Start with Food Storage

For the first few months of the year we will be focusing on food storage.  It seems the biggest to tackle and it will be nice to get it in order quickly.

The Pyles plan for one year's worth of food storage is to have 6 months of rotating (I like to call it pantry) storage and 6 months of long term storage. You may mix and match rotating and long term to suit the needs of your family.

For your pantry storage the first step is to calculate what you need.  I made a list of 17 meals that our family eats regularly.  More would probably be good.  I thought of as many meals that I could that where all or most of the ingredients are non-perishable (remember you can use canned chicken and hamburger in a lot of meals!  I will have details about canning meat coming soon). I typed down all the ingredients for each meal.  Then I multiplied the list to see approximately what we needed for 6 months.  I noticed some items came out to be a little more than we needed since they are only partially used in one meal.  Adjust the list to fit what you will eat in 6 months.

The next step is labeling your storage space.  I am going to make labels that say something like this: "Black Beans - 24"  and tape them right onto my shelf.  This, obviously, is where the black beans will go.  With the number needed for 6 month's of storage written right on the shelf where I store them, it will be very easy to do a quick inventory each time I grab some black beans and replace them.

Once I have my shelves labeled, I will make a huge shopping list.  Now remember, this project will take me one year.  That means I will build this gradually as I can.  If there is a case lot I will quickly 'inventory' my shelves and see what is needed to add to the storage.  I will grab a few extra and little by little build up the amount of each item in storage to match the label.

Don't forget to label each item with an expiration date when you put it in your storage if it doesn't already have one.  Put new items in back and old ones up front for use.
The last step is rotation.  As you begin to build the food storage, make a note each time you take something out.  These items can be replaced as part of your normal shopping trip. Since you won't be using them in bulk you don't need to replace in bulk.

Last thing.  If possible set aside a food storage budget.  Try to use a predetermined amount each month to build your food storage.  Buy a few extra items at the store or hit the case lots with this money.  Then, as stated above, rotate your food as you use it by replacing a few items at a time as part of your regular shopping trip.

So...go!  Make that list.  See you next week to learn about canning meats. :)

PS You can find a pre-made excel spreadsheet to use for this activity here: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-3-three-months-of-normal-food/
Click on "List of Foods"
You can also use this spreadsheet for inventory purposes if you like.