Are you taking steps to procure food while it is still affordable? According to the Agriculture

Department as reported by Reuters, "U.S. consumers should brace for the biggest increase in food prices

in nearly 20 years in 2008, and even more pain next year (2009) due to surging meat and produce

prices."

Are you braced? If you are one of the "smart" ones and have started to purchase bulk foods,

grains, cereals, etc. and have started a home food storage program, make sure you implement the

following tips to ensure your food stays dry, fresh, and insect/ pest free.



SANITATION Whether you are canning or simply storing bulk grains and cereals, be sure to use

the upmost care in cleanliness. Containers should be clean and sterilized before putting any food into

them. If you are using plastic buckets or barrels, be sure they are "food grade". You can sterilize

these containers using a diluted bleach solution. After you have sterilized the containers, make sure

the containers are thoroughly dried before putting food into them.



AIR TIGHT! Oxygen is what causes food to deteriorate. Therefore, it is imperative that you

keep air out. In canning, this is done by ensuring you have a properly sealed lid. In bulk food

storage, this can be accomplished by filling your bucket/barrel as near to the top as possible and then

having a good lid to make an airtight seal. Oxygen absorbers or dry ice can be placed inside the

container to help ensure the absence of oxygen.



CONTROLLED TEMPERATURE It is important to store your food at the correct temperature, and

preferably in a cool, dark space. At all costs, avoid food being frozen, especially your canned goods

in glass jars. Equally important is to store your food in an area where the temperature does not get

above 50 degrees for bulk foods...insects and bugs become active above this temperature. Ideally, your

canned foods should be stored in temperatures that do not go above 70 degrees.



ACCURATE INVENTORY Keep an accurate record of what has been stored and when it was stored or

canned. Another helpful key is to keep a record of how much of an item you have on hand. You don't

need to double or triple up on some items, and then not have another item at all.



ROTATION Be sure to rotate your food storage, using the oldest items up first. Keep dates on

the lids or on the containers themselves.



By implementing these simple, yet essential steps, you and your family can enjoy the peace of mind of

having adequate food supplies at your home. You will also be protecting your food investment by keeping

your food free of insects, mold, etc. By starting a home food storage program today, you will also be

hedging yourself against higher and higher food costs, or even a food shortage. Don't wait. Start

today. Keep your food storage safe.

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