The most important step is to start

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."—The First Presidency I have often thought about food storage and how I need to have it. At different points in my life I have felt the need to prepare my food storage, although the idea never amounted to much as there was always some excuse. Space and money and time were always at the forefront. However, I understand and again feel the importance. Saving for a rainy day is not a new concept, especially at this uncertain and unsteady time. And yet, why am I still not prepared?

I think for some people it seems like a huge task. Gathering a year's supply of food is overwhelming! And so I was pleased when I read the article “New Year, New Progress,” in the Jan. 2009 Ensign. It is basic and simple and I do not feel overwhelmed any longer.
Baby steps!

Here is the article for your reading pleasure:

"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.”

Three-Month Supply
• Consider your normal daily diet and make a list of foods that you can purchase, store, and rotate.
• 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
• 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.
• 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
• Add a certain amount of your income to your financial reserve each month. Set the money aside immediately after paying your tithes and offerings.
• 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
• If you have succeeded in gathering a three-month supply, increase your home storage to meet longer-term needs based on your individual circumstances.
• Learn how to properly package and store longer-term food storage items, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.

I also found these sites helpful:

stockupfood.com - And old college friend started this website and I just joined. I love that it's easy and shows me my progress and goals. I like the blog aspect as well for great info:)

peparednessmatters.blogspot.com - for cooking with basic food storage and other ideas
thegrocerygame.com has been something we've done for a year and half now. We stocked up on so many toiletries in the first 3 months that we are just NOW almost out of shampoo and toothpaste and I had enough toilet paper to last me for 6 months at one time.

providentliving

Do you know of any other sites that have worked well for you?

Okay, so let's begin shall we?