Here's one idea for a buying calendar.
You decide what to buy and how much based on your budget and the food storage recipes you want to prepare. Wheat, grains and legumes are listed twice, as these are the basis of a healthy diet when you're storing food on a budget. If you're planning a long-term food supply, you will buy large amounts of these. If you want good taste and increased nutrition, you will want to buy other items listed. Dry milk and sugar appear twice as they are the most expensive basic food storage items. Consider buying important non-food items in the winter months.
• January - First aid supplies and medications; Personal and sanitary supplies; Check clothing, blankets and sewing supplies
• February - Oils and Fats: vegetable/olive oil, shortening, mayonnaise, salad dressing, etc.; Dried Eggs
• March - Vitamins; Fruit drink mix (source of Vitamin C); Canned meats
• April - Salt (Iodized), Garden Seeds; Canned vegetables and fruits; Water (rotate water and refill containers)
• May - Milk: dried, canned; Baking powder, Baking soda; Canned vegetables and fruits
• June - Wheat and Grains: rice, oatmeal, pasta, etc.; Legumes: dried beans, lentils, splits peas, canned beans
• July and August - Sugar and honey; Dried fruits and vegetables (or dry/bottle your own)
• September - Legumes: dried beans, lentils, splits peas, canned beans; Wheat and Grains: rice, oatmeal, pasta, etc.
• October - Fuel: alternate cooking and heating supplies; Paper items: toilet paper, tissues, etc.; Water (rotate water and refill containers)
• November - Milk: dried canned; Yeast, Bouillon, Flavorings
• December - Cleaning supplies: soap, dish/laundry detergent, bleach and other disinfectants.
(Source: "Emergency Food in a Nutshell," 2nd Edition, Revised, by Leslie Probert and Lisa Harness, 2003)
If you are on a small budget, do the best you can to purchase at least one of each item for the month. You'll feel good knowing you are moving forward with preparedness, even with limited funds.
What if you find a sale on something not included in the items of the month? Take advantage of the sale, and then return to following the calendar.
Each new year start the buying calendar again. Over time you will be amazed to see how much food you acquire! (To learn how a buying calendar greatly blessed one family, see "Make food storage a priority this year.")
As you purchase the items listed each month, constantly pat yourself on the back for what you are buying. Always replenish what you use. By consistently following your calendar, you will reach your food storage goals sooner that you think!
from the Morman Times; Leslie Probert also check out her other articles.
