50% Far East Herbs

Far East Herbs is having a Co-op Appreciation Sale and all of their products will be 50% off! They only offer this promotion once a year so stock up! If you have wanted to try these amazing formulas now is the time!

The best way to keep the immune system active and running efficiently is to provide nourishment that will keep it running at its optimal level. The next is to make sure it is not overburdened with excess toxins (diet, viruses, environmental). The BodiCleanse formula best addresses nourishment as well as removal of toxic buildup. It is known for its abilities to dispel colds, strengthen the body, as well as tones the internal organs restoring them to optimal function.

Look for BodiCleanse and other formulations for your specific health need such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Crohns, Irritable Bowel, Rheumatoid Athritis and Hypothyroidism.

Instructions for brewing the tea as well as creating a tincture from the herbal formula are included.

Check out the YouTube video links below to see just how easy it is to prepare the medicinal herbs!

How to prepare medicinal herbs
Preparation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnCqJ26VPcE

Decoction is the traditional method. Boil over low flame one tsp. of herb and enough water to immerse for 10-15 minutes. Strain and serve warm. Best if taken between meals.

Alternate Preparation Methods:
Boil several portions of herbs as per quantities specified on package and store in tight jar for 3 – 5 days. Add a tablespoon to water and drink as needed.

Another option is to create a tincture by mixing 50% of herb with 50% grain alcohol (80 -100 proof). Wait six weeks and strain. Take one dropper full or 1 ml per day or as needed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dloPF1QDuw:http

Group Buy:Wilderness Family Naturals and Nuts.com

This weekend we will be taking orders for organic pantry items from Wilderness Family Naturals. These items include healthy oils, nuts, spices, cacao, grains, rice, coconut products, natural sweeteners and skin care products. We will also take orders for Organic Raw Mixed Nuts from Nuts.com

Case Pricing for Organic Mixed Nuts
In order to get a reduced price on the mixed nuts we need to order 25lbs as a group. This delectable combination of raw organic mixed nuts includes organic cashews, Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and filberts. All raw, all delicious and all organic! This will be listed on the market tomorrow.

All prices on the website include discounted bulk pricing, taxes, fees and shipping.

THIS ORDER WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO PICK UP THIS TUESDAY
This is a pre-paid preorder. Payment is expected by this Tuesday, 3/18. I will send out an prior to pick up when it is available. Due to shipping it can take up to 2 weeks before you can pick up.

Olive Oil from Georgia Olive Farms

We will now have Georgia grown olive oil on the market every week!

Georgia Olive Farms Chef’s Blend is a special blend of Georgia Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and other USA EVOO produced with the same high standards of taste, quality and freshness.

This is a fantastic olive oil that was rated in the top 5 Best Olive Oils Made in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal.

“The Southern Revival Records show that in the 18th century, Spanish colonists on the coast of Georgia planted olive groves that persisted until sometime around the Civil War. Fast forward to 2009, when Georgia Olive Farms, a cooperative of growers from the southern part of the state, began experimenting with different varieties. Their Arbequina, Arbesana and Koroneiki trees have since proven remarkably successful.
The cooperative’s Chef’s Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an excellent everyday oil with a mild, nutty flavor that works well for everything from sautéing vegetables to making homemade marinades and pestos.” -Wall Street Journal

Pricing -
16.9 oz/500 ml Glass Bottle – $27.75(this is less than purchasing direct from the Georgia Olive Farms website!)

Farm Tour and Open House THIS SATURDAY!

Carrell Farms Open House is this Saturday March 14.
They will have Guided pasture walks on the hour starting at 1 pm.
Learn the how’s and why’s of grassfed and chemical free
Live music throughout the day.
BYOB
Covered dish buffalo supper at 5 pm.
Bonfire at dark- feel free to camp

We are a full-time working farm so please absolutely NO DOGS or
unattended children.

