We know we need to be acquiring food storage. We have all been given lists of what we should be gathering, and these lists are wonderful for a place to start. But what we must take into consideration is that everyone’s needs will be different, and we need to be sure to stock up on things we use personally.
For instance, at my house, we’d need to store:
1. Lots and lots of diapers. We seem to always have at least one child in diapers. Besides which, those things are great for first aid – if you need a great big bandage, just slap a diaper on there. They’re very absorbent.
2. Chocolate. If you have chocolate, you’ll be able to trade for anything else you need. And think of it – if you’re in a situation where you’re finding it necessary to live on food storage, you’re going to be stressed.
3. Nothing with corn in it. I’m allergic to corn, and some of my children are as well. You shouldn’t include anything in your food storage that may cause allergy problems. If you’re allergic to wheat, for instance, find another grain to substitute.
Are you on medication? Special vitamin supplements? Do you need to store refills for oxygen tanks, insulin pumps, and the like? These aren’t things I’d need, but as your needs are different from mine, we need to personalize our storage to ourselves.
What about things like toilet paper? We don’t hear much spoken of by way of personal products, but take a moment to think about it. What personal hygiene products are you going to need?
When disaster strikes, you have enough to worry about. Store things that will help take some burden off your mind. Make sure you have things you know your children will eat, so you aren’t caught up in a debate at the dinner table while you’re worried about evacuation. Slip in some things just for you, as well – keeping your spirits up will be crucial, whether you’re facing unemployment, illness, natural disaster – whatever the reason for needing your food storage. This is a divine, inspired plan, given to us by God through His prophets. Let’s heed the advice and become prepared, not in an anxious way, as President Hinckley reminded us, but with wisdom and planning.
Related Blogs:
My Confession about My Food Storage
General Conference: Lay Up in Store