3 Month Food 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." First Presidency of LDS Church

Some of the key things that need to be pointed out are:

1. Food needs to be part of normal daily diet
2. Purchase a few extra items each week
3. Increase until you have 3 months
4. Rotate food regularly

Building your 3 Month Food Supply does not need to be confusing or scary at all. I am going to share a method for you that will help you know exactly 'What and How much' of everything you'll need to complete a 3 Month Food Storage. I encourage you to pray when going about this. There are different methods to work for everyone, and if you pray about it the Lord will guide you. This method has proven to help many!

There are 90 days in 3 months. 90 days can feel overwhelming to plan for, especially when you are barely able to purchase food for 7 days! No worries! Since 90 days is quite a big chunk, lets break it down! You can break it down in any way that works best for you.

METHOD #1

Make a list of as many dinners your family eats often. Now narrow those meals down to 9. Take those 9 meals and make a list. Define every ingredient that goes into making that meal, and how much of that ingredient is required. Then combine all ingredients into one major list and multiple the amount needed by 10. (9 x 10 = 90) Now you have a list of ingredients that will make 90 dinners. Don't forget to plan your breakfasts and lunches too.

METHOD #2

Break the 3 months into 1 (30 days). Plan a 2-week meal plan and double it. Buy that 2-week meal plan twice and now you have a 1 month food storage. Plan another 2-week meal plan and double it and buy it, now you have 2 months. Plan another 2-week meal plan and double it and buy it, now you have a full 3 months.

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Whether or not you want break your planning up into days, meals or weeks, breaking them up helps you define the what and how much easier. I prefered method #1 because once I designed my list of meals, when I went shopping instead of buying enough for one meal, I purchased quantity for two and put one aside in the storage. This is a simple and easy way to build up your storage without thinking too much about it. Also, since you are planning meals that your family eats often, rotating will be simple!

Remember that this a storage so you want to pick meals that are easily stored. Foods that require refrigeration expire quickly and won't last long.