Why is Storing Food Important to Latter-day Saints?

Today I am going to share one of the LDS beliefs which are so practical that I wonder why other people don’t do so. I remember in 2011 when my MIL visited me in the Sultanate of Oman food storage was one of the few things she spoke about. I told her there was no reason to store food as life in Oman is very safe and slow.

“Why is Storing Food Important to Latter-day Saints?” I asked her

That’s when she explained to me the importance of food storage to Latter-day Saint beliefs.

Oman, what will we do for food now?

Suddenly there was an uprising a coup against the Sultan Qaboos and things went south very quickly. Army tanks were on the roads and Malls were being burnt. My husband was in Saudi Arabia and obviously very concerned about our safety and well being.

My MIL assured him we had enough food thanks to her planning and safety was being provided by our local neighbors. Even the US Ambassador had come to Sohar to assure Americans that they were safe.

The reason I shared this with you is because when we are comfortable and carefree we forget to take care of our future. It’s so easy to take care of our well being if we just follow a few guidelines.

Why do Latter-day Saints store food?

LDS or Mormon beliefs include storing enough food, water, money, and other supplies to be used in emergencies. Many people misunderstand this belief, considering it hoarding or a last-days scenario. However, many people use these supplies during critical times in their lives, such as natural disasters or unemployment.

Latter Day Saints don’t stockpile the food in the basement and forget about it. They use what they store and rotate it. When grocery day comes around, they shop from their food storage for non-perishables. They replace the consumed items when they shop at a regular store. This allows them to cut food costs.

Since they have everything they need, they can shop only when items are on sale. They can also purchase in bulk, which helps keep costs lower. If bad weather conditions cause the price of sugar to rise, they can use their stored sugar and not replace it until prices go down again.

Latter Day Saints (Mormons) have three types of storage.

The first is a 72-hour kit. This portable storage has what they might need to take with them if they have to evacuate suddenly and need to care for themselves for 72 hours. This includes food, hygiene materials, blankets and pillows, scriptures, and other necessities. It can also include entertainment items for children who may get bored quickly in a shelter.

The second type of storage is a 3-month supply. This includes everything a person needs to survive for three months. It often includes the most common foods the family eats. Then, cleaning and hygiene materials, pet food, and anything else that would be useful in helping a family spend no money for three months.

The third type of storage is long term. Many staples, such as flour and sugar, will keep for many years if stored properly. This group often contains just what a family needs to survive for a long period of time if no other foods were available. Many families strive to have a full year of food and supplies. This will get most families through long-term unemployment or illness. The basic necessity items might cover another year or so.

It is very easy to pick up an extra few cans each time you shop and to add another bag of flour, sugar, or baking soda to your cart. The cost, for most, is negligible, but it quickly adds up to substantial security during difficult times.

Where do you stash all this food?

Mormons hope to find houses with large garages, basements, or pantries, but of course, many do not.

Families in small homes and apartments are amazingly creative at finding places to keep their food storage. A coffee table with a table-cloth might be hiding several boxes or might even be made of food storage boxes. More boxes may be tucked under beds and in closets. Mormons always nodded and said, “Food storage!”

Knowing there is plenty to eat, wear, and clean with brings comfort when we are faced with the stress of unemployment. Being able to fix a nice meal with our favorite foods elevates our mood and reassures us things are okay. Sometimes, even if we know difficult times might be ahead. A mother whose family is ill can rest assured that no one need stagger to a store because there is plenty of food in the house.

When a snowstorm threatens, like it did in WA and store shelves were empty Mormons didn’t have to rush to the store unless they wanted to—they could survive the days they are snowed in.