Thanks,
David & Shalley Carrell
Carrell Farms, Inc.
710 Riverbend Rd.
Monroe, GA 30655

Nutrimill

Lizzie’s Pantry is now offering the Nutrimill Classic Grain Mill. Due to their re-seller agreement they can not list the mill on 3rd party websites. Usually to purchase you would have to go to their store but you can order through the co-op and pick up in Suwanee instead. You will also save $70 off retail price! To order email suwaneewholelife@gmail.com
****************************************
The Nutrimill Classic Grain Mill is the world’s best flour mill with adjustable motor for increased texture control. Its engineering and design are unsurpassed. Known for its quiet operation and innovation, it is the only “real choice” when you want instant fresh flour at home.

We are so pleased to offer the Quietest Mill on the Market! This advanced technology includes: Improved texture control, stronger milling heads, unique Force Flow sound/air chamber design which results in 50% noise reduction & improved motor cooling.

MSRP is $289.99 Our price = $219.99
Optional NutriMill Flour Bagger Accessory = $34.99
Pack of 10 extra Flour Bags for Flour Bagger = $9.99

More information on the Nutrimill Classic Grain found here!

Upcoming Group Buys

Below is a list of upcoming co-op group buys to help with planning and budgeting. All dates are subject to change.

Wilderness Family Naturals – Organic Coconut Oils and pantry items – 3/14/14

Nuts.com – Bulk Organic Raw Nuts – 3/14/14

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese – Grass Fed Cheeses – 3/28/14

Old State Farms- Unrefined Maple Syrup- TBD Spring 2014

Muddy Pond- Sorghum Syrups – TBD Spring 2014

Lizzie’s Pantry – Lower Prices!

Liz has just reduced the prices on most of Lizzie’s Pantry items! Now is a great time to stock up!

From Lizzie’s Pantry: How to Build Your Own Food Supply & Food Storage Calculator

The very first step to food storage is assessing your needs. First, decide how many months of food you want to have on hand, in case of an emergency. Your ultimate goal should be to store enough food for 12 months, but realize it’s okay to start and build your supply. Second, determine how much food you need per person in your family. Then comes the easiest part of all, plug in your numbers into the attached food storage calculator – the excel spreadsheet will do all the calculations for you, based upon an industry standard recommendation.

It’s important to remember that recommendations are just that…recommendations. If there are foods you want to incorporate into your storage plan, do it! Plus, if you have allergies or are intolerant to some of the recommendations, switch them for ones you can use. I for one, love spices, so I keep a years worth of my favorite spices on hand, using them in my daily meals allows me to rotate through my supply and not have to throw them away due to age.

With some food storage items, it’s actually quite easy to rotate and keep things from expiring. View your food storage as a grocery store. When you run low or run out of an item you use regularly, visit your food storage first to replace the item…then make a note to replace the item in your food storage.

Food storage also teaches us how to get back to the basics. Each week try planning and making a meal from just your food storage, it’s easier than you think.

Grains and legumes can be purchased in larger quantities that are ready to store for up to 30 years. Purchase a smaller quantity, in easy access containers, to have on hand, use, and learn to cook with. It’s easy to hide a few 45 lb pails of wheat in a closet and to buy a little extra to put in a 2 gallon bucket with a gamma lid to use and keep fresh.

Click Here for Excel Version of Food Storage Calculator

Lets get started! Wheat is the foundation and first building block of starting your food storage. Lizzie’s Pantry, of course, offers the finest grains on the market that are all natural, GMO Free, Certified Chemical Free and won’t break the bank.
In just a few months, we’ll be letting customers’ order oats, rice and other items they need to store.

Stay safe, stay warm, and may you be prepared for anything that comes your way. We are here to help and hope you find this food storage calculator of value.

All the best,

Liz Carter
Lizzie’s Pantry

RESTART™ Sugar Detox (a 5-week class)

This is a great course offered by one of our fellow co-op members!

