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Food Storage

Beginning Food Storage - 1 to 3 Months
(Information is presented in 4 parts.  Scroll down a bit from end of Part 2, to begin reading Parts 3 and 4.) 

Pt 1: Store What You Eat.  Eat What You Store!

Excerpts from “Independence Days: A Guide to Sustainable Food Storage and Preservation” by Sharon Astyk  (ISBN # 978-0-86571-652-0)

Sharon Astyk asks:  How can we eat locally, not just when the farmers markets are bountiful, but all year-around? “Independence Days” is a book that illustrates how to bulk buy and store food on the cheap. It also includes tips on how to preserve food, using canning and dehydrating techniques, and a host of other issues.  In addition, it focuses on how to enjoy a delicious, high-quality “pantry diet” year round.  Sharon also shares information on how to preserve food on a community scale, and how to reduce reliance on industrial agriculture by creating vibrant local economies.

How Do I Start to Store Food?  How Do I Determine What to Buy Initially?

“The basis of planning your first food storage project is easy.  You are going to build up enough of the ingredients to be able to make some of your favorite meals easily, without having to go to the store.  These are things you will eat anyway. These are things that will save you time, if you don’t have to run to the store every time you need the ingredients.  It is simply shopping ahead.

“To get started on a “Shopping List”, sit down and list four breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners and four snacks that use mostly ingredients that can sit on a pantry shelf, or come out of your garden, making certain that these are foods that your family likes.  

“They don’t have to be complicated.  In fact, ideally they won’t be.  If you can’t think of enough of each, begin thinking through the recipes you make regularly, and ask yourself:  “Could I adapt this?  Could it be a shelf-stable ingredient instead of fresh stuff?”  To begin with, just focus on 4 basic meals that everyone in your family would eat, such as pasta with tomato-garlic sauce, your best spicy lentil soup recipe, tuna noodle casserole, whatever.”

You also need to figure out a space where you want to set up your Food Stores Pantry.  A dry, cool space is best.  And, the buckets and jars don’t all have to fit in one place.  Play with the idea.  Experiment a bit.  You’ll figure it out.

Why Store Food?

“The primary merits of food storage are that it saves your family money, gets you better quality food for the same expenditure, and is environmentally sound.  I also think the fact that it can insulate you from a crisis--whether personal or national--has merits....Food storage is as much or more about your day-to-day diet, than about your opinion about the likelihood of any particular crisis....

“...you really  need at least a 3 month food supply. Now before you panic, I promise, it doesn’t have to be that that overwhelming....Why 3 months? 

“Disasters don’t always fit neatly into 2 week periods [what the USDA recommends]....Longer period of large scale crisis and limited supplies are well within the realm of the possible...[For example] Hurricane Ike knocked out power in Houston on September 13, 2008.  Two weeks later, almost a half a million people were still without power....

“It is a mistake to view food storage and preservation as merely a hedge against a major, widespread national disaster.  Personal disasters occur all the time, and can be just as devastating as a national supply crisis--often more so. Buying food now, and storing it in bulk means you can keep your family fed in a medical crisis, after a job loss, etc.... The most likely reason you will need your food storage is that you have had a salary cut-back or a job loss in your family....Storing your own food reserve enables you to take care of your own (including relatives), and to help people in need....

“I know that some of you can’t buy extra food because you can’t buy enough food. For the rest, you need to do what you can, both to protect yourself and to make sure that you don’t compete for food resources (e.g. soup kitchen, food banks, etc.) with those who have no ability to protect themselves....That means a minimum of three months of food.  Build it up gradually, write down what you eat, focus on meals based on staple foods like ORGANIC grains, dried beans, and locally produced and home preserved vegetables....”  [Don’t forget to add sprouting!]

Sharon Astyk’s Recommendations for Getting Started (see pg 60 in her book for details)

This is just a sample, to give you some ideas.  You can adjust it to meet your individual needs.

On page 83 is probably the most important food storage suggestion I have seen.  The first item to purchase in bulk for your food storage project, is ORGANIC ROLLED OATS (either regular or fast-cooking).  Why?  Rolled oats can be eaten either cooked or uncooked (like in muesli).  Most grains must be cooked in order to eat them.  There are only 2 other substitutes for oats that can be eaten uncooked:  Raw sunflower seeds (but they don’t keep as long as oats).  And the Scandinavian-style crispbread, such as Kavli and Wasa Brod.  (Avoid instant oats, as they are full of sugar and preservatives.) (see page 84).

Also see page 63 for a shopping list for single people on a budget, and for supporting local farmers.  This approach will require one to have a good quality grain mill to convert whole grains into flours.  The whole grains store much longer than flours, so if you can make your own fresh flour, not only will it taste better, it will be fresher, and you don’t risk it being rancid. 

From page 80: In addition to storing food, it is also a good idea to have a couple of the old fashioned, hand operated can openers in your kitchen drawer.  And if you have a gas cooking stove, and/or camping stove as a back up cooking source, be sure to have plenty of matches on hand.  And, everyone should have at least a month’s supply of water (per person) on hand.  Page 80 has the amounts needed to accomplish that.

Pages 87-88 discuss shopping on a budget for 1 person for a 1 month food supply.  

