analysis: photo image analysis: Building a Functional Pantry Storage

What do you see in the image above?

Notes:

• Something we wished we all had:

  a large, pantry storage system where we can manage and store your household food items. You never know if and when this storage will be a life saver. True, we have plenty of food suppliers that are just a short drive away. But what if those suppliers run out:

• INFO: see topic: building your emergency food supply

• Being prepared:

  it’s not a question of doomsday that will likely occur, but more likely an economic and disaster emergency where your food supply will be needed.

• For example, a run on the store because of an approaching storm; or someone in the family loses employment for a few weeks or months before finding and starting a new job. Having plenty of food in the house can help you manage these conditions.
• What’s needed to maintain a successful food storage:

  • a) dedicated room:

    start with a dedicated room such as an utility room or basement where the temperature can be maintained for best overall storage:

  • INFO: proper storage temperature
    INFO: from extensions.org: food storage chart

  • b) shelving:

    plenty of shelving space where food items can be sorted by fruits – vegetables – grains and other categories for easy retrieval:

  • INFO: DIY shelves for a pantry

  • c) rotational system:

    the key to food storage is FIFO (first in “first items purchased” are the first out “items consumed or used in cooking”. To do this, you need to manage your food inventory so that “first in” are out front using your shelving system – in other words, rotate the food:

  • INFO: rotating canned food system – diy
    INFO: pantry can organizer

  • d) buying in bulk:

    making bulk purchases of food items that you use most – this allows you to save money on your overall food costs. Also shop and plan purchases using coupons and retail sale items:

  • INFO: costco canned goods
    INFO: sams club canned goods

  • e) learning to can:

    learn about canning techniques for fruit and vegetables – especially if you can buy large quantities of fresh food during the fall harvest when farmers are trying to move their goods:

  • INFO: all about canning (same win)

Final observation:

this is not a kitchen but rather an utility or bonus room that has been setup to manage the home. On one side is the food pantry; the other side a work area for possibly crafts and other home management needs.

The larger drawer cabinet space would be perfect for paper purchases such as toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and cleaning supplies. When you shop warehouses for bulk items, you can help reduce your overall family living and food costs.

comment or two about your pantry storage ideas!