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Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the volumes of the various food containers?
| Container | Volume |
|---|
| #2.5 can | 3.5 cups |
| #10 can | 13 cups |
| 6 gallon bucket | 6 gallons |
What are the dimensions of the various food containers?
| Container | Diameter (inches) | Height (inches) |
|---|
| #2.5 can | 4 | 4.7 |
| #10 can | 6.13 | 7 |
| 6 gallon bucket | 12 | 17.5 |
These dimensions are helpful to know for planning the storage of the food you plan to buy. You may want to build shelving or organize your pantry and cupboards to fit these containers and allow for easy rotation.
What size container should I buy?
Keep the volume of the containers in mind when planning your food storage. Deciding which size container depends upon your family size and regularity of use and storage life of the item you will be storing. For example if your family eats oatmeal daily, it would probably be most economical to buy a 6 gallon bucket of oats because your family will likely finish the contents of the bucket before the oats expire. Items with a shorter shelf life such as dairy, cracked or ground grains (i.e. flour) or products with high oil or fat content should be purchased in smaller oxygen-free containers to prevent spoilage before contents are finished. You should plan to finish the contents of a container within 6-12 months of opening.
What does "nitrogen packed" mean?
"Nitrogen packed" means that the oxygen in the container has been displaced with nitrogen. Oxygen contributes to food spoilage and therefore once a nitrogen packed container is opened and exposed to the oxygen in the air, the food will begin to deteriorate over a certain period of time depending on the type of food. Nitrogen is an inert gas that comprises approximately 80% of the air we breathe and thus is harmless when used to preserve food.
What is the difference between red and white hard wheat?
The difference between red and hard white wheat is the color of the bran. Both types of wheat contain high amounts of protein and fiber. Red hard wheat is the most common wheat available and is useful for making breads and can be used in recipes as an extender of red meat. White hard wheat is gaining in popularity and is also useful for making breads and as an extender for white meat. White hard wheat is said to have a more delicate flavor and better for making lighter and fluffier bread products.
Should I buy brown or white rice?
Although brown rice has greater nutritional quality, the outer shell on brown rice contains oils which become rancid when in contact with oxygen. Plan to use opened containers of brown rice within six months. Brown rice stored in the absence of oxygen will store for 1-2 years. It is recommended to refrigerate or freeze brown rice to help prolong its shelf life. White rice is processed to have the outer shell removed and thus stores for a much longer period of 8-10 years in the absence of oxygen. If planning on storing large amounts of rice, it is recommended to store white rice to prevent spoilage and waste.
Where can I find more information on Walton Feed products?
Go to http://waltonfeed.com/self/labels/. Here you will find the information that is printed on their food items packaged in #10 cans. Information includes ingredients, nutritional content, serving size, servings per package and directions for preparation. Another distributor of Walton Feed products is www.foodstorage4u.com.
What should I buy?
It is important when beginning your food storage to focus on items necessary to sustain life for your family for one year. Keep in mind that grains are the staff of life, and these should be the largest percentage of our food storage supply. The most common grains are wheat, rice, oats, corn, and barley. However, although grains contain protein, they must be combined with the protein in legumes within the same meal to complete the protein and be of benefit to our bodies. Legumes include any type of dry bean, peas and peanuts. Other items to include are instant non-fat dry milk, oil, salt, sugar, and one gallon of water per person/day for 2 weeks. When storing just the basics be sure to also store a variety of spices and seasonings to avoid appetite fatigue.
How much should I buy?
The following are the recommend amounts food for one person for one year:
| Grains | 400 lbs. |
| Legumes | 60 lbs. |
| Milk | 16 lbs. |
| Sugar | 60 lbs. |
| Cooking Oils | 10 qts. |
| Salt | 8 lbs. |
| Water (for 2 weeks) | 14 gallons |
These amounts are estimated to provide approximately 2500 calories a day for a year. Of course, if you are just beginning your food storage these numbers may seem overwhelming especially if you have a large family. In addition, it would be very expensive and impractical to purchase these amounts all at once. Therefore it is recommended that you purchase as much as you can within your budget and continue to do so over time until your year supply is established. Remember to use what you buy! Once your basic supply is established, then you may add other items such as fruits and vegetables and drink mixes, imitation meat bits, etc.
What is imitation meat?
Imitation meat bits is an inexpensive alternative to meat made from soybeans that can be used in recipes that call for meat. Some imitation meats that are available include beef, chicken, ham, bacon, sausage, and pepperoni. Imitation meat is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
What is a Gamma Seal Lid?
The Gamma Seal Lid is an airtight lid for sealing 5 or 6 gallon buckets. There is an outer ring that snaps onto the bucket with an inner lid that screws on and off. They help keep food fresh inside the buckets and provide for easier access to contents. They come in a variety of colors. When you order Gamma Seal Lids in the Walton Feed Group order you will not have a choice of color. They send a variety of colors (white, red, yellow, black, blue) and they are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. If you want to be sure to get a specific color, www.freckleface.com offers bulk deals and comparable prices to Walton Feed.
How should I store my foods?
Foods should be stored in a cool, dry place. Ideally items should be stored at 70°F or below. The lower the temperature, the longer the shelf life. Living in the heat and humidity of the Southeast as well as the lack of basements can make it difficult to find storage space for a year supply of food. It is not recommended to store food in attics or garages especially during the warmer months. This practice will extremely shorten the shelf life of foods. Be creative! #10 cans can be stored onto of cupboards, under beds, in closets, anywhere they fit. Some people are clever at disguising cans and buckets. Others simply stack their buckets in their kitchens for all to see. Don't be ashamed of your food storage! It often creates a conversation piece and inspiration to those who haven't started their own supply.
How do I use my food?
Use your food regularly. Buys items that you will use and that you currently use in your regular cooking. Become familiar with vegetarian recipes that use the basic ingredients in your food storage supply. Experiment and have fun. Food storage is different for every family.
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