Pages 84-85 discuss the importance of stocking up on canned bean varieties.  Another sensible suggestion is stocking up on canned pumpkin and/or sweet potatoes.  The challenge with canned goods, is finding cans that are lead-free and BPA-free.  I’m still looking!  So, meantime, I personally avoid canned goods.  But, for those who still utilize canned food, Sharon has some good suggestions on what to store.

From page 60: As Sharon says:  “This is one possible model for three months’ worth of food for a family of 4 that cooks from scratch, but doesn’t have a grain grinder (read her book to see why having a grain grinder is a good idea).

It’s important to purchase organic foods, and absolutely avoid GMO foods.  If you do end up needing your food stores for emergency purposes, you want food that will support your health.

50 lbs brown rice 50 lbs white rice

50 lbs whole wheat flour 50 lbs rolled oats

30 lbs whole wheat pasta 10 lbs cornmeal

5 lbs pearl barley Spices

5 lbs peanut or almond butter 5 gallons olive or grapeseed oil

25 lbs sugar 10 lbs brown sugar

5 lbs honey 50 lbs powdered milk

1 lb baking powder 1 lb baking soda

1 lb yeast 2 lbs raisins

12 cans or jars tuna fish 2 jars bouillon cubes or other seasonings

3 lbs sea salt 1 gallon bleach

180 adult multivitamins

180 children’s dose multivitamins

100 lbs mixed dried beans, lentils, split peas, etc.

50 lbs unbleached white flour

1/2 gallon vinegar (mix of bottles of wine and cider)

1 bottle each of ketchup, mustard, Tabasco and soy sauce

5 lbs sprouting seeds (mix of wheat, alfalfa mung bean, broccoli, radish)

24 cans or jars of pumpkin or sweet potatoes

12 containers of canned chicken or salmon or sardines

3 month supply of tea, coffee, cocoa, fruit juices

[Many of these ingredients are available at www.azurestandard.com.  Their prices are usually 25% to 40% below retail.  Most items are available as organic food.  And the majority is grown by US organic farmers.]

In her book Sharon shares suggestions on how to begin accumulating your food stores, bit by bit.  She also has a good chapter on using food grade (90 mil) plastic buckets, and why investing in gamma lids is well worth it.  (see page 119 in her book)

She also has a segment (page 239) on why it is important to save vegetable, herb and flower heirloom (open pollinated) garden seeds.

Page 272 has her suggested list of first aid products to have on hand.

Page 331 begins a discussion on what we can do within our communities.

Her book also includes recipes, information on the benefits of having a manual grain mill, how to make sure your family will have access to clean, healthy water, how to do canning, how to use a dehydrator to dry and store foods from the garden or farmers market.  And, much, much more.  These “tools” are discussed, beginning on page 251.

This book is the best I have found for getting started on Short Term Storage.

 

Pt 2: Beginning Food Storage - How To Do It! (Short Term: 1-3 months)

The basic rule for all food storage:  Store What You Eat, Eat What You Store!

Overview

Food Storage plans include Short-Term (1-3 months), Mid-Term (4 months to 3 years), and Long-Term (3 to 20 years)

Purchase your storage items, such as Jars, Dried Organic Bay Leaves, Bubble Wrap, Plastic Buckets, etc.--the things you will use to store and protect your food items. (Refer to “Shopping List” document)

Purchase your Bulk food items. (See “Shopping List” document)

This discussion will focus on using wide-mouth Glass Jars, of varying sizes.  It’s a good idea to have at least the half-gallon, quart, pint and half-pint glass jars on hand.  The half-gallon are a convenient size for storing 25 pound bags of bulk organic dry goods.  As you use up the contents, transfer what is left to the next smaller size jar.  This will help minimize the amount of air in the jar, which will keep the contents fresher.  And inhibit pest infestation.

In general, a 25 pound bag of dried beans, rice, sugar, etc. would use 7 to 9 of the 1/2 gallon glass Ball Jars.

Plan to do your storage project on a cooler, dry day, as compared to a hot, humid, or rainy day.

Once you have your glass Jars, dried organic bay leaves, bubble wrap, and bulk organic dry goods on hand, you are ready to begin with Phase 1.  

Phase 1

1.  Thoroughly wash and disinfect your lids, rings and glass jars.

2.  Thoroughly dry jars.  Put them back into the empty boxes in which they came.  Drape a clean dish towel over the tops, and let them sit for another day (or 2), to assure they are absolutely dry.   Also make certain the lids (check those “seals”), and rings are totally dry, too. (Successful storage depends on dry storage!)

Phase 2 (probably the day after Phase 1)

(If you can’t get to Phase 2 the day after Phase 1, just make sure your jars are covered with a cup towel to prevent dust from getting inside, and proceed with Phase 2 when it is convenient.)

For this example, assume you want to store a 25 lb bag of organic Black Beans.

1.  Have the carton with your clean, dry 1/2 gallon jars nearby.

2.  Also have a 2 cup glass measuring cup, and a wide mouth funnel nearby.  And some of the organic dried bay leaves.

3.  Set the 25 lb bag of black beans securely on a chair that is located next to the empty 1/2 gallon jars sitting on the kitchen counter top.  This allows you to scoop out the beans from the bag, without bending down every time.

4.  Take an empty 1/2 gallon jar and set the empty wide-mouth funnel in the jar.

5.  Dip the 2 cup measuring cup into the bag and scoop up some beans (it doesn’t have to be completely full), and slowly pour the dry beans through the wide-mouth funnel into the jar.

