Posted on 01/02/2009 5:32:49 PM PST by PinkChampagneonIce
One of my resolutions for the new year is to begin a food storage program for my new house. Unfortunately, I live in a very rural area where there aren't any bulk food warehouses. The only bulk foods available are from extremely overpriced health food stores and co-ops. Wal-Mart prices are actually pretty good for canned goods, but I want to buy wheat, barley, flour, oats, beans, etc., in 25# or 50# bags.
Can anyone point me in the direction of good sources for small quantities of staples? I wouldn't mind travelling once a year to pick the stuff up, if it would be worthwhile pricewise. I'm in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.
I've done a pretty thorough search on the Internet, but feel as if I'm probably missing the best places. If anyone knows where they are, it's going to be FReepers!
Thanks in advance for your recommendations. And HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Is there a survival ping?
got to prepare for life after the messiah!
I’ve been doing this for years. Also been able to produce enough gas to go off the grid.
“I’ve been doing this for years. Also been able to produce enough gas to go off the grid.”
This isn’t in response to the poster who said you could live for years off rice and BEANS, is it? LOL
Check your phone book for the local “LDS Bishops Storehouse”. If there is not one listed call your local LDS congregation and ask for the information about the Local “Bisops Storehouse”, they should be glad to give the information to you. Each storehouse stocks bulk storage items for sale to both members and non members alike. The prices are usually very reasonable. Further they have information available about what to store and how to go about it. There is no requirement to be a Mormon to use their services nor is there any additional fees. Also there should be no fear of them trying to proselytize you for using the services as they are discouraged from doing that in those circumstances.
“My next suggestion would have been Sam’s Club. What do I know? :) My apologies. Someone here will steer you in the right direction.”
Well, LiberConservative, you know a lot. And most sane people would just go to Sam’s Club. BUT, I have this obsession with frugality. I owe this to my dear departed mother, whose voice I still frequently hear. And that voice often asks “Can’t you get that cheaper somewhere else?”
It’s a cross I have to bear, but frequently leads me to some amazing secret knowledge. Living as frugally as possible is not a burden for me, it’s a GAME!
Your store sells wheat for $2.50. My local health food store sells it for .99. I’m not sure you’re getting such a great deal.
Thank, you, Ghostcat, for that information. I admire the LDS attitude about preparedness, but probably would not have considered contacting them without your assurance that they are open to sharing with non-LDS, and would not see that as an opportunity to attempt to convert me (which just isn’t possible - I’m Irish).
I have heard about canning centers operated by LDS, but don’t know if there are any in my area. If I contact the “Bishops Storehouse,” they will probably know.
Again, thanks!
Important ideas for bulk storage.
Keep a manifest and prefer products that have a “use by” date on them.
Other stuff to lay in a store of: Snow Cap lard, dry spaghetti, complex water filters (not just charcoal), grits, dry yeast, flour, dry milk, sugar-molasses-corn syrup-honey, sea salt (trace minerals), bulk tea, instant coffee, cocoa, canned tobacco, charcoal, grain alcohol (Everclear). Cinnamon, sage, red pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, ginger, black pepper, vanilla, Tabasco sauce, soy sauce, hard candies.
The bishops storehouses often have canning facilities on site and if not, they would definitely know where they are.
Yes, you could live on just rice and beans if necessary. But I would recommend stocking up on some good vitamins, as well. I have found that one packet of EmergenC every other day is an excellent supplement. It's in a powder form, is compact and stores well if kept dry. In times of emergency or famine, a once a week dosage would be very beneficial.
Any grocery store with an instore bakery has them in abundance, and I've never been refused one!
I'd sure like to find the other kind of "bulk food" around here, the kind where you see a bunch of plastic bins and barrels, and fill up plastic bags with various products. They used to be all over the Northwest, but down here in Rockland County, NY, I just cannot find any bulk foods. I work in Bergen County, NJ, so anybody who knows something down there would have good information, too!
I buy stuff from here:
http://www.barryfarm.com/our_store.htm
Thanks, Cicero5.
The honeyvillegrain site seems to have better prices on powdered butter and eggs than waltonfeed.com, which is the best place I’ve found for bulk grains. The honeyville prices are CONSIDERABLY better on these items, but not as good on the bulk grains.
This is the sort of information I’m looking for, and I’m very grateful for those who are taking the time to refer me to sites.
I’ve bought 50# bags of wheat from the LDS in the past. For larger quantities (1 ton) you may have to place an order. They were very easy to deal with. No questions, suggestions or anything extraneous.
Maybe I could help get a deal on wheat,rye or any other cereal grain that anyone wants.I farm so I can grow whatever people here want.Last July we harvested 156,000 pounds of wheat for example.
21-17
hope they don’t pull a Jazz finish
My brother drives a semi for a food supplier. I get beans and other goods at wholesale plus beer.
Castille takes it out to the 45 yard line to begin the second half against the Tide. Go Utes!
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