As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have often been counseled to be thrifty, self-reliant, hard-working, and prepared in all things. Our ward leaders encourage all members to do what they can to prepare for their family and individual needs. As the Provident Living Specialist in the Provo Canyon Ward, it is my desire and goal to assist members to prepare their families for future and present needs. An article in the monthly ward newsletter will offer suggestions and information to assist members in preparing for their family needs, and in using food storage items in a prudent way.
If we turned to the dictionary "Provident Living" would be defined as: having foresight in making provision for our conditions of life and maintaining our life needs. It is appropriate that all members of the Provo Canyon ward be engaged in Provident Living.
As members of the church, we have received council from our leaders on food storage, water storage, fuel, and having savings on hand for emergency short term and long term needs. Specific information and suggestions can be obtained from the Church’s website (www.providentliving.org). Accomplishing a comprehensive program of this nature is an overwhelming thought for many, however, if small steps are taken regularly, and consistently, much can be done to accomplish the admonition to have 72 hours kits, a 3 month supply of food, and same savings. From this beginning we can expanded into 6 months and beyond. The key is a planned, sustained effort.
Robert Walsh, in his Tips for Living article: Stocking a healthy pantry, freezer, in the Mormon Times section of the Deseret News said, "Your pantry and freezer aren’t meant to hold a year’s supply of food. In addition, Dr. Nora Nyland, Brigham Young University, indicated at Education Week,--- What’s in your pantry and freezer can be part of your three months’ supply of canned foods, frozen foods, pastas, grains, and seasonings. . . . And those items should be rotated to avoid spoilage."
"She further stated, many people believe canned and frozen vegetables and fruits lose nutrients in processing. While that is true to a small extent, canned and frozen items are processed the same day they’re picked and not much is lost. It’s also important to remember, that spices lose their potency very quickly, so they need to be replaced often."
Web sites listed in the article included:
http://www.mypyramid.gov/ reviews a healthy-food pyramid so you can put foods from the pyramid in your pantry and freezer,
http://www.penzeys.com/ and www.mealtime.org both provide helpful information on staples and recipes----
Next month watch for tips on shopping once you have decided what items you need in your pantry and freezer. In the meantime, a New Year can mean some new resolutions. Let’s focus on Living Providently in 2009.
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Sunday, January 4, 2009
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