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Storage Containers

I like to keep food that will not be used very quickly in plastic containers for better protection. For things like Cream of Wheat this means I would no longer have the instructions from the back of the box. So I cut out the instructions, and put them into the container along with the food.



I have trouble reaching top-shelf items in my cabinets, so I was pleased when I discovered an unexpected benefit of using plastic ice cream tubs to store my flour, sugar, salt, dry milk, and cornmeal: my long-handled spatula can hook the handles and pull the tub right off the top shelf for me. Cool tool!

These tubs are much easier to use than the Rubbermaid tubs I used to use. They can be heavy when full, but the handle keeps them easily manageable. I keep a working supply handy in the tubs, and store the large bags in the chest freezer or pantry. Even things that don’t come in large bags are easier with the handles, such as dry milk and salt.

The tubs are not air-tight however, so keep a small bag of desiccant (silica gel) in with the salt and sugar to prevent lumps.



Helpful information to plan your storage area:

  • A 5 gallon bucket will easily hold 25 pounds of either flour or sugar, and about 40 pounds of wheat.

  • 6 one-gallon jars will hold 50lbs of rice, and 8 one-gallon jars will hold 50lbs of pinto beans.

  • A 55gal barrel will hold 12 fifty lb. sacks of hard winter wheat.

Click Here for More Size Info from Walton Feed

Food Storage Resources


Where to Find Barrels

  • From contacts who work for food processing plants (they get things like honey in them, which leave no residue of smell or taste)
  • Bakeries (including those in stores -- they have icing and other materials that come in them)
  • Check with restaurants, grocers, or restaurant supply stores
  • You can sometimes get blue plastic (food grade) barrels from feed stores