I'm Glad My Food Storage Includes Produce!

I read about this on Utah Deal Diva earlier today (thanks, Jessica!) and found it interesting enough to share here.

Article from Fox13 News, 2/15/2011:
SALT LAKE CITY — Produce prices are expected to rise dramatically in the next few days after a freeze destroyed a huge swath of Mexican food crops. Most produce sold in the U.S. during the winter is grown in Mexico.

"We're looking at 30 - 40 maybe 50 different items, 60 items, the consumer will want because you've got several kinds of tomatoes, you've got several kinds of lettuces, you've got spinach, squash, beans, broccoli, cauliflower -- there's hardly any vegetable you don't pull out of Mexico," says Ken Lund, a grocer who works at a local Ream's store.

So much of the produce crops were affected, shortages in canned and frozen vegetables will be seen. The lull in produce food crops is expected to last until April.

Lund says he expects prices to jump 50 to 90 percent on some items.

Did you read that?!? The price of fresh produce will increase a possible 50%-90% for a few months! That is a drastic increase. As an example, the current average price of celery is about $0.85. With this increase, it will cost $1.28-$1.62! Ouch!


Boy am I glad I have produce in my food storage! I will be able to continue to make soups, casseroles, and sauces that include produce for my family during this temporary price increase without having to increase our food budget! My kids will continue to be able to snack on fruit that has the same nutrients as fresh produce.

What a blessing it is to be prepared!

If you would like to add produce to the food you store for your family, I would recommend one of the following THRIVE packages. They are currently on sale for an amazing price / serving this month. Far less than you will be paying for their fresh counterparts for the next couple of months. These packages are new so they are not available on the Shelf Reliance website yet. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact me directly.

Ultimate Veggie Pack: $383.99**
Thirty #10 Cans

• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Green Peas
• 3 Cans Freeze Dried Sweet Corn
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Green Beans
• 1 Can Freeze Dried Mushrooms
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Broccoli
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Spinach
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Potato Dices
  
• 2 Cans Potato Chunks
• 1 Can Split Green Peas
• 2 Cans Bell Peppers
• 4 Cans Potato Pearls
• 3 Cans Sweet Potatoes
• 4 Cans Carrot Dices

Ultimate Fruit Pack: $483.99**
Thirty #10 Cans

• 1 Can Freeze Dried Apricots
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Banana Slices
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Blackberries
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Blueberries
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Mangoes
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Peaches
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Pears
• 1 Can Freeze Dried Pineapple
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Raspberries
• 2 Cans Freeze Dried Strawberries
• 3 Apple Chips
• 3 Banana Chips
• 3 Pineapple
• 3 Apples Slices

**Prices based on the Winter 2011 price list which is valid until March 1st. Price after March 1st 2011 may be different.**

**Prices based on the Winter 2011 price list which is valid until March 1st. Price after March 1st 2011 may be different.**