6.  Repeat this process until the jar is full.  Gently shake the jar to compress the contents, which will push out excess air.

7. Take 3 or 4 of the organic dry bay leaves and gently place them on top of the black beans. Keep the bay leaves on top, so you can find them and remove them before using the contents of the jar.

8.  Place the lid tightly on the jar.  Securely screw on the ring.

9.  Place the filled jar in the carton, and remove an empty jar, setting it on the counter, with the funnel in it.

10.  Repeat steps 4 through 9 until all the contents of the 25 lb bag are in jars.  If there aren’t enough beans to completely fill the final 1/2 gallon jar, use the quart jar.  Or, a quart and pint jar, etc..  Store the completely filled jars, and use the partially filled jar first.

11.  Using a permanent black marker, label at least 2 sides of the carton with the contents.  Example:  

Organic Black Beans

Azure Standard 6/10

(from South Dakota farmer)

12.  Type the same info on small labels, and tape one on the top of each lid.

13.  Wrap each jar in bubble wrap, especially if the jars will be next to each other on a shelf.  You want to protect your stored food from breakage, in the event of an earthquake, etc..  If you have the carton, you can protect the jars, by placing pieces of cardboard between the jars. Gently shake the carton, to assure that each jar is protected from touching the neighboring jar, i.e., no “glass on glass”.

14.  Using the pantry/storage space you have set aside (dark, cool spot), begin stacking your cartons of full jars.  By having 2 sides of the cartons labeled, you can read what you have without moving boxes all the time.

15.  As you begin to use a filled 1/2 gallon jar, once you have opened it,  and removed some of the contents, then transfer what is left into a quart jar (holds about 4 cups of black beans) and pint jar (holds about 2 cups of black beans).  It’s important to keep transferring the dried beans into smaller and smaller jars, as the fuller the jar, the less air is available, and the fresher the contents stay.  Plus it saves space.

16. Last step is to create your Inventory List.  This will help you keep track of what you have in the pantry, rotate your stock to use the older jars first.  And also help you keep notes on the foods your family really enjoys, and any foods you wish to replace with other choices in the future.  You will be surprised how quickly you can forget what is what.  So, an Inventory List helps keep track.

 

 




Pt 3:  Shopping List - Beginning Food Storage (1 to 3 months)

(prepared by Jenny Piel, June 17, 2010)

Note:  Refer to the “Rebecca’s Wild Garden” DVD included with the class info package on why Food Storage is a good, and necessary idea in these times.

BOOKS

These 2 books are the best resources I have found for Food Storage:

Astyk, Sharon: Independence Days: A Guide to Sustainable Food Storage & Preservation ISBN:  978-0-86571-652-0   List Price:  $19.95  Also available at Amazon.com

Comments:  Very practical and positive approach to short-term, mid-term, and long-term food storage.  “Store What You Use.  Use What You Store”.  Lots of useful information on Food Storage, How To Decide What and How Much to Store, Canning How To’s, How to use a Dehydrator to Preserve Food, and much, much more.

Sharon has an excellent Blog (SharonFoodStorage) full of first-hand input, questions, information, solutions, etc.  (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sharonfoodstorage/)

Lappe, Frances Moore: Diet For a Small Planet ISBN: 0-345-37366-9 List Price: $15.00.  Check amazon.com for availability.

Comments:  Excellent book for creating balanced protein by proper, and delicious, combination of various grains, legumes, seeds, etc..  Good recipes.  Charts at end with details on the amino acids present in each grain, legume, seed, and which to combine to create complete protein.

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BUBBLE WRAP

From office supply store:   Bubble wrap to wrap jars to prevent breakage from falling, earthquake, etc..  If you keep the cartons the jars come in, you can insert pieces of cardboard between the jars, to prevent glass-on-glass contact.  Then, you don’t need the bubble wrap.  But, it comes in handy when storing in cabinets, etc..

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Since this information is provided for our local community in Very Northern California, and many of us purchase our organic foods through Azure Standard, information from Azure Standard is what is being used.  If you live in other areas, you can contact Azure Standard and find out if they have a Drop Point for deliveries in your local area.  Or, if you can set one up.  They delivery to quite a few states.

 

AZURE STANDARD

Most of the items used for this example of Short Term Food Storage, come from Azure Standard, (www.azurestandard.com ) or 1-541-467-2230).

Typically their prices are 25% to 40% off retail.  And they carry a lot of organic foods produced by US and Canadian organic farmers.  Check with Azure Standard to learn of the Drop Point in your community.  Or, if there isn't one, inquire about establishing one.

GLASS BALL JARS

Glass Ball (bought out by Kerr) are an efficient way to keep foods fresh and pest-free. Store your foods in jars that are sized to minimize open space (filled with oxygen).  Have several different sized jars, on hand so you can continue to move foods to smaller jars, as you use the contents.  This will help keep your bulk foods fresher and minimize any pest problems.  And it is a more efficient use of your storage space.  Glass jars come in 5 sizes through Azure Standard:

Gallon

Half-Gallon (most convenient size for 25 lb bags of bulk foods)

Quart (space-saver size, as half-gallon jar contents are used)

Pint (space-saver size, as quart jar contents are used)

Half-Pint (convenient size for saving bulk cooking herbs and spices)

Azure Standard Item Numbers and Prices for Glass Jars:

Kerr has bought out Ball Jars.  Orders will be filled with Ball Jars, until supplies are depleted.  Thereafter, Kerr brand will be provided.