Melissa Gauna, a local Nutritional Therapist & Co-op member presents: RESTART™ Sugar Detox (a 5-week class):

“Did you know sugar is so addictive it even “rewards your brain more so than cocaine*.” That is astonishing! And that’s why we can’t stop eating it! It isn’t new that sugar causes inflammation in the body which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even stroke. This is scary stuff – but you can’t achieve true health until you ditch the sweet stuff! Start by taking inventory of how much sugar you truly eat on a daily basis, including drinks and condiments. It adds up fast. Do you want to eliminate sugar but don’t know where to start or if the idea of reducing sweets makes you hyperventilate just at the thought- I know how you feel! I’ve been there and that’s why I’m offering a 5-week class to help you tackle the sugar demons.

Coming up March 22nd @ 1pm in Duluth (Vitality Method Pilates Studio) RESTART Sugar Detox class begins! It is a 5-week class that will guide you on how to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for a successful detox. The 5 week class includes a 21-day sugar elimination period, where you will bust sugar cravings, have more energy and have more appreciation for the taste of REAL food! It’s like hitting a RESTART button for your body!

CAUTION! Side effects of the RESTART™ Sugar Detox may include
(but are not limited to):
• Weight Loss
• Removal of cravings for sugar and starchy carbs
• Better sleep
• Mental clarity
• Calmness and even temperament
• Loss of aches and pain

I will join you in this journey, you will not be alone! The cost of the class is $175 and the eduction included is priceless. Please contact me if you have any questions: info@nutretewellness.com, or 404-941-6069.

Register today at:
http://nutretewellness.com/?p=2959

New Items on the Market

Spices – Pepper, Black Table Grind, 1 LB in Container

Spices – Paprika 1 lb in Container

Kefir Grains

I get asked all the time if I know someone who has kefir grains. We have a co-op member that has lots of kefir grains available. These are milk kefir grains. If you’d like some email me and I will forward her contact information to you. She is asking a nominal amount to pay for the glass jar and the milk it is in. Glad to have a consistent source!

If you are unfamiliar with kefir, it is a cultured dairy beverage that has probiotics and many health benefits. Here is a very informative link on what it is and how to make it: http://nourishedkitchen.com/milk-kefir/

Upcoming Group Buys

Below is a list of upcoming co-op group buys to help with planning and budgeting. All dates are subject to change.

Wilderness Family Naturals – Organic Coconut Oils and pantry items – 3/14/14

Nuts.com – Bulk Organic Raw Nuts – 3/14/14

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese – Grass Fed Cheeses – 3/28/14

Old State Farms- Unrefined Maple Syrup- TBD Spring 2014

Muddy Pond- Sorghum Syrups – TBD Spring 2014

Group Buy This Weekend: Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO)

This weekend we will have our monthly Group Buy for Green Pasture products (Fermented Cod Liver Oil, High Vitamin Butter Oil, Skate Liver Oil, etc. All currently available products (as of today) will be listed on the market site tomorrow for ordering.

The prices include our discounted group buy price, shipping, fees and taxes.

This will NOT be available for pick up this Tuesday. I will place our group order on Monday and expect it will be available for pick up within 2 weeks. This is a prepaid preorder, so payment is expected this Tuesday. If you are only ordering Green Pasture products this week, please drop a check in the mail or online payment on the co-op market website.

If you are new to the co-op and/or Fermented Cod Liver Oil, I have a section at the bottom of this weblog that discusses the benefits of this amazing product.

I’ve also listed my recommendations and dosage for adults and kids.

Lizzy’s Pantry Flours

Flour isn’t simply flour anymore. The flour you purchase at the store has been stripped of it’s natural vitamins, minerals and protein. This is done just to extend how long it can sit on the grocery store shelves.

If you don’t grind your own wheat, you can still purchase healthy, nutritious, unbleached, unbromated whole grain flour that is high in protein! Yes, flour does lose its nutritional value over time, but Wheat Montana’s all-natural cool milling process captures 100% of the nutritional value of the wheat. It isn’t all gone within a few days, like many flours that are milled in high quantity, high heat processes.

