LDS Cannery policy is evolving

Please read the LDS Newsroom article found at this link for more information.

I went to the LDS Food Storage facility in Plant City on May 8, 2013 and they only had a few bulk bags of product left.  All other product was already canned and in boxes.  I was worried that I would have to hurry and buy what they had before it was all gone, but that wasn't the case.

I believe this change will actually be to our benefit.  You arrive and purchase your product already canned.  No need to buy the empty cans, buy the product, seal the cans, label the cans, and then box the cans.  All of that work is already done for you and the cost is the same.  The cans, the box etc are already calculated into the cost of the product.  I think this is going to be so much easier for more people to obtain their 3-month or years supply, because you just go and buy your various products and don't have to worry about preparing it or if you know how to properly use the canner etc.  I was also told that 4 new product types will be available by November.  They are actually increasing their variety.

Reserving the Brandon Stake Canner or Plant City Canner

Reserving the Brandon Stake Canner

The stake canner may be checked out by individuals for 2 weeks. It must stay at whoever’s home that checked it out. It is picked up and brought back to Wanda Keller’s home to be checked over to make sure it works properly for the next person. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get in their home storage. The cans and oxygen packs are purchased at the Church Storehouse in Plant City.  Please contact Wanda Keller by finding her contact information on LDS.org.

Reserving the Church Storehouse Canner

Beginning January 1, 2012 you can no longer can at the Plant City Location.  You must reserve a canner or sealer and take it home and do your canning/sealing there.  The loan time is for one week.  You can still purchase bulk food, #10 cans & lids, oxygen packs, and Mylar bags at the Plant City Cannery.

Plant City Cannery

802 Hitchcock

Plant City, Florida 33564

813-707-9425

Here is a link to the Food Storage Order Form that you can print and take with you to the Storehouse.

Family Finance Workshop by LDS Family Services

This is a new resource we were just recently made aware of.  It is the Family Finance Workshop created by LDS Family Services.  It is so new we cannot find it on the Family Services website yet.  We do have an article written by LDSTech blog and you can order the available documents on store.lds.org.

The quote about this workshop from store.lds.org is: "The Family Finance Workshop is designed to teach financial literacy and well-being. Includes teaching and discussion resources on using a budget, building reserves, avoiding debt, and financial planning."

You can download the facilitator's guide ($4.90 for paper copy) and particpant's guide ($3.50 for paper copy) pdf format for free on store.lds.org as well.  You can also purchase the spending registers from store.lds.org for 40 cents each.

The description of the participant's guide is: This guide contains step-by-step activities, forms, and other resources to help participants apply the principles from the Family Finance Workshop. Each participating individual, couple, or family should have a copy.

Free Classes- Hillsborough County Extension Service

Have you ever been interested in:

• Catching your rain water in rain barrels (you get a free rain barrel at the end of class)
• Creating a terrarium - Library class
• Gardening to minimize your water usage (you get a free drip system after class)
• Canning fruits, vegetables, and even meat (sign up for classes)
• Making your own solar oven
• Learning about container gardening - Library class
• Learn about composting (you get a free compost "kit" after class)
• Free one on one money management coaching
• And many more????

You can learn these skills and many others through the Hillsborough County Extension Service.  Many local libraries also have classes as well.  You can check out the Extension Service event calendar here.

The Extension service is on Mango Road (CR 579) between US 92 and MLK, in Seffner.  Very easy to get to.just off of I-4 exit 10, Mango Road.  You can click on the address for a Google map  5339 County Road 579  Seffner, FL 33584, (813) 744-5519

Helps with your November Ballot

NOTE:  Please forward this link to others, Twitter it, or Facebook link it to help your friends and family this election season.  Voting is a privilege  one that many people in the world don't have, don't take your voting for granted.

Here is a breakdown of the amendments from the University of Florida.  It will be very helpful if you have a chance to read through them before you vote.  Then you can take the time to understand the issues involved for or against each particular amendment and decide BEFORE you spend time in the booth which amendments you want to vote for or against.

You can also go to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website to view a sample ballot.  Click on the link to the right.  Then you can review all of the candidates and other issues on the ballot and how it looks to also get you in and out of the voting booth in record time.  You may also want to personalize your ballot which will then show a specific ballot for your voting district and school board district so you can view those candidates as well.

Local newspapers also publish articles on each candidate so you can view what their platform is and are more informed about your voting choices.  Most candidates have websites that you can view so you can be informed.
BayNews 9 Election page
Tampa Bay Times - Know your Candidates and Amendment Guide

Remember that your local elections, city, county, state, may have more of an impact on your life day to day, than even the national election.  Who do you want to decide how your money is spent in your city, county, and state.   What judges do you want deciding how the laws will be enforced?  What property appraiser do you want to vote for?  Do the people you vote for match your values and what is important to you?  You can't really decide that if you aren't educated about who you have the option to vote for.

Early voting begins October 27 if you are interested in casting your ballot without waiting in line.

If you are not sure where you are supposed to vote on election day, November 6, you can find out here.

Interested in Home Canning?

Hillsborough County Extension Service offers free classes for learning how to can (bottle) jam, tomatoes, vegetable, meat, and seafood.  They will teach you which method, hot water boiling or pressure canner, you should use.  They have classes coming up this month.  You register online for free.  Choose a date now and be sure an attend.  The location is just south of US 92 on Mango Road.  Very easy to find.  See pdf flyer link.

They do ask for a $5.00 donation to help cover the costs of the class.

Dry Pack Canning Info

Family Home Storage

Reserving the Plant City Canner or Sealer

Beginning January 1, 2012 you can no longer can at the Plant City Location.  You must reserve a canner or sealer and take it home and do your canning/sealing there.  The loan time is for one week.  You can still purchase bulk food, #10 cans & lids, oxygen packs, and Mylar bags at the Plant City Cannery.

Plant City Cannery

802 Hitchcock

Plant City, Florida 33564

813-707-9425

Reserving the Brandon Stake Canner

The stake canner may be checked out by individuals for 2 weeks.  It must stay at whoever’s home that checked it out.  It is picked up and brought back to Wanda Keller’s (see stake directory for her contact info) home to be checked over to make sure it works properly for the next person. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get in their home storage.  The cans and oxygen packs are purchased at the Church Storehouse.