Wide 2 Quart (1/2 gallon) Jars

Price: $9.30 - Code: NF011 - 6 per box

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Wide 1 Quart Jars 

Price: $10.65 - Code: NF010 - Box of 12

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Wide Mouth Pint Jars

Price: $9.30 - Code: NF043 - Box of 12

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Wide Mouth Half-Pint Jars

Code: NF528 - Price: $8.80 - Box of 12

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Wide Bands w/Lids

Price: $5.20 - Code: NF005 - Box of 12

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Wide Mouth Glass Gallon Jars Without Lid

Price: $12.20 - Code: NF018 - Box of 4

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Wide Metal Lids for Gallon Jars

Price: $2.50 - Code: NF019 - 4 lids

These threaded lids will fit the gallon jars listed above. Made with a molded rubber seal inside. White in color.

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WIDE MOUTH FUNNEL, Stainless Steel

Note:  This is a HUGE time saver and makes it an easier job to fill the jar

Price: $6.25 - Code: HA025 - 1 each

Heavy gauge stainless steel has been used for this sturdy, durable funnel. The exterior surface has a high polish with a mirror-like finish. It is constructed with a finger handle. The upper rim is about 5 1/2” in diameter and the lower opening is about 2 1/4”. The total height is approximately 2 3/4"; the upper bowel is about 2" deep.

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DRIED ORGANIC BAY LEAVES, WHOLE (1 lb)

Use: top off jars of dry goods, to prevent insects

From Oregon Spice 

(Note: From Azure Standard, type in this Code and you will see their link to the Oregon Spice products they carry.  Then, you can decide which herbs and spices to add in to your Short-Term Food Stores.  With herbs and spices, it is easy to create a variety of interesting and tasty dishes from dry goods.)

Price: $7.85 - Code: HS013 - 1 lb.

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PLASTIC 5-GALLON BUCKETS

Empty 5 Gallon Plastic Pail/Bucket

Price: $4.35 - Code: NF092 - 1 each

These empty 90 mil plastic pails/buckets can serve many functions including food and water storage. FDA approved resin makes these plastic pails/buckets perfect for food storage. They have a very sturdy metal handle which pivots from the sides and has a plastic tubular handle for comfort and ease of movement. Nests into similar buckets for convenient storage when not in use. Lid is sold separately. Holds 5 gallons.

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Gamma Seal Lid for Plastic Pail

Price: $6.50 - Code: NF094 - 1 each

Note:  Gamma Lids are well worth every penny!  Replace the “Hammer-Down” Bucket lid on the buckets you will use frequently.  Bottom part of gamma lid will be permanently “hammered” onto lid of the plastic bucket, using a rubber mallet.  Then the top will screw on and off with ease.  Like opening a big jar!  You don’t need a Gamma Lid for all of your plastic buckets.  But you will be really happy you have them on the buckets you will use frequently.  Then, when the Gamma Lid bucket is low or empty, open the full bucket with the plastic lid, and pour contents into your Gamma Lid Plastic Bucket.

The Gamma Seal lid transforms your bucket into an airtight and leak proof heavy-duty storage container.  This lid is the only easily resealing lid on the market that can fit most 12” diameter pails. It is easy to open and close. Fits 3.5 to 7 gallon pails.  Leak proof and airtight seal.  

Made of food grade high impact resistant plastic. Often available in a variety of

colors including white, red, blue, yellow, orange, and black. The entire lid looks 

much like an ordinary lid with a 12" screw down center. The adapter looks like a

large ring.  Simply snap the adapter onto an ordinary round  bucket.  (A mallet 

may be required.  This is a permanent connection.)  Spin on the gasketed lid. To 

open: spin left and lift. Made in USA.

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Good quality, strong rubber mallet for replacing the flat lids onto storage buckets, or installing the adapter onto the plastic bucket to use the Gamma Lid. Get 2 in case you lose or break one.

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Clamp on Lid for Plastic Pail

Price: $1.30 - Code: NF093 - Size: 1 Lid

This Clamp-on Lid is made for the 5 gallon pails.   It is made of very heavy plastic.  Designed with a rubber gasket for a snug, airtight seal.  Be sure to have a heavy-duty rubber mallet to securely affix the lid to the bucket.  And a Lid Remover to be able to remove the lid (Two different choices are below.  Personally, I find the one from USA Emergency Supply is superior to the one Azure Standard sells.)

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Bucket Buster Lid Remover (also see Lid Remover from USA Emergency Supply--below)

Price: $20.90, Code: NF047

(Get 2 in case you lose or break one.  You can’t get the bucket lid off without one!)

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Oxygen Absorbers - 300cc - Berkey

(for longer term storage, but wanted you to know about them).  Using the Glass Bar Jars, with the dried Organic Bay Leaves on top of the dried contents, I have never had any spoilage, or insect problems, even with dried goods stored for 3 years!

Price: $12.70 - Code: HA147 - Size: 50 pk

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FROM USA EMERGENCY SUPPLY  (https://www.usaemergencysupply.com)

(1-888-872-8702)

MYLAR BAG FOR 5 and 6 GALLON BUCKETS WITH ZIPLOCK

Note:  Mylar bags go inside plastic buckets to increase storage effectiveness.  As the contents of the bag are decreasing, you can push out a lot of the excess air before you seal the bag closed, using the ziplock feature.  It also helps minimize any pest infestation.