Don’t settle for yucky flour that isn’t good for you, simply because you haven’t ventured into grinding your own wheat yet. You’ll taste the quality difference in Lizzy’s Pantry GMO Free, All Natural, Certified Chemical Free, Unbleached, High Protein, 100% Nutritional Value (Nothing Added, Nothing Removed), Kosher Flours.

My goal is to have a Co-op mill at pick up. You can buy your grains from Lizzie’s Pantry then mill your grains fresh at pick up. This is something I will look into when we move to our new space hopefully soon.

Prayer Request for ButterCups

From Shulamit of ButterCups:
I am writing to share an update about ButterCups and ask for prayer.

Almost a week ago my husband Virgil found himself going blind in his left eye and we headed to the hospital. Its been a difficult and amazing couple of days here at Emory Hospital downtown Atlanta and they have been wonderful!

They are doing many tests and its appears he had a stroke in his left eye and they are now working to find out why and prevent further damage. Much is being learned as new things are surfacing.

These last few weeks have been very tough on ButtetCups! One thing after another has happened to prevent us from providing ya’ll with product. We love what were doing and will continue to press forward to grow this wonderful product and business.

Earlier today I was in awe of how amazingly the Lord has moved, going before us to prepare the way here at Emory and protect Virgil by bringing us to the right place with right doctors before even worse happened.

Then the Lord gently yet powerfully reminds me to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all else shall be added unto us”. This is where the rubber meets the road.
So, I continue to entrust ButterCups into the Lord’s most capable hands.

I’d like to ask you all to pray for us and my wonderful husband.

With heart filled thanks,
Shulamit
****
I believe in the power of prayer and I ask that all of you lift Virgil, Shulamit and their family in your prayers. Also, pray for his complete healing.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) Info

GREEN PASTURE INFO:
Here’s some information about Fermented Cod Liver Oil and its health benefits:

Why choose Green Pasture Products?

•Whole Food Form
•Wild, as Provided by Nature
•Natural fatty acid complex, nothing removed or changed
•Full, deep range of Vitamins A, D, E, K; CoQ enzymes; and other Quinones
•Non-industrialized & Historical Processing Methods
•Clean, Pure, and Extensive Third Party Tested (NO PCBs, Lead, Mercury, Arsenic or other Heavy Metals)
•Family owned business
Why is FCLO better than regular fish oil? •Green Pasture uses wild caught cod in and around the Arctic region (A substantial amount of today’s cod liver oil is produced from farmed fish)
•FCLO higher in nutrients than regular fish oil
•Double the amounts of vitamin A and D as regular cod liver oil
•Goes rancid less quickly
•No synthetic vitamins added
•Most salmon oil has one-fifth the potency of cod liver oil
•1/2 TBS of FCLO provides the amount of elongated omega-3 fatty acids found in twelve 1,000 mg fish oil capsules

What are the benefits of Fermented Cod Liver Oil?
•Rich in Vitamins A & D which are crucial nutrients that are lacking in most modern diets
•Vitamin A- vital for a healthy immune system and healthy vision and is important for proper development in children
•Vitamin D- improves insulin function, protective effect against multiple sclerosis,
•May help prevent flu (lack of vitamin D synthesis during the winter as one explanation for high rates of influenza infection during cold season)
•In women, higher levels of vitamin D from cod liver oil improve bone mineral density
•EPA- Eicosapentaenoic acid (Omega 3 Fatty Acid) anti-inflammatory and necessary for prostaglandin production
•DHA -docasahexaenoic acid, a nutrient absolutely vital for a healthy brain and nervous system
•Fights inflammation associated with heart disease and heals the lining of the arteries
•Reduces the size of atheromas clogging arteries and improves blood vessel function
•Studies have shown cod liver oil can protect against diseases like cancer and leukemia
•Effective in treating arthritis
•Helps maintain soft skin and minimize wrinkles

How does it benefit my child’s health?
From conception through adolescence, cod liver oil can provide developing children with what they need to thrive. Mothers who take cod liver oil during pregnancy and nursing protect their children from disease while providing them with important nutrients and fatty acids. For growing children, cod liver oil is important for healthy bones and teeth, as well as preventing common problems like ADHD. It’s also an excellent treatment for diaper rash and other skin conditions if used topically.

