Veterans Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton, Montana
1. Opening - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
2. Morning Psalm: 136
3. Breakfast Reading: Romans 5:1-11
4. Breakfast is served
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess
Pennington
Week 19 of 52: Food Storage
Tools
Veterans Affairs scandals in Arizona
What is next for the Military
Brethren?
6. Closing - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
Upcoming Events:
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0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
26 May 2014 –
Memorial Day
26 May 2014 –
1000 – Corvallis Memorial Day Parade
26 May 2014 –
1200 – Memorial Service at the Corvallis Cemetery
29 May 2014 – Ascension
Day
2 Jun 2014 –
0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
9 Jun 2014 –
0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
16 Jun 2014 –
0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
23 Jun 2014 –
0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
30 Jun 2014 –
0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
4 Apr 2015 –
0645 – March for Jesus Christ
Tasks:
Prayer to do
God’s will
Fellowship of Military Brethren:
Our 3Circles:
1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches
& Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of
Mouth
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Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer every day, and Daily Communion
3) Inside (Give Back with Care)
Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren
On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15
Week
19 of 52: Food Storage Tools
By
Tess Pennington
When emergencies last longer than originally intended, your
basic needs such as food and water become the highest priority. Food and water
security is one of the greatest advantages for being prepared for longer-term
emergencies. In order to understand the importance of having a long-term food
supply, you need to begin seeing food as a necessary investment
to your family’s well being. When I first began storing a long-term food supply
3 years ago, the price of food was still relatively cheap for most of the foods
I bought. Because of that investment that I made, I am still living off the
food that I bought 3 years ago and have saved a lot of money as a result of the
increased food prices.
It is best to store dry goods for long-term storage. Dry
foods that we typically see in our pantry such as grains, rice, beans, oats,
wheat, corn kernels, powdered milk, sugar, salt, baking powder, etc. are the
best types of foods to store. Also, having an understanding of how long certain
foods last can help you in your food supply endeavors. This guideline
can help you determine how long your stored foods will last.
Usually, foods that are purchased at a grocery store are
packaged for short-term use. Therefore, if these foods will become part of your
long-term food supply, they will need to be re-packaged. Since there are many
techniques used for re-packaging food, I will discuss the techniques that I use
in my own preparedness supplies. Feel free to do some research on your own to
learn different ways to storing food.
- Multi-barrier system – Many
preppers like to choose a multi-barrier approach to store their food. This
barrier system will keep natural elements such as sunlight, moisture and
air out of the container when sealed. The multi-barrier method uses Mylar
bags (also called food liners) to initially seal the dry food and then the
Mylar bags are placed in a food grade plastic container. There are
different sizes of Mylar bags that can be used. I have small Mylar bags to
use for my short-term food sources and large Mylar bags that fit into
5-gallon plastic containers to use for my longer-term food sources.
- Vacuum sealing method – I use
this method for short-term food storage by vacuum sealing dry food in food
sealer plastic packaging and then I add the sealed plastic packages to
Mylar bags. Then, I seal the Mylar bag. This is a little more work, but
when I go to grab the food, I know that I have taken every precaution at
ensuring it’s quality.
- Mylar bags technique – Some
people only use Mylar bags to store their foodstuffs. I use this approach
in my short-term food supply because the food is usually in smaller
quantities and will be used more frequently. However, there is some risk
to using this method because it can leave the food supply vulnerable to
natural elements and also to insects.
To learn more about sealing food appropriately, click here.
In order to have these foods stored properly, you need to
right tools. The tools that I have suggested below are used for short and
long-term food storage preparation. These necessary investments will ensure
that your food sources are protected from your food’s worst enemies.
Food Storage
Containers – Any large quantities of food that you plan to store
indefinitely should be stored in food grade containers. These containers will
not transfer any non-food chemicals into the food, nor are there any chemicals
within the container that are hazardous to humans. Typically a food grade
container has a #2 by the recycle symbol or the acronym ”HDPE” stamp on the
bottom (HPDE stands for “high density polyethylene”). Before any food is to be
stored, clean the containers with soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
5-gallon plastic containers are the most popular amongst those who store bulk
quantities of food. Also, ensure that you have an air tight lid.
Mylar Food Liners
– Research has shown that over time, slow amounts of oxygen seep through the
walls of plastic containers. Consequently, over time natural elements, and even
insects can find a way inside the container. To add additional protection,
adding a food liner, such as Mylar bags will ensure that there are multiple
barriers for the food to be protected in. These food liners come in an
assortment of sizes.
Food Sealers – Food
vacuum sealers remove and lock out air and moisture using specially-designed
bags and canisters. This ensures that the longevity of the foods are preserved
for as long as possible. Using food sealers are a great way to ensure that all
oxygen is removed from food sources before it is placed in a long-term
environment.
Oxygen Absorbers
– Using oxygen absorbers greatly prolongs the shelf life of stored food.