Item # 18-01-002    Price: $2.97 each

Details: Size: 18” x 28”.  These bags fit 5 and 6 gallon buckets and are 5 mils thick with an FDA approved sealant layer.  They are sealed on one end. with a Ziplock opening on the other end.  No Heat Sealing Required!

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ALUMINUM LID REMOVER FOR FOOD STORAGE BUCKETS-STANDARD

Item # 18-05-002   Price: $9.42

12 Inch aluminum non-spark wrench for opening food storage buckets.  Without it, this simple task can turn into a real nightmare using screw drivers, claw hammers or cutting the lid up with knives.  There is also a slot in the handle for turning off most household gas lines. Rugged, durable and built to last a lifetime.

(Get 2 in case you lose or break one.  You can’t get the bucket lid off without one!)

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These are June 2010 prices, so depending on when you read this, the prices have probably changed!  This is a small sampling of the types of organic beans you can purchase to begin your food storage project. Call Azure Standard (541-467-2230) and request a current catalog, to see the wide variety of foods, supplements and non-food items they carry.

 

FROM AZURE STANDARD - FOOD ITEMS

Note:  Any items with the Azure Farm label which are not grown on Azure Farm, are from farms which we know have been growing organically for many years, doing whatever they can to ensure healthy soil, so the food on your table is also healthy.

BEANS

Black Beans

Legumes have been used throughout the earth for thousands of years. They come in hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors, are versatile and amazingly convenient because they can be dried and stored for years. Soaking beans for a couple of hours brings them back to life, activating enzymes, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Beans can be cooked; many can be ground into flour; a few can be sprouted. They are excellent in chilies, soups and salads. Beans are high in iron and packed with protein. They are also a rich source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, phosphorus and an excellent source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. They are low in sodium and saturated fats. 

Black Beans are a staple of Latin American cuisine. They're commonly used as side dishes or in soups. They are jet black on the outside and cooking will cause a black discoloration of the water. Black beans are an excellent addition to rice dishes. Cook rice and beans separately. They are high in iron.

Azure Farm - Black Beans, Organic

Product of Oregon - Ingredients: Organic Black Beans.

Price: $4.45 - Code: BE094 - 40 ounces

Price: $7.15 - Code: BE005 - 5 lbs

Price: $16.25 - Code: BE093 - Size: 4 x 40 ozs. (about 10 lbs)

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Black Beans, Organic - 25 lbs

From Patchette Farms: Product of Oregon - Ingredients: Organic Black Beans. Price: $30.85 - Code: BE006 - Size: 25 lbs.

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PINTO BEANS

These dried beans are beige with brown streaks, but they turn a uniform brown when cooked. They're often used to make refried beans. These are in the kidney bean family. They are an excellent replacement of kidney beans in chili.

Pinto Beans, Organic - Azure Farm

Product of Idaho - Ingredients: Organic Pinto Beans.

Price: $4.25 - Code: BE086 - 38 ozs.

Price: $7.15 - Code: BE042 - 5 lbs.

Price: $15.45 - Code: BE085 - 4 x 38 ozs. (roughly 10 lbs)

Price: $22.20 - Code: BE041 - 25 lbs.

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SPROUTING

Sprouting Supplies (sprouting can provide essential enzymes and other phytonutrients and supplements necessary to maintaining health, even with the absence of fresh green vegetables and fruits)

  

SproutPeople website has a wealth of sprouting and “How To” Info as well as organic seeds:  www.sproutpeople.com 

SproutPeople is a small family run company in San Francisco.  They prefer not accept phone calls.

They also have a very educational forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sproutpeople/

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SEEDS-GARDENING

Note:  Refer to the “Seed Saving” DVD included with the class info package on how to save vegetable, herb and flower seeds from your garden.  Very well demonstrated.

Heirloom Garden Seeds (purchase some organic, open pollinated heirloom seeds (vegetable, herb, flower).  This can be securely packed to keep them dry.  Then stored in the freezer for long-term (at least a year) storage.  Be sure to get open-pollinated, heirloom, and AVOID HYBRID seeds.  The open pollinated, heirloom seeds will produce reliable seeds to use again, in the event it becomes difficult to find non-GMO seeds.

Azure Standard (Heirloom Evermore seeds)

Local Harvest has links to many local small family heirloom seed producers.

The SSOG-2 Forum (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SSOrg_Gardeners2/) also has many links to heirloom, open-pollinated, organic and biodynamic seed suppliers in the “Links” section.

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ADDITIONAL TOOLS:

SOLAR OVEN

Global Sun Oven - 1-800-408-7919 (www.sunoven.com)

Note: Refer to the DVD included in the class info package for all of the uses of the Global Sun Oven, including: baking and cooking, dehydrating, sprouting, and water purification. The last segment on the DVD talks about how to use the Sun Oven to sterilize water for human consumption.  They use a device called a “Water Pasteurization Indicator” (WAPI). You will see what it looks like, and how to use it on the DVD.

