We have been counseled by the Prophets to store a year's supply of food, clothing and fuel. But how much is that exactly? Here are some basic guidelines and what those guidelines mean.

Keep in mind that the guidelines are for adults. You will need to modify this a little bit for children. Here are the percentages that you will need of the adult portions for your children:

Age and Percentage of Adult Portion
3 and under: 50%
4 to 6: 70%
7 to 10: 90%
11 and up: 100%

GRAINS: 400 pounds of grains' per person.

Although 400 pounds of grains' per person may sound overwhelming, it is important to understand that that isn't necessarily 400 pounds of wheat per person. There are several items that fit into this category and you can store a combination of these items to equal the 400 pounds per person. Here is a list of the items you can store that are included in the category of grains for food storage:

Wheat
Rice
Rolled Oats
Dried Corn
Popcorn
Flour
Pasta Products
Dried Potatoes

Storage: Most of these grains can be stored by the dry-pack method in #10 cans. This method reduces the possibility that they will spoil and it also makes them more convenient to use.

POWDERED MILK: 16 pounds per person.

Here are the items that you can store for this category:

Instant
Regular
Canned

Storage: Nonfat powdered milk, both regular and instant is an excellent item to have in your food storage. It contains all of the nutrients that are found in fresh milk, except for the fat. You can also use canned or evaporated milk in your storage. However, you will need to remember to rotate it regularly and shake it and turn it upside down every 3 months for best results.

SUGAR AND HONEY: 60 pounds per person.

Here are the items for this category:

White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Powdered Sugar
Honey
Molasses
Jams/Jellies
Corn Syrup
Fruit Drink Mix
Gelatins

Storage: When storing honey, keep it in small containers. This is helpful because if it crystallizes, then you can submerse the container in hot, but not boiling, water in order to re-liquefy it. Do not put your honey in the microwave oven to re-liquefy it as it will destroy good enzymes. It is suggested that granulated sugar be stored in a tightly covered metal container, such as the #10 cans.

FATS AND OILS: 2 1/2 gallons per person.

Here is the list of items that can be stored for this category:

Shortening
Cooking Oil
Butter/Margarine
Mayo/Salad Dressing
Peanut Butter

Storage: Please remember that some fat is essential to every diet. These can be stored in sealed container in cool, dry, dark places. Or you may freeze the where space is available. Fats should be rotated frequently.

SALT: 8 pounds per person.

Storage: 4 regular boxes of salt is one person's year's supply, as they are 1 lb. 10 oz boxes. Date them as you purchase them in order to use the oldest box first. The salt should be stored in the original container you purchased it in, in a cool, dry place.

LEGUMES: 60 pounds per person.

Here is the list of items for this category:

Beans:
Soy
Pinto
White
Kidney
Lima
Red
Navy
Pink
Black-eyed Peas
Split Peas
Lentils

Storage: Legumes are a nutritious and inexpensive protein source. They can be stored in clean, dry, metal, glass or plastic container with tight fitting lids. They may also be stored using the dry-pack canning method.

WATER: 14 gallons per person.

Please keep in mind that this is only a 2 week's supply of water for drinking. If you live in desert area, you will need to store more. You will also need to store more water for washing and preparing dried foods.

Do not forget to store your desired method of purification as well. Choose one of the following:

Heat--boil for 2 minutes

Chlorine Bleach--1/2 tsp. per 5 gallons of clear water.
1 tsp. per 5 gallons of cloudy water.

Storage: Water is more essential than food in sustaining life. Store in heavy plastic containers with tight fitting lids.