Please Read THIS POST
for the most updated information on the LDS Cannery!
Yes, that’s a sad face :( I would make it bigger if I could! The LDS canneries aren’t closing, but they might as well be. They still have some benefits, but I’ve been depressed that buying food in bulk to fill my buckets is no longer an option. For years the canneries have been helping anyone that wants to become more self-reliant and prepared to do so. Each cannery is different, but below are some of the changes you can expect.
Changes at Cannery:
- NO BULK FOOD – You can no longer buy food in bulk (25 or 50 lb bags), so you’ll have to look into places like Costco/Sams or other Online Distributors.
- NO ON-SITE CANNING ACTIVITIES – You can no longer can any food at the cannery, everything will already be pre-packaged.
“In all but 12 of the Church’s 101 home storage centers in the U.S. and Canada, patrons will no longer self-can products, but they may purchase these same items pre-canned or prepackaged at no additional cost.” – LDS Church Newsroom
Cannery Options:
- RENT CANNER – You can still rent the canner for home use and can anything you want.
- BUY CANNED ITEMS – You can no longer can your own food, but instead you can pick up pre-packaged food. I’ve heard that some canneries limit how much you can buy, so you’ll have to check with your local cannery.
- BUY ONLINE – You can always buy online what they sell at the canneries. You might just have to pay a little extra for shipping.
Hopefully, you can still find some use for the cannery. For some they might even enjoy the changes, because now you can pick-up cans of food anytime without needing to bother to pack them yourself. They still offer a great selection of the basics, and all that really matters is that they still have Hot Chocolate! I just better get myself a lifetime supply before they start regulating that too :)
***For more information on locations, order forms, and other cannery info take a look at this post – LDS Cannery (Home Storage Centers).***
Why the Cannery Changes?
No home storage centers are being closed, but the Church is making welcomed modifications in its operations at most of these centers that will help to better serve the needs of members of the Church, as well as significantly improve efficiency. – LDS Church Newsroom
The church seems to find the good in any situation! Some of the benefits they mention that the changes will bring are – the canneries will be more efficient and cost-effective, they will utilize less warehouse space, it will provide higher quality and safer preparation of food, and volunteers time will be used more efficiently.
Much of the discussion regarding this issue has suggested that this change is due to food safety regulation. While it has been a factor, the concern expressed regarding that issue has been overstated. – LDS Church Newsroom
I appreciate the church’s response and that they are always looking to solve things peacefully. I’m impressed with their constant efforts to not cause panic, anger or hostile feelings towards our elected leaders. That’s what I’m here for – j/k! I know many of you feel there is more to the story though, because why would they shrink the food supplies and facilities in nearly 90 canneries all over the U.S.
I’m not into conspiracy theories (some anyways ;), but preparedness pro has a point when it comes to the recent changes to the cannery…
“Isn’t it illogical that so many can believe that the IRS and EPA can be used by the U.S. government to bully and manipulate folks into the submission of their agenda, but that it’s absurd to think that the FDA, USDA, FBI, OSHA couldn’t do the same?” – Preparedness Pro
Being in the healthcare industry I’ve seen first hand how if OSHA wants to find something wrong with your facility they will! I would love to think the leaders in charge of our country are looking out for us, but time and time again the stories told are quite the opposite.
Overall, the changes to the cannery really aren’t that big of a deal, I just need to search out and find other places to buy bulk food and supplies. The real issue that concerns me is, little by little everything is becoming more and more regulated. Often times we are left with no choice but to comply with their agenda and what the government thinks is right for us, which I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s not what is right for me or my family.
What do you think? Are the cannery changes to make them more economical and efficient, or was it in response to harassments from Big Brother taking over yet another part of our lives?
John R says
Big brother reaching out. Sad, sad, sad. I am wondering what the members of the church are being told, it anything other than what you have been told? Do you have insider information?
Prepared Housewives says
The only thing I know is what’s in the articles I posted. It seems like Big Brother is showing up everywhere these days! He’s starting to get on my nerves ;)
Melissa C says
Just got my buckets yesterday, and after filling in my bulk food into the buckets I realized I could buy some more food. Well, I drove 40 minutes this morning to the Canneries in Hafer Road and found that they were closed! I didn’t want to leave! But I came home empty-handed after being told they might be closed because of the holiday this week. Now I read this post I am even sadder!! I know my experience this morning is probably not directly related to the policy change, but I can’t help thinking that we are going to be more like Europe under socialist control. It is just SAD!
John Jones says
We are now becoming a dictatorship with lots of help.
geni says
I called my local cannery in Portland, OR today and this is that the Sister there told me: as of now there are no changes. Bulk foods and self canning are still available at the same prices as on their order sheet. The Sister told me that after the first of the year there will not be any onsite self canning, only borrowing a canner or mylar bag sealer. She told me that you will still be able to buy bulk items from them after the first of the year though. This only applies to this cannery as far as I know.
Prepared Housewives says
Good to know. I hope ours will continue to carry bulk items! I guess I can always drive to Dallas though to get some, or just take a trip to Portland!
Linda says
Geni is correct: the cannery is willing to lend (to members of the church) canners and Mylar bag sealers.
Melissa, as the canneries are run by volunteers, the schedules are unfortunately easily subject to change….always best to call ahead to confirm day and hours.
Lastly, Jaime, while it seems hard to believe that the very ( government regulated) agencies that recommend 3 days worth of food and water and post preparedness advice on their websites would conspire to make it that much more difficult for us to do so, I believe it is quite possible especially if there are financial and regulatory advantages for them.
And, I love your website! Thank you!
Paul says
My mother managed an LDS cannery for most of my childhood. The training she received and taught others and the level of quality control at the cannery were exceptional. I remember watching her breaking down a can, measuring temperature, PH, salt content, examining temperature graphs and checking seam integrity with a micrometer. There was never a cause for concern there.
It is sad that the FDA (and/or any other government regulatory agency) has the power or influence to shut down such a beneficial private program.
Old Woman says
It wasn’t voluntary.
Bloom says
This is indeed sad news! I’ve ordered bulk items several times and the quality is always top notch. I also agree with the over reach of the government alphabet soup agencies. On one hand we’re coached to have three days of food on hand but have more than seven and you’ve become an outlaw food hoarder. Seriously, we need a Constitutional Correction in this country, and we need it pretty darn quick.
Great blog and wonderful information delivered with wit and humor.
Jamie S. says
I know, I get sad every time I think about it~
So true, how dare anyone be crazy enough to store over 7 days of food ;)
Ida says
We are Managers of a HOME STORAGE CENTER in St. Paul Oregon. I would like to ask you to make a change. Above you say that canners are available to rent. In effect as of November 2013, Canners are NOT available at all HOME STORAGE CENTERS. They are gone, sent back to headquarters. At our HSC we don’t have mylar bag sealers either. I have had people read this and called to hope to reserve one thinking that they are still available because it says so here. you need to make that clear. Another thing we need you to know is that we DO have bulk food. White and black beans and re fried beans, carrots, and onions are in bulk. We have never been bulk free. S
Jamie S. says
Hi Ida!
Sorry about that. I do have an updated post about the changes that you can see here –
http://prepared-housewives.com/starting-today-12-the101-lds-cannery-locations-will-fully-operating/
If you don’t mind, take a look at it and see if it looks correct. Thanks!
– Jamie