The contact info and how to purchase a “WAPI” is  1-800-408-7919.  The cost is round $8.00.  So get some extra ones, given how important having access to safe drinking water is!  Here’s the link to the WAPI:

https://www.sunoven.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=8&zenid=4d238afc63ccb9e5f016ff6a92786b76 

Scoll down to see the link and info on the Global Sun Over, the best quality solar oven I have found in researching this topic.  I have one myself!

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Global Sun Oven is the top-of-the-line solar oven, used all over the world.  Details, and video, at their website (www.sunoven.com).

Price via Sun Oven.com:  $299 price Includes free shipping in Continental US

Free Granite Ware Enamel 3-quart cooking pot

Global Sun Oven comes with

Built in Thermometer

Attached one piece collapsible reflectors

Spill-proof levelator

Self-contained leveling leg

Made in USA

Usually Simply Living Smart.com has a better price.  Currently (June 2010 it is on sale for $274.00, plus tax and shipping)

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MANUAL-POWERED GRAIN MILLS

Two top-rated manual hand mills are the Country Living Grain Mill (from Azure Standard) and the Wondermill Jr. Deluxe Hand-operated Grain Mill (from Simply Living Smart.com).  Jen has a Country Living Grain Mill.  And I have a Wondermill Jr. Delux.  I haven’t used mine yet.  But, as soon as I get feedback from Jen, I’ll share her input.

From Azure Standard:

Country Living Grain Mill

Price: $405.00 - Code: HA079 - weight: 20 lbs

Accessory:  Country Living Grain Mill Power Bar

Price: $21.20 - Code: HA080

The world’s best hand grain mill just got better! Now even children can hand grind wheat berries into fine cake flour with ease! We’ve applied an age-old tried-and-true principle so that you can have the equivalent of a monster 19-inch flywheel - without the weight, bulk and cost. 40% less force! Easily and firmly attached with included bolt and washer in two minutes.

This device is about 8" long and 1" wide with a threaded hole at one end and another hole about 5" from that end. The other end has a slight concave shape and has a squared U-shaped fitting which has been welded on for slipping over the machine’s handle. It is made of very heavy guage steel, about 3/8" thick Painted.

Guaranteed that the Country Living Mill with the Power Bar will grind finer flour with less effort than any other commercially available hand mill in the world!

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From Simply Living Smart - Simply Living Smart, LLC., PO Box 171061, Salt Lake City Utah 84117 - Easiest way to reach them is through their website

http://simplylivingsmart.3dcartstores.com/Wondermill-Jr-Deluxe-Hand-operated-Grain-Mill_p_40.html

Wondermill Jr. Deluxe Hand-operated Grain Mill

Item Id: wm002

Price:  $229.00 plus shipping and tax

“World's Best Hand Mill”

It's a pretty big claim to call your product "The World's Best." But we know that after you have used the Wonder Junior Hand Grain Mill that you will agree. For years hand grain mills have either been really cheap or really expensive. And unfortunately, their ability to perform has been directly related to their cost. The cheap ones perform poorly and the expensive ones perform great. Wondermill designed the Wonder Junior to create the perfect storm in hand grain mills. And they wanted the versatility and high quality of the most expensive mills in a price range that was affordable to the homemaker. We found the perfect storm with the Wonder Junior Hand Grain Mill

The Wonder Junior Deluxe is the highest quality most versatile hand grain mill available. You can create super find flour or course cracked grains for cereals. By simply swapping the stone heads for the stainless steel burr heads you can make delicious peanut butter or other nut butters, you can grind flax or any other oily or wet grains, you can grind herbs and spices, soy beans, and legumes. And you can even grind fresh coffee. In all these applications you are assured to always have the perfect fresh nutritious ingredients for your family even if the power is out. Professionals agree that the Wonder Junior Hand Grain Mill is THE hand mill to own.

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Re-useable coffee filter- Available at most department stores.  Get several to have on hand.

Empty glass bottles for water storage-save them rather than recycling them.

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I SAVED THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR LAST!!!!

NOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF FOOD STORAGE--SAFE DRINKING WATER!!!!

WATER FILTRATION - Big Berkey Water Filtration System

Note:  Azure Standard is trying to keep the Big Berkey Water Filtration System in stock, but currently, they seem to go out as soon as they get some in, due to extremely high demand.  The Big Berkey, larger than the Travel Berkey has the benefit of being able to accommodate the Arsenic/Fluoride Reduction Elements in the upper tank, rather than in soaking in the filtered water sitting in the holding tank.  The Big Berkey is made of Stainless Steel, not plastic.

Big Berkey Water Filtration System

Price: $198.95 - Code: HA142 - includes 2 Black Berkey purification elements

Black Berkey Purification Elements

Price: $80.75 - Code: HA141 - Size: (set of 2)

Berkey PF-2, Arsenic/Fluoride Reduction Elements

Price: $43.65 - Code HA143

Additional Information regarding the Black Berkey Purification Elements

Source:  

Once you read this, you will understand why Azure Standard is having trouble keeping them in stock!

