Elder Bednar's Remarks on Food Storage

 

Not much was said during the October sessions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' General Conference on Food Storage.  But Elder Bednar made a quick comment that I thought I would share:

" For decades the Church has taught its membership the principle of setting aside additional food, fuel, and money to take care of emergencies that might arise. The Church as an institution simply follows the same principles that are taught repeatedly to the members."

Provident Living Links

Home Storage:
All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage
Basic Recipes
Family Home Storage
Food Storage Calculator
Product Recommendations

Home Storage Centers:
Home Storage Center Order Forms
Home Storage Centers
Home Storage Online Sales

Storage Container/Location Recommendations:
Foil Pouches
Longer-Term Storage #10 Cans
Longer-Term Storage Shelf Lives
Oxygen Absorbers
Packing Recommendations
PETE Bottles
Plastic Buckets - Dry Ice Treatment
Storage Conditions
Water Storage Guidelines

Emergency Planning:
Emergency Communications
Family Emergency Planning
Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Ward & Stake Emergency Plans

Finances:
All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances
Family Finances

home storage centers

This article appeared yesterday in the Mormon Times, a subsidiary of Deseret News: Church Works to Meet Increased Canning Demand. (Parenthesis added)

Here is a segment:

Long-term food storage, however, is just one of four directives found in "All is Safely Gathered In," a pamphlet distributed throughout the church last year that outlines the "basics of family home storage." The counsel includes building a three-month supply of "food that is part of your normal, daily diet," storing drinking water and developing a financial reserve in addition to a longer-term supply of food.

Using the home storage center is helpful in meeting one of those directives for those who live in proximity to a facility, but all four must be balanced, Nield said (Kevin Nield, director of bishop's storehouse services for the welfare department of the LDS Church). Long-term storage is also less applicable in areas of the world where such endeavors might not be possible.

"People have more opportunities now than ever before to use the church as a place to help get some reserves, but these kinds of reserves, the three-month (supply) or the water or the money, they don't come from a home storage center," Nield said. "And that's the more immediately accessible element and that's the more worldwide church element.

"Following the guidelines of the First Presidency is about "the spirit of preparation" and the "idea of being strong and self-reliant," Nield said. It's not about fear.

"All is Safely Gathered In" discourages church members from going "to extremes" and incurring debt to establish a food storage. "With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply," it reads.

I have a friend who is a manager at a large local grocery store. He said that anytime food storage or signs-of-the-times are mentioned in general conference, there is always a run on food storage products. Individuals will go "to extremes" and fill several carts and put thousands of dollars on their credit cards.

Like Kevin Nield says above, home storage is about preparation and being self-reliant. Fear can drive you to make large, expensive one-time home storage purchases. But when you really understand the purposes of home storage, you're more likely to make gathering your supply and consequently becoming "strong and self-reliant" an ongoing effort.

more general conference counsel

Here are President Monson's remarks on preparedness from the Priesthood session of General Conference (as reported by The Deseret News):

"With the world facing difficult economic times, Latter-day Saints must increase their efforts to live prudently, avoid debt and prepare to provide for those who are adversely affected, President Thomas S. Monson counseled on Saturday. His remarks came during the evening priesthood session of the 178th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Many areas of the world have experienced difficult economic times. Businesses have failed, jobs have been lost and investments have been jeopardized," said President Monson. "We must make certain that those for whom we share responsibilities do not go hungry or unclothed or unsheltered." Working together, the priesthood of the church can make "near miracles take place," he said. He repeated long-standing advice that church members be "prudent in their planning, to be conservative in their living and avoid excessive or unnecessary debt." The financial affairs of the church are conducted within the same guidelines, he said, "for we are aware that your tithing and other contributions have not come without sacrifice and are sacred funds."

general conference counsel

Some preparedness gems from General Conference:

"The challenges we face today are in their own way comparable to challenges of the past. The recent economic crisis has caused significant concerns around the world. . . We know from the scriptures, that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development. We also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. It is also true that every cloud we see doesn't result in rain. Regardless of the challenges, trials, and hardships we endure, the reassuring doctrine of the atonement wrought by Jesus Christ includes Alma's teaching that the Savior would take upon him our infirmities and succor his people according to their infirmities.

