Did you know Brigham Young first mentioned the need for Latter-day Saints to have a "year's supply" back in 1864? He encouraged Saints then to collect 7 years' worth of food!
Since that time, the counsel has been refined. The Church now advises us, where possible, to start by getting a three-month supply and building from there.
Following this prophetic cousel has made food storage an important part of the LDS community. The how-to's and why's of food storage are frequently the subject of Sunday School lessons, Relief Society activities, and more. There are even a number of LDS companies that specialize in food storage made easy!
In fact, food storage is so much a part of LDS culture that it's one of many reasons you'll be glad you're Mormon in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
We all know food storage is important, even barring an apocalyptic scenario. It can be used during financial crises caused by unexpected medical bills or job loss. In our day to day, you can even go to it when you have unexpected visitors and not enough groceries.
But knowing food storage is important, and actually doing it are two different things. Obstacles of time, money, storage space, or even just knowing what to buy and how to store it often prevent many Saints from getting to the three-month-or-more mark.
Where are you in getting your food storage shelves stocked? Let us know by taking the poll below, and then leave your best food storage tips in the comments for others who are just getting started!
And if you've got a food storage question, these helpful resources will have the answer:
General AdviceFHE: Self Reliance
Food Storage Strategies: Ideas & Quick Tips for Right NowPrioritizing Your Preparedness
Church Resources on Food Storage
Food Storage for the Clueless by Clark & Kathryn Kidd
Not Your Mother's Food Storage by Kathy Bray & Jan Barker
Specific Help
9 Great-Tasting Survival Meals for Your 72-hour KitEssential Non-food Emergency Storage
Store for Thirst First: Water Storage Tips and IdeasEmergency Preparedness at Work and School
Cooking with Food Storage Made Easy by Debbie Harman
I Can't Believe It's Food Storage: A Simple Step-by-Step Plan for Using Food Storage to Create Delicious Meals by Crystal Godfrey