Long term food storage

Here is a picture of the family dry farm where the wheat is grown that many of us recently received. Many thanks to Scott and Dean for sharing the fruits of their hard work.

Next step: Once you have your three month supply and your water supply, you're ready to work on your long term storage. Again, I'll refer to the LDS church web site.

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.

Longer-Term Storage—30 Years or More
Properly packaged, low-moisture foods stored at room temperature or cooler (75°F/24°C or lower) remain nutritious and edible much longer than previously thought according to findings of recent scientific studies. Estimated shelf life for many products has increased to 30 years or more (see chart for new estimates of shelf life). Previous estimates of longevity were based on "best-if-used-by" recommendations and experience. Though not studied, sugar, salt, baking soda (essential for soaking beans), and vitamin C in tablet form also store well long-term. Some basic foods do need more frequent rotation, such as vegetable oil every 1 to 2 years.
While there is a decline in nutritional quality and taste over time, depending on the original quality of food and how it was processed, packaged, and stored, the studies show that even after being stored long-term, the food will help sustain life in an emergency.
For tips on how to best preserve longer-term food storage products, see Longer-Term Supply.
Food
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-LifeEstimates (In Years)
Wheat 30+
White rice 30+

Corn 30+
Sugar 30+
Pinto beans 30
Apple slices 30
Macaroni 30
Rolled oats 30
Potato flakes 30
Powdered milk 20
Carrots 20

There are various methods and ways to store food for long term storage. Many sites on the internet tell how this is best done. I have most of mine in plastic buckets that contain oxygen absorber packets. I think the best way is to buy in bulk when the dry goods are on sale and then put them in buckets or cans through the dry pack method of preserving food. We sure to label each box and put the date it was preserved. There is also this handy food storage calculator that helps you compute how much long term food storage you need to buy according to the number of people in your family. You may also want to add other items such as sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda, and cooking oil. To meet nutritional needs, also store foods containing Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Did you know that you can now buy these long term storage items through the LDS church distributiuon system? See this link.