Stainless steel is the classic look of Berkey® water systems. These durable, beautiful stainless icons of purity have produced safe water for millions of people around the globe for decades. Equipped with the new Black Berkey® purifying elements,  

Unequalled Effectiveness: Berkey® purifiers using the Black Berkey® purification elements are proven to reduce pathogenic bacteria (including E. Coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Giardia and Cryptosporidium) by 99.99999%. When contamination levels exceed one billion pathogens per liter of water (10,000 times the density of contamination used in the standard test protocol for bacteriological removal) they're classified as "TNTC" (too numerous to count.) Under normal testing protocol, one pathogenic organism is tested at a time, each with a fresh purifying element. For this test, however, the laboratory was directed to combine three separate pathogenic TNTC cultures. Tested under this extreme contamination level, absolutely no pathogens were able to make it through the purification elements. The laboratory then incubated the water, and nothing grew. When the filtered water was viewed under an electron microscope not even in-viable (dead) microbes were detectable — nothing was present but pure H2O. Furthermore, contaminants reduced to below-detectable-limits include Trihalomethanes, Radon 222, and volatile organic compounds including Benzene, 2,4-D, Heptachlor, MTBE, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene and Toulene, among many others.

The Black Berkey® filter formulation has been tested by State & EPA accredited laboratories to exceed EPA & ANSI/NSF (Std. 53) protocol. Click to see test results from the University of Arizona, Spectrum Labs and the LSU Department of Toxicology and Environmental Science. 

Black Berkey® Purification Elements are more powerful than any other gravity filter element currently available. In fact, we tested the Black Berkey® purification elements with more than 10,000 times the concentration of pathogens per liter than is required by standard test protocol. This concentration of pathogens is so great that the post filtered water should be expected to contain 100,000 or more pathogens per liter (99.99% reduction - the requirement for pathogenic removal). Incredibly the purification elements removed 100%. Absolutely no pathogens were cultured from the effluent or were able to be detected, even under an electron microscope, setting a new standard in water purification.

 

Black Berkey® purification elements are so powerful, they can remove food coloring from water without removing the beneficial minerals your body needs. Virtually no other filtration element can duplicate this performance.

 

The powerful Black Berkey® purification elements also remove or reduce pathogenic cysts, parasites, harmful or unwanted chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, VOCs, detergents, organic solvents, trihalomethanes, cloudiness, silt, sediment, nitrates, nitrites, heavy metals, foul tastes and odors, yet they leave in the healthful and beneficial minerals that your body needs and....

Because Black Berkey® purification elements fit most gravity filters, existing gravity filtration systems can be upgraded. This vastly improves their ability to remove unwanted contaminates.

Technical Information on Black Berkey® Option

The following are removed to below detectable levels:

• Pathogenic Bacteria, Cysts, and Parasites

◦ E. coli 

◦ Klebsiella 

◦ Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

◦ Giardia

◦ Cryptosporidium

• Trihalomethanes

◦ Bromodichloromethane

◦ Bromoform

◦ Chloroform

◦ Dibromochloromethane

• Radiologicals

◦ Radon 222

• Chlorine

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)

◦ Alachlor

◦ Atrazine

◦ Benzene

◦ Carbofuran

◦ Carbon Tetrachloride

◦ Chlorine

◦ Chlorobenzene

◦ Chloroform

◦ 2,4-D

◦ DBCP

◦ p-Dichlorobenzene

◦ o-Dichlorobenzene

◦ 1, 1-Dichloroethane

◦ 1, 2-Dichloroethane

◦ 1, 1-Dichloroethylene

◦ cis-1, 2-Dichloroethylene

◦ Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

◦ 1, 2-Dichloropropane

◦ cis-l,3-Dichloropropylene

◦ Dinoseb

◦ Endrin

◦ Ethylbenzene

◦ Ethylene Dibromide (EDB)

◦ Heptachlor

◦ Heptachlor Epoxide

◦ Hexachlorobutodiene

◦ Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

◦ Lindane, Methoxychlor

◦ MTBE

◦ Pentachlorophenol

◦ Simazine

◦ Styrene

◦ 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

◦ Tetrachloroethylene

◦ Toluene

◦ 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

◦ 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene

◦ 1,1,1-trichloroethane

◦ 1,1,2-trichloroethane

◦ Trichloroethylene

◦ o-Xylene

◦ m-Xylene

◦ p-Xylene

Heavy Metals Reduced by up to 95% [This is where distilled is better--5% of heavy metals are still toxic!  Plus, what about removing Fluoride, Arsenic, and other heavy metals left from mining and paper mill operations?J.]

• Lead

• Mercury

• Aluminum

• Cadmium

• Chomium

• Copper

Also Removes or Reduces

• Nitrates

• Nitrites

• Rust

• Silt

• Sediment

Maintaining Black Berkey Elements

When the flow rate decreases simply brush the Black Berkey® purification elements with a ScotchBrite® pad under running water, reinstall and your system is again ready to purify water. Each durable and efficient purification element will last for up to 3,000 gallons (6,000 gallons per set of two) and provide years of efficient water purification. What's more, the unique Black Berkey® purification elements are self-sterilizing. 

 

Pt 4: Websites-Sources of Food Suitable for Storage (Short, Mid  and Long Term)

One local source for some of your bulk organic food purchases may be your local natural foods stores. For example in Mt. Shasta, Berryvale or Mountain Song.

 The reason I used Azure Standard as the example in this presentation, is that Azure Standard does not carry foods imported from China (if something slips through from one of their suppliers, Azure Standard wants to know about it!).  Azure Standard attempts to purchase from the Northwest US and Canada independent organic farmers, whenever possible.  I have always been impressed with the quality of foods from Azure Standard.

