flour (Grind ½ c wheat)
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ c oats
½ c dried fruit – raisins
Spread in greased 8×8 pan. Bake at 350 for about 20min until done.

Pancakes- Serves 4
***Stove time 30min***
2 whole powdered eggs (about 5 Tbsp “whole egg powder” + 5Tbsp water)
3 c wheat flour (grind 2 c wheat)
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 Tbsp oil
2 ½ c milk (¾ c powder + 2 ½ c water)
*Included 4 Tbsp water on Shopping List if needed for more liquids
Mix all ingredients together. Batter will be lumpy.
Toppings
1 c syrup (¼ c per person)
1 Tbsp butter per person ( 4 Tbsp butter powder + 4 Tbsp water)

Wheat Cereal- Serves 4 (1 c cooked each)
***Stove time about 30min***
4 ½ c water
1 ½ c wheat, cracked
6 Tbsp sugar + 1 Tbsp for extra sugar to top cereal
¾ tsp salt
6 Tbsp powdered milk
Combine dry milk and water; bring to boil at med/high heat. Add wheat, sugar, salt. Cover, reduce to simmer for 20min stirring occasionally. Makes 4 ½ c cereal
Milk- to add to cereal if desired, or to drink. One cup per person.
4 c water
1 c powdered milk
Mix according to directions on package

Vanilla Muffins- Makes 1 dozen, serves 4
***Oven time 30min***
1 ½ c wheat flour (Grind 1 c wheat)
¼ c white flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 eggs (5 Tbsp “whole egg” Powder + 5 Tbsp water)
6 Tbsp oil
½ c sugar
½ tsp salt
2/3 c milk (5 Tbsp powdered milk + 2/3 c water)
1 ½ tsp vanilla
Preheat Oven 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients, then add wet. Place batter in muffin tins. Bake 20-25min.

Toppings:1 Tbsp butter per person (4 Tbsp butter powder + 4 Tbsp water)

***I do recommend you attempting to cook some of these meals to make sure your family enjoys them. If you end up adding extra seasonings, just buy an extra bottle when shopping to add to your food storage supply.

DISCLAIMER: I have found these recipes from various sites on the web, different recipe books, and adjusted them that I DO NOT REMEMBER exactly where they came from. I am NOT taking ANY credit for coming up with these on my own. If you DO know where one came from, feel free to post it in the comments below. Thanks!

PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS CHALLENGE:
Food Storage Challenge Introduction
Month #1: What are #10 cans?
Month #1.5: Storing Bulk Items

Click here to buy the book on Amazon now

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

Month 1.5: Storing Bulk Items

Shopping List:
Aldis or Walmart:
*16 bags of 5lb white flour. $22
*3 cans baking powder (8.1oz). $3
*1 box baking soda. 50 cents

Total: $25.50

Storing Bulk Items
I chose to buy 25lb bags of wheat for my year supply, and the bags of 5lb flour INSTEAD of the #10 cans. They are cheaper this way... I just had to figure out how to store them. At first I started looking up 5 gallon food grade buckets and quickly realized how expensive they were! That was NOT going to be an option. But I didn't want to buy #10 cans of these items for my year supply and not rotate them secondary to them being more expensive buying as a #10; also, I wouldn't use it in my every day cooking. It's easier for me to buy the #5 flour and always have enough and easy to replace with a trip to the grocery store; and the #25 of wheat every 6 months when I need it. So... back to, how do I store these without spending an arm and a leg?

GOOD NEWS!

YOU CAN GET 3-5 GALLON BUCKETS FOR FREE!!!!

Really you can.

It just takes a friendly conversation....

and some snooping around.

Find a local grocery store near you that has a bakery. One that has a bakery on the larger side... Like a Super Walmart compared to a small neighborhood one. Bakers and HyVees are also good. You go up to the bakery counter and ask “Do you have any big extra empty frosting buckets?” And sometimes they do! MOST of the time they do! (Unless they say, "Someone just took our last ones! Come back next week.") TIP: They usually have MORE in the winter months! Sometimes the managers are party poppers an say they throw them in the dumpster... but MOST of the time, if you can find a good store, they DO! The frosting buckets are mostly cleaned out, but occasionally they are caked in butter cream frosting which takes some extra time to scrub out. Nevertheless... they are FREE!