"The scriptures and modern prophets have made it clear that there will be lean years and plentiful years. The lord expects us to be prepared for many of the challenges that come. He proclaims, 'If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.' . . One of the great blessings of the scriptures is that they warn us of challenges that are unexpected but often occur. We would do well to be prepared for them. One form of preparation is to keep the commandments. . . Clearly having the blessings of the spirit, the ministration of the Holy Ghost, is an essential element to truly prosper in the land and to be prepared."
(Elder Quentin L. Cook)


“Newspapers are filled with reports of the current housing crisis. We’ve been encouraged from almost every general conference that I can remember, to not live beyond our means. Our income should determine the housing we can afford, not the neighbor's big house across the street. President Grant once said, "From my earliest recollection from the days of Brigham Young until now, I have listened to men stand in the pulpit urging the people to not run into debt. I believe that the great majority of our troubles today is caused through failure to carry out that counsel." One of the better ways to simplify our lives is to follow the counsel we’ve so often received. Live within our income. Stay out of debt. Save for a rainy day, We should practice and increase the habits of thrift, industry, economy and frugality. Members of well managed families do not pay interest, they earn it.”
(Elder L. Tom Perry)

where do i start?

We've done a pretty thorough review over the past month of the LDS guidelines on home storage. I know it can all feel really overwhelming. It was so much information for me, six years ago when I was determined to start working on storage, that I was basically paralyzed. My biggest piece of advice on this topic, is to START SMALL! There is a lot to be done, but the prophets have repeatedly said to do a little bit at a time.

"Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

"As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son." -- President Hinckley, The Times In Which We Live, Ensign, November 2001

"We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. As all of you recognize, this counsel is not new. But I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. Begin in a small way, my brethren, and gradually build toward a reasonable objective." -- President Hinckley, To Men of the Priesthood, Ensign, November 2002.

72 hour kits

Did you know that the (general) leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have never specifically told us to have 72 hour kits? If you have evidence to prove me wrong, I'd love to know about it! In preparation for a local Enrichment Meeting, I poured over the words of the prophets, trying to find a single quote suggesting that we need these kits. I couldn't find a single one. I found "Random Sampler" tidbits in the Ensign. I found direction from local leadership asking us to prepare 72 hour kits. I found a story or two told by the General Authorities that referenced 72 hour kits, but I couldn't find anything more specific than that.

In fact, I found it interesting to read this in the provident living FAQ:

"What about 72-hour kits?
Church members are encouraged to prepare for adversity by building a basic supply of food, water, money, and, over time, longer-term supply items. Beyond this, Church members may choose to store additional items that could be of use during times of distress."

Don't get me wrong. Clearly 72 hour kits are beneficial. But this quote above seems to suggest that family home storage is the first priority. Of course, your local leadership may give you specific counsel regarding 72 hour kits. If that is the case, then these kits do become a priority again.

f a q

I've created a list (see side of blog) of links for LDS Guidelines for preparedness. These sites are fantastic and give detailed information about the principles contained in the pamphlets. One link that you might miss on these sites is the Frequently Asked Questions. It's worth taking the time to read.

all is safely gathered in: family finances

The second of the two pamphlets that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints released in 2007 is called All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances. Here are the major points from the pamphlet (I've included the accompanying letter below):

Pay Tithes and Offerings
Successful family finances begin with the payment of an honest tithe and the giving of a generous fast offering. The Lord has promised to open the windows of heaven and pour out great blessings upon those who pay tithes and offerings faithfully (see Malachi 3:10).

Avoid Debt
Spending less money than you make is essential to your financial security. Avoid debt, with the exception of buying a modest home or paying for education or other vital needs. Save money to purchase what you need. If you are in debt, pay it off as quickly as possible.

