3 MONTH FOOD STORAGE SUPPLY

What to Know: Here is a step by step outline to help you get your 3 month food supply.
1 - Know What you Need!
You first need to come up with a list of items that you will use over the next 3 months. Make a recipe list for two weeks- including breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks. Write it down. Think of EVERY ingredient you will need to make those meals. Once you have a list of all the ingredients, figure out how much you need to get you through for 3 months. The gals over at www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net have a GREAT spreadsheet that does the work for you. Make sure you watch the tutorial so it makes sense. Check it out! Crystal also has a list of common items in a 3 month food supply.

2- Shop Smart!
Now that you have a list of what you actually need over the next three months- it is time to go shopping. Here are some tips for how to get the best deals.

•Couponing! Go to any grocery store that has great sales & accept coupons!! I have been able to build a great little reserve for my family by using coupons! I used to think you could only use coupons if a product was not on sale. I was wrong. You can use coupons all the time! It is really simple, when a grocery store puts an item on sale you can get that item on sale PLUS use a coupon - you get a GREAT deal! Where do I get coupons? - You can get them in your Sunday newspaper, as well as online. A lot of people get multiple papers, hence they get multiple coupons. There are a lot of websites out there that actually do all the work for you. They develop lists of what is on sale, and match the coupon that is available to it. You then simply need to look at the list and cut out ONLY the coupons you plan on using. It takes a little planning, but is well worth the effort. You will NOT be cutting coupons all day. Below are some very helpful websites:
The Obsessive Shopper- For Utah and Las Vegas - make sure you check out her system for a detailed explanation of how to get started!

Coupon Moms - Visit this site for a national database. They have deals listed state by state as well as lots of information that is really helpful!

•Case Lot Sales - Often times, case lot sales are wonderful. It gives you the opportunity to buy in bulk and get a great deal. Make sure you always figure out the cost per item to make sure you are getting a good deal.
•Only buy meat when it is on sale. Get to know what is a good price, and what is a bad price. Ask around. People generally know. Don’t be afraid to ask people at the grocery store what is the lowest price they have seen on meat, dairy, etc…When meat does go on sale, you know how much you need for three months so buy a ton of it! I divide the meat up into little freezer baggies, and I have it already split up into portion sizes appropriate for my famiy.
•I would not recommend buying a lot of things at Wholesale centers (Sams/Costco) - however - their prices on cheese cannot be beat. I buy cheese and divide it up into little baggies as well. Cheese freezes just fine. A reader said that if you put a little cornstarch into graded cheese - it freezes great and will not stick together. I have also found yeast, and most baking supplies to be the cheapest here as well.
3- Rotate Through your Meals
•Now that you have a great supply of food that you know you will actually eat - Eat it!! Go through your list and make your recipes. I always buy my produce when it is on sale. When you check your newspaper for deals - check out the produce section. Be sure to add in fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals. You will be doing it, knowing that you saved money!
•Whenever you take something out of your 3 month food supply - write it on a sheet of paper that you have near your storage area. This way you have a general idea of what you need to replenish when the next sale comes. You will be eating your food, and nothing will spoil.
•Don’t feel like you can only eat what is on your recipe list - now that you have a ton of food - get creative. Share different recipes with family and friends.
Don’t forget to add in everyday essentials like soap, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, shampoo etc… You can get these items for great deals as well!

Benefits - to encourage you to get started!
•Knowing that if something happened to you financially, you have a little reserve of food for your family.
•You won’t be enticed to go out to eat as often, because you have a ready list of meals available to cook. This will save you money!
•You will be better organized. You won’t feel the pressure that comes from not being prepared.
•You will save money - you won’t have to run to the grocery store to buy things that you forgot!
•Often times, if I plan a meal - it is a lot healthier than throwing something together. You have better control giving your family nutritious meals.