How do I get this Goodness Started?

Motivating yourself-Seeing the need

There are many reasons why we should have a food storage.

The first and foremost being, that we have been commanded to do so.

Secondly, it’s a very logical thing to do.

There are many reasons why we would be using this storage -- once we have it; from medical emergencies causing disruption in our work, unemployment, natural disaster and many other temporary setbacks upon which, a storage of food is a comforting thing to have to fall back on in a time of distress.

So how do we get motivated to do it?

 I guess the most important thing would be that you have to have an understanding of the importance of it.

ANALOGY: We buy toilet paper because we understand the importance of having it around. It’s a crisis if we forget to buy it and we find we are stranded and there is none. So we put it as a priority to make sure we keep it stocked and handy. It’s not an item that we discuss or advertise. But we sure make sure we are prepared for it.

We just do it.

The same should apply to food storage.

In the words of our dear prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball “Do it”

So this week, take inventory of what you have. Organize your space. Make a Shelf of Shame of nearly expired goods, (great RS comment!) Challenge yourself to use certain items. Rediscover cooking. Save money by staying home and not eating out. Then use that extra to stock up on a few supplies that your family likes to eat. Go through your storage and organize it in a way that is easily accessible, easy to see what you need and easy to rotate.

Then get going.

Once you get a couple shelves of storage you can stand back and admire it and feel great about the start you made. And keep on going…..

D&C 58: 28,27,26

For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch a men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward.

Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 

Eat What you Store and Store What you Eat!
How many of us have cans and pounds of foods in our basement that we never eat? If you eat a lot of pinto beans, then you most certainly should get a bunch of them and store them in airtight containers in your basement, plus some spices and things to eat with them. You should also know how to cook them, and in the event of an emergency, have adequate supplies to cook them on - fuel and the equipment to cook them on should you be without power. 
On the other hand, if you eat spaghetti and meatballs with green beans, some stored noodles, sauce and cans of green beans would probably be a great idea!
For the next week, keep track of the meals you like to eat and what the ingredients are. When those items that you usually eat go on sale, purchase some extras, based on their shelf life, and add them to your storage. 
You can start this week. 
Who know what kind of disasters we will face? It may be a natural disaster that we have no control over, it may be a financial disaster such as a loss of job or a cutback, it may be medical issues or something else. For whatever the reason, having a surplus of handy edibles in the basement or spare room is a great idea. 

Breakfast food options are great, don't forget the powered milk or powdered fruit drink.
Lunch options such as soups and learning to make homemade breads or other foods, including snack foods that are nutritious and easily prepared.
Dinner foods that your family likes, cover basic nutrition, tastes good and are easily prepared. 

Start Now

Its as easy as adding some extra cans, frozen foods, bottles, dried foods, legumes, peanut butter or powdered foods to your pantry.
Make sure of the shelf life, rotate and continue to build on your food storage.

Link for Utah State Management for Home Food Storage Plan:

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FN_500.pdf