| Kent Keele and Mark H. Williams work at the dry pack cannery. |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been advising members to prepare for a rainy day for years. As a new year begins it’s a good time to think of home storage and preparation for the future. In the winter months, storms can knock out power sometimes for days. It is a good idea to keep food and water handy if you are unable to travel to a store.
“We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.
“We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.”
The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1.
The local cannery is located in Castle Dale, (435) 381-2464, 560 West Highway 29, PO Box 833, Castle Dale, Utah 84513.
Canneries and other processing facilities prepare commodities for bishops’ storehouses. In some locations, individuals may use the facilities to process, package, and purchase basic foods such as meats, vegetables, and fruits. Stakes and wards may receive assignments to support production in these facilities. Those working at the facilities should cooperate fully with supervisory personnel and follow established procedures to ensure product safety, quality, and shelf life. To obtain information on schedules, product availability, costs, and volunteer work, contact local canneries or processing facilities.
The Castle Dale cannery is open three nights per week by appointment only. Mark and Terry Williams along with other community members help staff the local cannery. Local church groups and anyone interested in canning products can contact the Williams’ for an appointment.
Williams said they have had good response at the cannery with youth groups. “One night we had a big night with a youth group they canned $3,700 in food storage for their ward. One project the youth have been working on is helping the elderly in their wards with food storage. They come and can food for people who are unable to come to the facility themselves. This has worked out really well in the wards. We welcome anyone to come to the cannery. You don’t have to belong to the LDS church to use our facility. We think it’s important for everyone to be prepared in the event of a disaster. Having food on hand can help you feel secure in knowing you can at least provide for yourself and your family for a period of time without going to the store. We are happy to help our community with their storage needs and encourage everyone to use this facility,” said Williams.