Food Storage Basics

 THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FOOD STORAGE

Use these basic principles to guide you in selecting and storing items for your family’s food storage:

• Store what your family will eat and learn to eat what will store well. Be sure to consider special diet needs.

• Store foods from all the recommended food storage groups to ensure a balanced diet.

• Check for expiration dates to determine the freshness and quality of the food items you purchase. Buy the freshest for the longest shelf life.

• Make adjustments for food quantities based on the age and activity levels of individuals in your family.

• Basic storage foods should be low in moisture (10 percent or less). These foods will retain their quality and nutritional value longer and will be more pest resistant when stored properly.

• Incorporate stored food items into your regular meals to avoid waste. Replace them as they are used to ensure a constant fresh supply of food. Doing so will also help avoid the incorporation of costly or hard to find food items in your stored food plan.

• Label each food container with the date of purchase so that the oldest items can be used first.

• Food should be stored cool, dry, dark, and airtight. Avoid storing in hot attics and garages. Keep food above concrete floors and away from heat and light sources. Containers should be as airtight as possible.

• Inventory your food supply regularly. Check for items that need to be used, replaced, or added to your supply. Check for insect and rodent infestations and damaged containers.

Food storage items are available

• Online: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Online Food Storage
• At the home storage center in Sandy: 615 E 8400 S, Sandy UT 84070