After trying 3-4 different stores, and locations, I finally found one that ALWAYS has extra buckets whenever I ask. They even try to make me take MORE then I want! You just can't be picky... some times they are circles, and some times they are rectangles. These buckets are usually between 2-3 gallons so you'll need more than 5 gallon buckets but A LOT cheaper! I like them because they are so much lighter when I fill them up.

I pour my 25lb bag of flour into these buckets with a couple of oxygen absorbers and I'm good!

DISCLAIMER: I have not tested this theory on wheat that has been stored for over 3 years though. I do make bread quite often and try to use wheat to keep it rotated.

With my 5lb bag of white flour, I can fit between 4-5 bags in a bucket (depending on the shape). I keep the flour in the bag for an extra layer of protection. Since I go through flour A LOT faster then wheat, I'm not too worried about putting oxygen absorbers in.

DISCLAIMER: Again, I have not tested this theory out on flour stored for over 3 years.

I have read of people buying large Mylar food storage bags, put those in buckets then fill up to keep things fresh for longer.

P.S. Those buckets... they make GREAT garbage cans, junk buckets, planting pots, and I'm sure a million and two other things we haven't thought of yet!

PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS CHALLENGE:
Food Storage Challenge Introduction
Month #1: What are #10 cans?

Click here to buy the book on Amazon now

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

Food Storage Challenge: One year to a 4 Month supply of Food Storage for 4

I challenge YOU to start your food storage!

I LOVE food storage! When asked what I want for Christmas, or as gifts.... Food storage it is! I wrote a book “A Practical Guide for Food Storage” with the help of my wonderful sister and sister-in-law to edit it. I self published it through Create Space via Amazon. You can find the link here. OR clicking on the picture of the book on the right side of this page will take you there too.

I decided to share some of the information in the book for FREE here on the blog. (I really wrote the book so I could have all this information in one easy spot for ME to get to... which was smaller than a three ring binder) I want to help you to EASILY prepare and start your food storage! I estimated that it would cost you about $100-115 a month OR $25-30 a week for 52 weeks. Prices vary from store to store, state to state.

Starting September 2nd, I'll be posting weekly about things to buy, tips, recipes, ect. At the end of 52 weeks, at $100-115 a month, you would have had a 4 Month Food Storage for a family of 4. This is what will be included...

Month 1: What are #10 cans?
Month 1.5: Storing Bulk Items
Month 2: Breakfast Recipes
Month 3: Money Saving Tips
Month 4: Storage Part 1
Month 4.5: How to Rotate Food You Don't Like
Month5: Storage Part 2
Month 6: Dinner Recipes
Month 7: H2O

Month 7.5: Keep Items Fresh

Month 8: Conversions

Month 9: Lunch, Drinks, and Desserts

Month 10: Non Food Items

Month 10.5: Easy Way to Keep Track of Items

Month 11: Cooking Utensils

Month 12: Other Food for Easy Living
Month 12.5: FINAL POST

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Recipes Included:

Breakfast: Oatmeal (for 2 meals), Wheat cereal, Pancakes, Biscuits, Vanilla Muffins, Oatmeal Bars
Lunch: Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwiches. 2 Quarts juice
Dinner: Chicken Stuffing Casserole, BBQ Chicken and Biscuits, Swiss Steak and Mashed Potatoes, Flank Steak Fajitas, Fried Burritos, Spaghetti with Noodles, Corn Bread and Baked Beans.

Dessert: Brownies, Pudding, Cookies

Each Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert recipe will be eating once a week (except Oatmeal, that's twice a week). Dessert is only accounted for 3 x a week though.
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I recommend you putting aside, as cash, or savings $25-30 a week so you have a $100-115 and the end of the month to buy the items.

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We get paid every Wednesday. With this, there are 4 months out of the year where my husband brings home 5 pay checks, instead of just 4. For that extra week, I have a list of $25 items from the grocery store so there are no special trips.

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I buy my freeze dried items from Honeyville. I know there are other places where you can buy them, and prices vary from place to place. From my research, I find Honeyville is OVERALL the cheapest, because of their $5 flat shipping rate, and they have the ALL the items I want. This means I can order one big bulk, and not have to get different items from 3 places and pay the high shipping costs.

I am also able to get wheat and powder milk for cheaper at the LDS Cannery, or Home Storage Center. It's only about 20min from me, so I go there for the rest of my bulk #10 can Items.

Click Here to print off an Order form and Here to find a location near you!
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Click here to buy on Amazon

Credit to: IHeartOganizing.com

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