Synergy of Butter Oil and Cod Liver Oil
Research shows that butter oil and cod liver oil, taken together, provide complementary factors leading to proper essential fatty acid balance. High-vitamin butter oil contains arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, while cod liver oil is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3. Moreover, the saturated fatty acids in the butter oil promote efficient utilization of the unsaturated fatty acids in the cod liver oil. Finally, butter oil contains a broad and deep range of important quinones including Vitamin K, E and CoQ enzymes while cod liver oil is rich in Vitamin A and D.

Green Pasture’s High-Vitamin Butter Oil is extracted from dairy milk produced by Guernsey and Devon cows (high butterfat producers) that graze exclusively on irrigated grass in the northern Great Plains. This specific combination of climate and irrigation produces a rapidly growing specialized forage, ensuring optimal levels of Activator X as discovered by Dr. Price. Activator X and other nutrients are then further concentrated by putting the butterfat through a specialized low-temperature centrifuge process

Here is a link to an article about the benefit of cod liver oil and why it’s best taken with a high vitamin butter oil http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil .

I’ve been taking FLCO since October 2011 and I can honestly say that I have seen an improvement in my own health. My hair and nails are stronger than they’ve ever been. My hair hasn’t been this thick since my last pregnancy 6 years ago. My skin feels and looks better. I usually have small bumps on my upper arms and they have virtually disappeared. My hormone level seems more even and no mood swings. One member told me her vision has improved since taking FCLO. My son thinks it’s helped him learn how to read! He loves it and actually requests it. My daughter, on the other hand, takes it only because she knows it’s good for her.

I have heard and seen several testimonies about FCLO increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) and have experienced it myself. My doctor has been tracking my HDL (and LDL) for the past 5 years and noticed that my HDL has been going up since 2011. The only significant dietary change I have made is adding FCLO to my diet. One of my closest friends has been taking the infused coconut oil that includes fclo and skate oils. Her HDL skyrocketed almost 50 points and her LDL lowered. Ironically we have the same doctor and she is now very interested in Fermented Cod Liver Oil.

Last year, my dentist told me I had a small “soft spot” on one of my molars that he wanted to keep an eye on. I doubled up on my fish oil and at my next visit he said it was no longer there! I have been told by others that using this product can help re-mineralize your teeth and reverse tooth decay and now I believe it.

My neighbor just started taking FCLO recently. She is also a breast cancer survivor for almost 14 years but has suffered from lymphedema (swelling in arms and hands). She told me shortly after taking fermented cod liver oil blend gel she has seen a significant reduction in her swelling and sense of well being she hasn’t felt in years!

If you have a testimony you’d like to share, please email me. I’d love to know how others in our co-op have seen the benefits of taking this wonderful product!

Nora’s recommendations:
I have personally tried every flavor and type of FCLO that Green Pasture carries. There are 2 that my entire family takes and we switch it up for variety- FCLO/HVBO Blend Gel- Cinnamon Tingle Flavor and Infused Coconut Oil- Carob Banana flavor.

I recommend shaking up the FCLO Blend Gels then storing it in the fridge upside down. It’s easier to scoop out that way. None of the products need refrigeration but I do only for this product. The infused coconut oils tend to harden up in the fridge so I just keep it on the counter.

My family has “family fish oil time” right after dinner. We take it with a little orange juice or something acidic to cleanse our palate.

