Canned goods add great value to your long-term food storage plans.

Obviously for a variety of reasons, some of which are:

  • Some items are better stored by canning than any other process, thus increasing variety of foods stored.
  • There is little preparation for a canned item when the need to eat.
  • They are small space friendly.
  • Stocking up at a local grocer is easy when canned goods go on sale.
  • They lend to an easy rotation for using the older items first.

Often we (as a grain provider) focus on the dried goods, but canned goods are vital to a well rounded pantry in case of epidemic or pandemic emergencies.

Things to avoid when stocking up cans:

  • Missing labels (if on sale as ‘naked’ cans, at least write the item and date purchased on the can).
  • Dented or rusty cans may contain botulism.
  • Avoid having only an electric can opener! It’s always a good idea to have manual back up.
  • Avoid large #10 cans of items that you and your family won’t use up the entire contents all at once.

Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. The Millers own and operate 

Millers Grain House

  which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.