On the other hand, my experience with Berryvale, is that their supplier (I believe it is still UNFI, United Natural Foods) carries quite a bit of Chinese imports.  And, personally, I had a lot of problems with the quality of the Chinese so-called organic foods.  Some of the dried beans and grains were so bad, I had to toss them. I felt horrible throwing out over 100 pounds of dried foods from China.  But, it was so bad, I wouldn’t even consider donating any of it to a food kitchen.  

But, your experience may be different. I do still try and order some bulk items from Berryvale, when I am certain they are only products that would not be imported from China.  My problem isn’t with Berryvale, but with UNFI and the sub-quality Chinese dry foods they import.

Below are some websites that I learned about, which have good quality bulk dried organic foods.  And/or are good educational sites, i.e., you can trust their information, and learn a lot about food storage from their site.

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Note:  South Siskiyou County has an Azure Standard Drop Site in North Dunsmuir.  We get deliveries 2 times a month (K3 Route at beginning of month and K1 Route in mid to late month).  Please contact Jenny [email not posted on public webpage due to Spammers]for details on ordering from Azure Standard, directions to our delivery Drop Point, and answers to your questions.  Azure Standard provides the opportunity for individuals to purchase healthy foods at nearly-wholesale prices, without needing to purchase in bulk.  It is also an excellent way for us to purchase organic dried beans, grains, seeds, nuts, spices , etc. in small quantities or in bulk, to build up our personal food stores at our own individual pace.


Azure Standard

www.azurestandard.com

541-467-2230 (call for free catalog and current Sales Flyer as well)

79709 Dufur Valley Rd,

Dufur OR 97021

Azure Standard specializes in natural, organic, earth-friendly foods and products. They deliver directly to customers by semi truck.  “We understand that naturally grown foods are instrumental in producing a long and satisfying life. We'd like to see more farmers and home gardeners turn to natural organic growing practices, so we do what we can to not only support the organic farmer, but also to provide as many organic products as possible to our customers. We chose to call our business Azure Standard, to signify by the name what we are attempting to do.  Azure is a shade of blue which has been associated with law, justice and honesty. In raising an azure standard, we want to place an honest standard in the marketing of food. We feel that the correct way to affect a positive change is not to attack the way it is being done, but to begin to do it right. We are dedicated to the "organic principle" of cooperating with nature and we pray others will join us so that we may once again see prosperity in our land.”

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Note: Walton Foods is where I got my long-term (15-25 yr) organic dried foods in 6-gallon buckets.  Food is packed in nitrogen, which displaces the oxygen, so the dried foods will last for many years, as long as the buckets are not opened.  They carry some organic grains, beans, etc..  But also carry non-organic foods.  And sell dehydrated foods which are more expensive and processed.  Best source I found for my long-term (14-25 yr) food storage plan.  They are an honest, reliable company.

Walton Feed

http://waltonfeed.com/

135 North 10th Street

Montpelier, ID 83254

208-847-0465 or 800-847-0465

Fax: 208-847-0467

Email: info@waltonfeed.com 

    or rainydayfoods@yahoo.com

Walton Feed has been in business 54 years and has been providing dehydrated foods and supplies for immediate use and long term food storage for over 20 years. Considered a leader in the market, Walton Feed has been instrumental in moving forward the technology of preserving dried foods to facilitate long storage life. 

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Note:  USA Emergency Supply is where I purchased my mylar bags (Item # 18-01-02), my Gamma Lids (Item # 14-07-001), lid remover.  I learned a lot from all the educational materials they have on their site.  Good company, with very helpful and knowledgeable Customer Service people.  I highly recommend them for supplies to effective store your dried foods.

USA Emergency Supply

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/ 

1-888-872-8702

Good products.  Good customer service.  Lots of good links to educational  information.

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Purcell Mountain Farms

http://www.purcellmountainfarms.com/ 

208-267-0627 

Lots of good information on this site.  More expensive products than most of the other sites.  But a good site to learn about different foods and their uses, so you can determine what you want to purchase.

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Simply Living Smart

www.SimplyLivingSmart.com

Good prices for the Global Solar Oven and Wondermill Jr. Deluxe Hand Grain Mill.  But, the food storage section of the site isn’t very helpful.  And the focus is not on organic foods, but on the more expensive, processed foods. 

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Note:  Survival Acres is a good educational site on learning about food storage.  They carry a lot of dehydrated food, kits, etc.  All of which are more expensive. The last time I checked, they obtain some of their dried bulk foods from Walton Feed.  So now, I deal directly with Walton Feed for long-term (nitrogen packed) buckets of organic beans, grains, seeds, etc..

Survival Acres

http://survivalacres.com/ 

To call with questions, you can reach us at 509-671-6659 Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time (product questions ONLY).

Bulk storable food for disaster and emergency food preparations, perfect for home storage, camping, mountain climbing and outdoor recreation, emergency food storage, food shortages, power outages, disasters or any food emergency need. Great pricing on dehydrated and freeze dried bulk storable food for all your long term storage needs. Affordable meals for your family, including everything from 1 week food units, 30 day food units, 1 year food units and even 5 and 10 year food units, a huge selection of grains, grinders, soups, stews, vegetables, desserts and meat substitutes, organic foods and premixed meals. Over 1800 items available, the largest food storage selection in America! Fantastic dehydrated and freeze dried storable food supplies! Dehydrated and dried food, freeze-dried food is perfect food security for absolutely any need!

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