Suggested Dosage:
FCLO/HVBO Blend Gel- Adults 1 teaspoon, children 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon depending on age

Infused Coconut Oils- Adults 1 tablespoon, children 1/4 to 1/2 tablespoon depending on age.

For other FCLO products see sources below for recommended dosage.

Dosage sources:
http://holisticsquid.com/how-much-cod-liver-oil-do-i-need/

http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil/cod-liver-oil-basics

Upcoming Group Buys

Below is a list of upcoming co-op group buys to help with planning and budgeting. All dates are subject to change.

Wilderness Family Naturals – Organic Coconut Oils and pantry items – 3/14/14

Nuts.com – Bulk Organic Raw Nuts – 3/14/14

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese – Grass Fed Cheeses – 3/28/14

Old State Farms- Unrefined Maple Syrup- TBD Spring 2014

Muddy Pond- Sorghum Syrups – TBD Spring 2014

Orders from last Week

I was so happy to see the sun today!! I hope you all stayed safe and warm during our crazy winter weather event. Thank you everyone for supporting my decision to cancel market day on Tuesday. I hated to do it but didn’t want to chance it.

If you did not email me to delete your order- your order is still in the system and will be available to pick up this Tuesday. Please email me before Sunday if you need to cancel your order.

If you can’t remember what you ordered (I’m having a hard time remembering too..) you can see the details of your order on the website on the Your Account page, by clicking on Your Order History. You can also see a PDF of your order with even more information. Or you can refer to your confirmation email that was sent to you when you ordered.

If you order additional items this weekend, the system will automatically add them to your previous order.

I’m behind getting Dwolla deposits and adjustments in the system from last week. If you made a deposit but haven’t seen it hit your account, don’t worry I will get it in the system hopefully by tomorrow but definitely before pick up.

Group Buy This weekend- Great Lakes Gelatin-Collagen Hydrolysate

This weekend we will be doing 2 group buys -Great Lakes Gelatin and Mountain Valley Farm Grass Fed Butter. Both will be listed on the market tomorrow (Friday). They will be available for pickup in 2 weeks.

Great Lakes Gelatin (the Green can) Collagen Hydrolysate (beef kosher) Unflavored

I have heard about this wonderful product for many years but have never tried it. Recently a co-op member told me about the great results she’s been getting since she’s been using this product I’m anxious to try it out and thought this product could help others as well.

Gelatin (also known as cooked collagen) has wonderful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging qualities, as it helps to fill in the missing amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) in the standard American diet. This is a completely different from the jiggly gelatin product most of us grew up eating as kids.

Homemade bone broth is chock full of gelatin and very nutrient dense but Great Lakes Gelatin- Collagen is a convenient way to get gelatin consistently into your diet.

What is Collagen Hydrolysate?

Hydrolyzed Collagen is the unique combination of amino acids in concentrated levels that promotes rapid re-production of blood cells for healing and conditioning over other proteins especially for bone and joint health care. This low molecular weight protein is easily digested for healthy enrichment in minutes after ingestion. It will not congeal because it has been hydrolyzed for quick assimilation and improved hydration to the connective tissue. Collagen is important to nitrogen balance, now considered an anti-aging product as it supports age related cartilage damage, and collagen loss. source: http://greatlakesgelatin.com/)

How do I use this product?
You can mix it in drinks, shakes, smoothies, or add a tablespoon to your favorite recipe to give it an anti-inflammatory protein boost. It will dissolve in cold liquids very easily.

How Much Do You Need?
According to Catherine Crow, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner at Butter Nutrition, individual needs will vary, but most people can start off with about ½ -1 tablespoon per day of collagen hydrolysate, and increase by 1 tablespoon every two weeks or so as tolerated.

Important Note: Remember not to get too carried away with gelatin. Adding too much too quickly can cause digestive issues: bloating, loss of appetite, stomach ache are just a few side effects.

It’s important to remember that more gelatin is not always better, especially if you are adding it to your diet for the first time.

