Beginning food storage can risk a “re-do” so for early adopters, let’s develop some strategy, if not before, then after that garden bed is prepared. Review methods and tools for storage preparation, facilitates, clubs or groups that may educate and speed learning, and start considering small steps and incorporating FUN. Opening a jar of home grown or canned tomatoes leads to great soups, stews and sharing the canning can be a fun hobby for family and friends. Buying a can of tomatoes may save you the time for self care and recharging.

If your strategy is not developing, review Storage Strategy first, then delve into the methods and tools again. Planning a menu informs what foods and storage methods are options and visa versa. Go ahead and get this done first: The Bug Out Bag, an emergency bag that is ready 24 hours a day to provide essentials when you have to leave fast. Have one available where you spend time. ~ Solari Team

• Think like a pioneer: When prepping your stockpile, remember the old ways
• Home canning or bottling, also known colloquially as putting up or processing
• USDA Fact Sheets from Safe Food Handling, Preparation, … to Thermometers
• 20 Items to Kick Start Your Food Storage Plan
• Using the LDS Cannery (aka Home Storage Centers)
• Canning Jar | How To Guide To Canning
• How to Freeze Dry Food with and without a Machine
• 12 Food Preservation Methods to Make Your Food & Harvest Last Longer
• Guide to Frozen Food Storage & Freezer Shelf Life
• Freezing and Food Safety, USDA
• Flooding and Food Safety: A Two-Part Plan for Extreme Weather Season
• USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning

Go to Food Series Commentaries: Gardening, Farmers and Markets, Organizations, and Storage