3 month supply

[WyomingEMT]

I'm the emergency specialist in our Ward. I write a short blurp in our news letter every three months concerning emergency prepardness. This month it was easy to come up with a thought because one of our large grocery stores closed. We still have two stores that provide our bread and milk, but when you walk into this store and see the empty shelves, you get that errie feeling that we are dependent on the delivery trucks to bring us our Florida orange juice for breakfast. We've been given wise council through a prophet to at least have a 3 month supply of food for every adult and child. I hope where listening.

[Guest mormonmusic]

I've carted around my supply for years, and I've also had to throw out stuff when it just wasn't practical to take in on a 1200 mile international move. As it stands, my wife has it stuffed everywhere to the point my inner peace is sometimes disturbed by the lack of storage space in our home,. and the resulting disorganization that results.

My attitude now is that I'd rather pay a bigger fast offering and let the Church help me out if there's an interruption in the food supply. (Bring on the criticism, I know it's a radical idea, and I'm not entirely serious or entirely joking).

As our EQ president said, if you're not personally prepared, the worst that can happen is that you'll suffer.

Edited September 13, 2010 by mormonmusic

[pam]

My attitude now is that I'd rather pay a bigger fast offering and let the Church help me out if there's an interruption in the food supply. (Bring on the criticism, I know it's a radical idea, and I'm not entirely serious or entirely joking).

And if there is an interruption in the Church getting supplies from their numerous canneries to your area? They rely on trucking as well. They also won't have the resources to help everyone. So I seriously hope you are joking more than being serious.

[NeuroTypical]

My attitude now is that I'd rather pay a bigger fast offering and let the Church help me out if there's an interruption in the food supply. (Bring on the criticism, I know it's a radical idea, and I'm not entirely serious or entirely joking).

I understand frustration coming from hauling around a stack of heavy food during a move. But planning to rely on handouts doesn't sound like a good plan to me. The church organization isn't preparing to feed all it's members, and our leaders haven't exactly kept that a secret. The big push, for as long as there's been a restored church, has been to encourage it's members to be self-reliant. If you ask anyone running a church cannery, they'll tell you about how the church could feed all it's members for maybe a few days or weeks at most. They spend a lot of time giving that information to anyone who will listen.

But yeah, you're sitting amongst people who have covenanted to bear your burdens, even if you've got them because you've refused to follow church counsel. So yeah, we'll help you put food into your mouth as long as we can, because we've covenanted to. If you come to my place, you can expect to work for it. And if my kids have to go without something because I gave it to your unprepared needy butt, don't expect me to be too happy about it.

As our EQ president said, if you're not personally prepared, the worst that can happen is that you'll suffer.

Sounds like advice that comforts unmarried people. Most husbands and fathers I've talked to, understand that if you're not personally prepared, the worst that can happen is that your wife and kids will suffer.

My advice is to turn sideways so you can fit down the hallway stacked up with food storage, and kiss your wife and express appreciation when the subject comes up.

LM

Edited September 13, 2010 by Loudmouth_Mormon

[Guest mormonmusic]

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Edited September 13, 2010 by mormonmusic

[pam]

Ever stop to think it's not always about hurricanes and tornados? It could be for job loss, trucking strikes and numerous other things that are not weather related.

[Guest mormonmusic]

I just disagree right now and probably couldn't get my wife to agree anyway. And I have this feeling because the concept of food storage is so entrenched in our culture, this variance of opinion will be perceived as an affront, so anything further I say will just turn into an escalating debate that probably won't change my mind....I had a post earlier and deleted it, and then found your post above Pam. You must've been responding to it almost immediately after I posted, by the way.

[NeuroTypical]

I got not problem with varying opinions. Just want to make it very clear that "the church" (defined as leadership and owned assets) is not planning on feeding it's members, choosing instead a message of self-reliance. "The church" (defined as its membership) isn't really planning on it either - what with maybe 10% or less of the general membership having it's year of food storage.

Just to make sure we're all clear on what the church is actually trying to entrench in it's culture:

providentliving.org - the church's "Self-Reliance and Welfare Resources" website.

From the "Family Home Storage" section of this website:

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

"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, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

[Just_A_Guy]

My attitude now is that I'd rather pay a bigger fast offering and let the Church help me out if there's an interruption in the food supply. (Bring on the criticism, I know it's a radical idea, and I'm not entirely serious or entirely joking).

Fast offerings are not unemployment insurance; they're supposed to be given with the intent to benefit other people.

If moving your food storage is that much of a problem, there are companies that will get it all together and ship it right to your home (don't know the names off-hand, but one or two of them are Glenn Beck sponsors). Would probably be cheaper and easier over the long run to buy a new supply every time you move, then either deliberately over-paying your fast offering or carting your stuff from state to state--and in a time of crisis you wouldn't be relying on a transportation network that may or may not be functioning.

Or if it really bugs you--no one's forcing you to keep a food storage. If you want to roll the dice, then feel free to ignore the counsel. If the Church doesn't bail you out, maybe government will.

Edited September 13, 2010 by Just_A_Guy

[Guest mormonmusic]

Fast offerings are not unemployment insurance

Agreed. However, a far as food storage for unemployment goes, we store money for that. It takes up less space, attracts fewer mice, and attracts more bankers who like to offer me credit I don't need :)

If moving your food storage is that much of a problem, there are companies that will get it all together and ship it right to your home (don't know the names off-hand, but one or two of them are Glenn Beck sponsors). Would probably be cheaper and easier over the long run, then either deliberately over-paying your fast offering or carting your stuff from state to state--and in a time of crisis you wouldn't be relying on a transportation network that may or may not be functioning.

My issue was when we hired a moving company to get us from Canada to an extremely distant point in the United States. It was a huge move. The higher the pounds, the less the cost per pound to move it at the time. So, splitting it off to another group would likely not have been cost effective. But thanks for the tip if we have to move again.

Or if it really bugs you--no one's forcing you to keep a food storage. If you want to roll the dice, then feel free to ignore the counsel.

That's the way it should be. Accept or ignore, and accept the consequences.

I've always been big on self-reliance. I'm just in one of those dice-rolling phases right now after decades of not having sufficient space, having just built a shed, and still feeling overrun by all the cans, cardboard boxes, buckets, canned goods, jam jars, etcetera. Something needs to give so I can feel at peace with the counsel, and I feel I've already weeded out our possessions.

I guess it's because I pay tithing. The promise is that I'll receive a blessing that I don't have room to receive. I've got it -- and how-- food storage.

[sdnapier]

During hurricane Isabel two 19 year old sisters needed food and water. Their father had told them that as they were tith payers the church HAD to help. The RS pres at the time took them warm bottled water and MREs (there was no electricity). They were expecting cold beverages and hot food. They never asked again. Moral: you may get help but not necessarily the kind you wanted.

We've been flatly told that the church cannot help all its members. The "Bishops Storehouse" is not just a building where groceries are kept; it is also each one of us helping ourselves, developing skills, storing food and other supplies. We are the resources of each ward.

[WyomingEMT]

Everyones welcome at my house, but the rule is that you have to pack the food up from my basement. We moved a member from one home to another down the street, we thought we was done when he reminded us about his food storage under the stairs. I would have rather moved a baby grand piano. Foods heavy, but boy does it taste good when your hungary. At least start with a full weeks reserve for everyone and work up to a month. (buy a can, store a can)