Gelatin should be used in addition to a nutrient dense diet and not to replace real food like homemade bone broths and grass fed meats.
-

Additional links and sources:
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/gelatin-and-collagen-hydrolysate-whats-the-difference/#sthash.lGTNErFi.dpuf

http://butternutrition.com/what-you-dont-know-about-gelatin-may-hurt-you-5-things-you-need-to-know/

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/gelatin-and-collagen-hydrolysate-whats-the-difference/

http://paleoparents.com/2014/gelatin-why-we-love-it-and-60-delicious-family-friendly-recipes-using-it/

Group Buy This weekend- Mountain Valley Farm Grass Fed Butter

We will have our group order for Grass Fed Butter from Mountain Valley Farm in Elijay, GA this weekend! We will have a group order for butter every 3 months so please keep that in mind when you order.

This is a naturally rich butter made from low temp pasteurized cream. The butterfat does not separate into solids and “water” as it does in commercially made butter. You will definitely notice the difference, especially in the flavor.

Mountain Valley Farm www.grassfedgeorgia.com takes great pride in the way they raise their animals – No Hormones, No Antibiotics, No Steroids, No Pesticides, No Synthetic Fertilizers. They are raised on pasture and in the woods in a stress free environment.

Salted and unsalted butter will be listed. Pick up will be in 2 weeks after ordering.

From Lizzie’s Pantry: How to Build Your Own Food Supply

Having a supply of essential foods, clothing, fuel, and water will help us during times of personal and natural disasters. We must be prepared for calamities that may come our way. When we are prepared we worry less about “what if’s” because we’ll have the basics ready.

The very first step to food storage is assessing your needs. First, decide how many months of food you want to have on hand, in case of an emergency. Your ultimate goal should be to store enough food for 12 months, but realize it’s okay to start and build your supply. Second, determine how much food you need per person in your family. Then comes the easiest part of all, plug in your numbers into the attached food storage calculator – the excel spreadsheet will do all the calculations for you, based upon an industry standard recommendation.

It’s important to remember that recommendations are just that…recommendations. If there are foods you want to incorporate into your storage plan, do it! Plus, if you have allergies or are intolerant to some of the recommendations, switch them for ones you can use. I for one, love spices, so I keep a years worth of my favorite spices on hand, using them in my daily meals allows me to rotate through my supply and not have to throw them away due to age.

With some food storage items, it’s actually quite easy to rotate and keep things from expiring. View your food storage as a grocery store. When you run low or run out of an item you use regularly, visit your food storage first to replace the item…then make a note to replace the item in your food storage.

Food storage also teaches us how to get back to the basics. Each week try planning and making a meal from just your food storage, it’s easier than you think.

Grains and legumes can be purchased in larger quantities that are ready to store for up to 30 years. Purchase a smaller quantity, in easy access containers, to have on hand, use, and learn to cook with. It’s easy to hide a few 45 lb pails of wheat in a closet and to buy a little extra to put in a 2 gallon bucket with a gamma lid to use and keep fresh.

Click Here for Excel Version of Food Storage Calculator

Lets get started! Wheat is the foundation and first building block of starting your food storage. Lizzie’s Pantry, of course, offers the finest grains on the market that are all natural, GMO Free, Certified Chemical Free and won’t break the bank.
In just a few months, we’ll be letting customers’ order oats, rice and other items they need to store.

Stay safe, stay warm, and may you be prepared for anything that comes your way. We are here to help and hope you find this food storage calculator of value.

All the best,

Liz Carter
Lizzie’s Pantry

Upcoming Group Buys

Great Lakes Gelatin – 2/14/14
Pastured Butters (Mountain Valley Farm) – 2/14/14
Green Pasture – FCLO- 2/21/14
Old State Farms- Unrefined Maple Syrup- Spring 2014
Muddy Pond- Sorghum Syrups – Spring 2014