Food Storage Inventory-Protein and Grains
First we should answer the question why is protein important.
No other nutrient plays as many different roles in keeping you healthy. Protein is important for: growth and repair of your muscles, bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, hair, eyes, metabolism, and digestion. Protein helps create the antibodies your immune system needs to fight disease. If you are injured or ill, you may need more protein. This is why chicken soup really does help when you are sick.
It is easiest to get protein from meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy foods. Next to meat; beans, peas and nuts have the most protein. But they are incomplete proteins. To achieve a complete protein if you must combine them with grains, fruits and vegetables. This is why it is important to store what you eat and eat what you store.
For a three month supply of protein you will need:
540 oz./person or 34 lbs.
For children under 10: 450 oz./ person or 28 pounds
When we speak of grains we are really talking about carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel and are easily used by the body for energy. Carbohydrates are needed for the central nervous system, kidneys, brain, muscles (remember the heart is a muscle) to function properly. Carbohydrates can be stored in the muscles and liver for use later and are important in intestinal health and waste elimination. The best source of carbohydrates is grains. Grains include: whole wheat, wheat flour, bulgar, oatmeal, cornmeal, rice (white, brown and wild), buckwheat, popcorn, rye flour, barley, pasta, pretzels, couscous, amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and triticale. You can also count muffin, corn bread and pancake mixes.
For our three month supply you should be storing only the grains you use or learning to use and incorporate others in to your daily meals. If you would like to expand your horizons purchase a small amount of a new grain, try a few recipes and then purchase more once you know your family will eat it.
For a three month supply of grains you will need:
540 oz./person or 34 pounds
For children under 10: 450 oz./person or 28 pounds
As you did yesterday, start counting and recording what you have and then note what you still need to purchase.
I am so…happy I am doing this. I just got back from Costco and can’t believe how much the prices have gone up. I can’t wait until I don’t have to buy anything unless it is on sale. I think I have about a 3 week supply now so I’m getting close to being able to wait and then stock up. Thanks
Thank you for your insightful tips. I have to speak to a group about starting food storage and achieving a 3-month supply and was wondering if I could share some of your great ideas.
Thank you.
You bet. I love to share. The more we share the more we can help each other to have the peace of mind that comes to us from being able to care for our family’s needs. Self reliance is a great thing. I will keep posting so share the blog address and they can check it out for themselves. I love questions so please send any you or your group may have.
Thanks. I like that you’re sharing tips on how to achieve basic food storage. We’re trying for a 3-month supply to start. A plan that will motivate everyone to try for at least that. I’ll keep checking your blog and all of it’s wonderful information.