Use A Budget
Keep a record of your expenditures. Record and review monthly income and expenses. Determine how to reduce what you spend for nonessentials. Use this information to establish a family budget. Plan what you will give as Church donations, how much you will save, and what you will spend for food, housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, insurance, and so on. Discipline yourself to live within your budget plan. (See the Budget Worksheet included with the pamphlet.)

Build A Reserve
Gradually build a financial reserve, and use it for emergencies only. If you save a little money regularly, you will be surprised how much accumulates over time.

Teach Family Members
Teach family members the principles of financial management. Involve them in creating a budget and setting family financial goals. Teach the principles of hard work, frugality, and saving. Stress the importance of obtaining as much education as possible.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Latter-day Saints have been counseled for many years to prepare for adversity by having a little money set aside. Doing so adds immeasurably to security and well-being. Every family has a responsibility to provide for its own needs to the extent possible.

We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from this bondage. Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve.

If you have paid your debts and have a financial reserve, even though it be small, you and your family will feel more secure and enjoy greater peace in your hearts.

May the Lord bless you in your family financial efforts.
The First Presidency

all is safely gathered in: family home storage

One of the pamphlets that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints released in early 2007 is All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage. Four principles are emphasized:

Three-Month Supply
Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.

Drinking Water
Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted. If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soda. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Financial Reserve
Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount (see All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances guide).

Longer-Term Supply
For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans. These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

There is a letter from the First Presidency that is included in the pamphlet:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.

We realize that some of you may not have financial resources or space for such storage. Some of you may be prohibited by law from storing large amounts of food. We encourage you to store as much as circumstances allow.

May the Lord bless you in your home storage efforts.
The First Presidency"

lay up in store

I admit I have a religious bias as I work on personal preparation. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We have received specific counsel as to how to prepare ourselves. I turn to that counsel as I determine my preparedness level. For years, the church has counseled us to have year's worth of food storage. Recently, however, the guidelines were changed. Bishop Keith B. McMullin in his talk, Lay Up in Store, given at the April 2007 General Conference, discussed these changes. (I'm going to include an expanded portion of his comments below because the quotes are so good). Anyway, the two new pamphlets, introduced at this conference (and subsequently sent to every member through priesthood leaders and the Ensign), form the basis of my preparedness plans. I'll discuss those pamphlets in separate entries.

Here is the quote by Bishop Keith B. McMullin:

"A cardinal principle of the gospel is to prepare for the day of scarcity. Work, industry, frugality are part of the royal order of life. Remember these words from Paul: "If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."13

Seated before us are the three presiding high priests who constitute the First Presidency of the Church.

From President James E. Faust, Second Counselor, we hear: "Every father and mother are the family's storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency . . . [and] God will sustain us through our trials."14

From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food . . . and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."15

From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord's prophet, we hear:
"The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes. . . .
"We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week's food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. . . . I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.
"Begin in a small way, . . . and gradually build toward a reasonable objective."16

Inspired preparation rests on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, obedience, and a provident lifestyle. Members should not go to extremes, but they should begin.

We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life. Please see to it that those entrusted to your watchcare receive these two pamphlets entitled All Is Safely Gathered In. Exhort them to prepare now for rainy days ahead. Priesthood leaders, enlist the Relief Society in promoting family preparedness and homemaking. The women of the Church need your backing and will respond to your leadership.

Encourage our members to regularly put into their home storage a few wholesome, basic food items and some water that is safe to drink. They should save some money, if only a few coins each week. This modest approach will soon enable them to have several months' reserve. Over time they can expand these modest efforts into a longer-term supply by adding such essentials as grains, legumes, and other staples that will keep them alive in case they do not have anything else to eat.17

As we do our very best, we can be confident that "the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail."18 We shall enjoy greater wisdom, security, peace of mind, and personal well-being. We shall be prepared, and because we are prepared, we "shall not fear.""