“New Year, New Progress,” Ensign, Jan. 2009, 68
New Year, New Progress
When it comes to implementing a successful home storage program, the most important step is to start. With the beginning of a new year, now is the perfect time for individuals and families to review the First Presidency’s guidelines on home storage in the pamphlet All Is Safely Gathered In. The First Presidency encourages all Church members to gradually establish a three-month supply of food, store drinking water, set aside a financial reserve, and when possible, eventually increase home storage to a longer-term supply.
By following these simple guidelines, Church members can prayerfully consider their circumstances and set one goal to begin or continue their own home storage program. As we prepare ourselves and our families for trials and adversity, we will receive temporal security and be able to “provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience.”1 Here are a few ideas that you and your family can begin in 2009.
Three-Month Supply
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Consider your normal daily diet and make a list of foods that you can purchase, store, and rotate.
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Choose a few items on your regular shopping list every week to add to your home storage, and purchase double amounts of those items as finances allow.
Drinking Water
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Begin to save and clean durable bottles that have been used for soda or juice. Rather than purchasing new bottles, save the clean and sanitized bottles and use them for water storage.
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Purchase a few water bottles every week to add to your home storage water supply. Be sure to rotate your water supply regularly.
Financial Reserve
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Add a certain amount of your income to your financial reserve each month. Set the money aside immediately after paying your tithes and offerings.
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Create a budget based on your spending last month. After looking at your spending habits, consider limiting the money you use on nonessential items and adding it to your financial reserve instead.
Longer-Term Supply
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If you have succeeded in gathering a three-month supply, increase your home storage to meet longer-term needs based on your individual circumstances.
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Learn how to properly package and store longer-term food storage items, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.