Because it absorbs the oxygen from the container, it inhibits the growth of
aerobic pathogens and molds. Oxygen absorbers begin working the moment they are
exposed to oxygen. Therefore, it is best to work as efficiently as possible.
Oxygen absorbers come in different sizes, so pay attention to the size needed
for the container. Typically, 2,000 cc’s of oxygen absorbers should be added to
one 5-gallon bucket. Oxygen absorbers are not edible, not toxic and does not
effect the smell and taste of the product.
Desiccant Packets
– Desiccant packets moderate the moisture level when placed in a food
container. They do not absorb the moisture. Please note that desiccant
is not edible. If the packet somehow breaks open and spills onto the stored
food, the entire contents of the container must be thrown away. There are
certain food items that desiccant should not be added to, specifically: flour,
sugar and salt. These items need a certain amount of moisture to stay activated,
and if desiccant is added to it, they will turn into a hard brick.
Heat Clamp
– A person can use a heat clamp to seal the Mylar bags, or they can seal their
Mylar bags with a simple at home iron put on the highest setting. The heat
clamp is usually around $85 and is specially made for sealing Mylar bags. If
the home iron method is used, ensure that you use a hard surface such as a
cutting board or book to iron on and slowly go over the Mylar bag. Note: if
using an at home iron to seal Mylar, this method must be done gently and slowly
or the Mylar will be damaged.
Where To Purchase
These Products?
- The Ready Store– For smaller scale purchases
- Amazon- For smaller scale purchases
- Ropak–
For large quantity purchases
- Sorbent Systems–
For large quantity purchases
- Latter Day Saint Food Storage
Warehouses
- Call around to different
restaurants around your area and see if they have any food grade
containers with lids that you can have. Typically, restaurants are happy
to give these away as they have no need for these containers after they
are used. This could save you a lot of money investing in food grade
containers.
Storing food is a continual process of using, rotating and
resupplying. If a person invests in a food supply, the food should be used and
more food purchased to resupply the storage shelf. Think of your food supply as
a small store where the foods in the front has the shortest expiration date and
the ones in the back have the longest.
A little preventative maintenance can go along way in terms
of food storage. Understanding the different methods for storing your food
supply for short or long term storage will help you get the most out of your
food investment.
Preps
To Buy:
- Mylar Bags (in different sizes)
- Oxygen Absorbers
- Desiccants
- Plastic Food Storage Containers
- Food Vacuum Sealer with plastic liners
- Heat Clamp or Iron
Action
Items:
1. Find a safe, dry area in the home to store your
longer-term food supplies. Those who are tight on space can use creative
methods such as shelving units high in their closets, extra bedrooms or
closets. As long as the space is dry, is free from temperature fluctuations,
and is large enough to store the foods, it can be used. It is best not to
use a garage or attic as a food storage area due to the drastic temperature
fluctuations that occur in these areas of the home.
2. Make a list of what types of long-term foods you plan on
storing for your long-term food supply. Those that have family members with
special dietary needs should do further research on which types of foods they
will need.
3. Practice using your food storage tools on short-term foods
to ensure that you understand how to tools work.
Week 20 of 52: 1 Month Supply of Food
We are all preparing for different reasons and to different
degrees, however, most of you can agree that we are all preparing for a scenario
where we will need to have emergency supplies to fall back on when the time
comes. We have discussed in previous newsletters how storing food is both
economical as well as promotes personal responsibility. Knowing that you can
sustain your family in a disaster also provides peace of mind, which is
priceless.
When storing food for long-term emergencies, it is hard to
calculate how much food a person or family will need. One of the golden rules
of prepping is “it’s better to be over prepared rather than under prepared.”
Ensure that your family has enough food for long-term emergencies by
researching to find out how many calories
a person needs per day in order to survive, and knowing how much food to store.
Remember to turn to the long-term food supply guideline
to ensure that your food stays within it’s expiration date.
Certain foods can stand the test of time and are lifelines to
families. The following is a detailed list of the suggested prep items for you
to purchase this week. Most of these items are lifetime survival foods,
meaning their shelf life is 20 years+ and would be a good investment to make towards
your food security.
- White Rice – White rice
is a major staple item that preppers like to put away because it’s a great
source for calories, is rich in starches and carbohydrates, is cheap and
has a long shelf life. Although some prefer brown rice, white rice is the
better storage choice. Even though brown rice has more nutrition, it is
considered a “living” food and tends to not last as long as white rice
does. If properly stored, white rice can last 30 years or more. Rice can
be used for breakfast meals, added to soups, made into a variety of side
dishes and is also an alternative to wheat flour.
- Beans – These low cost preps are not
only packed with nutrition, but are extremely versatile. Beans are packed with protein, iron, fiber, folate,
antioxidants and vitamins. When beans are accompanied with rice, it makes
a complete protein which provides all the amino acids needed to survive.
One serving of beans and rice provides 19.9 g, or 40 percent of your daily
vitamins.
- Wheat – Wheat is one of your long-term
emergency must haves! Besides being a high carbohydrate food, wheat
contains valuable protein, minerals, and vitamins. Wheat protein, when
balanced by other foods that supply certain amino acids such as lysine, is
an efficient source of protein. Wheat berries are best to store as they
will last longer than flour. The berries can also be used as a breakfast
cereal, added to soups for additional nutrition, popped like popcorn,
ground into flour for baking, used to make alcohol, livestock feed, used
as a leavening agent, for sprouting.
- Oats – Steel cut, rolled or quick
cooking oats are the most common types of oats you can buy in bulk. Oats
are considered a whole grain and can be a valuable protein source during a
long-term situation. In addition, oats can be used in a variety of cooking
recipes, ground into flour, sprouted for needed vitamin nutrition, and used as
livestock feed. Oats also have proven to be very effective in soothing the
skin, and can be used medicinally. The alternative medicine community
boasts that infusions of oat straw has also been used to assist in
nicotine withdraws, and used to treat flu symptoms and coughs.
- Salt – Salt is a multipurpose, low cost prep that will be
highly desirable if a long term disaster were to come around. Prepping
calculators suggest having 25 pounds of salt stored for one year. Salt can
be used for curing, as a preservative, cooking, cleaning, medicinal, and
tanning hides. Salt that is stored in it’s paper packaging can be subject
to caking due to exposure to moisture. Packing salt in long-term packaging
is suggested.
- Sugar – Sugar will be highly desirable
in a long-term emergency mainly because it will add a bit of normalcy to
the situation. With a little sugar stored away you can use it as a
sweetener for beverages, in breads, cakes, as a preservative, use it to
make alcohol, for curing, gardening, and as an insecticide (equal parts of
sugar and baking powder will kill cockroaches). Much like salt, sugar is
also prone to absorbing moisture, but this problem can be eradicated by adding
some rice granules into the storage container. It is suggested not to add
any dessicant packets to sugar as it will cause the sugar to brick.
- Bouillon Granules – Bouillon
granules are a great way to add flavor to dishes during a long-term
situation. This could be a great way to beat food fatigue (eating the same
types of food repeatedly that causes one to lose their appetite). Because
bouillon products contain large amounts of salt, the product is preserved.
However, over time, the taste of the bouillon could be altered. If storing
bouillon cubes, it would be best to repackage them using a food sealer or
sealed in mylar bags. Bulk quantities of bouillon granules can be found at
most super stores.
- Powdered Milk – Because
dry milk will probably be the most sensitive food item you are storing,
the drier powdered milk can be kept the better. In fact, adding a
dessican’t packet when storing for long-term would be helpful in
preserving this necessary food item. Powdered milk is not just for
drinking. It can be used in a variety of recipes, added to soups, used to
make breads, and also has many beauty uses as well.
- Cooking Oil – Many
overlook this critical prep item. Having oil is not only essential to use
for cooking purposes, but it can play a large role in our diet as well.
The fats contained in oil have nine calories per gram compared to the four
calories contained by either carbohydrates or protein. This makes fat a
valuable source of concentrated calories that could be of real importance
if faced with a diet consisting largely of unrefined grains and legumes.
Having cooking oil on hand could also be helpful to aiding the diet
intakes of children and elderly since they consume less food and may be
risk for malnutrition in a long-term disaster situation. Storing cooking
oil could pose a problem. Due to the instability of most cooking oils,
unopened bottles of oil have a shelf life of 1 year. This is one example
of why it is so important to use the foods that we store. Ironically,
coconut oil has a longer shelf life of 5 years when properly stored in
cool, dark place. Although darker colored oils have more flavor than paler
colored, the agents that contribute to that flavor and color also
contribute to faster rancidity. For maximum shelf life buy paler colored oils.
Preps
To Buy:
- White rice in bulk quantities
- Beans in bulk quantities
- Wheat in bulk quantities
- Oats in bulk quantities
- Sugar in bulk quantities
- Salt in bulk quantities
- Bouillon granules in bulk
quantities
- Powdered milk in bulk quantities
- 2-gallons of cooking oil
Action
Items:
1.
Calculate the amount of food your family will need for a
month long disaster.
2.
With
the food storage items purchased last week, begin assembling Mylar bags and storage
containers and pour food contents in and seal for long-term storage. Have a
print out on hand on the directions for packing food long term to ensure that you
are storing food correctly.
3.
Ensure
that food lids are sealed correctly.
4.
Store
sealed food containers in a cool, dark, and dry area of the home.
5.
As a reminder, remember not to forget your pets in
your long-term food storage plans and ensure that you have packed enough food
away for your pets. Dog and cat food can also be stored in food grade plastic
containers for long-term use.
