This is a copy of a post I made on another New England board. I see you have a lot of good people here and hope that this can help you all with your food storage preps.
For some who don't know. The Church of Laterday Saints (Mormons). Strongly encourage church members to store as much food in there homes as possible. Up to a year in most cases. To help members, the Church set up regional canneries. Members make appointments buy bulk and dry goods at cost. Actually below cost, as shipping costs are not factored into prices.
The storehouse also makes available canning equipment which you use yourself. Most of these goods have a shelf life of 30+ years. IMHO this is the best way to begin a long term emergency food supply. (Insurance policy)
Some people believe that entering a religious environment like the LDS, opens you up to a bombardment of offers to join. These are not the Jehovah Witnesses. They refer to each other as Brother and Sister. A non member is a gentile but they are very polite and will call you by your first name. Since I have written the original AAR I have returned to the cannery a second time. At no time was I approached to join, or given a sermon. To be honest, they don't need to heavy hand membership. The Church is growing and I felt so welcome I envied members.
10/10/09 SB
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After Action Report
09/10/09
Bishops Storehouse and Cannery
231 Brooks St
Worcester, MA 01606-3307
(508) 853-6937
Over the last three years, I have made several calls to the Bishops Storehouse in Worcester Ma. Each time I called, policy did not permit non members from making purchases. With encouragement from LDS posters. I tried again two weeks ago.
My first call was a machine that said the storehouse was open Thursday and Saturday 9 to 5. I called back and was transferred twice. Each time took several moments to explain that I was not a member and wished to use the cannery. The final transfer was the actual cannery line. I spoke to Brother Rich Gogan. It's my understanding that he's unofficially in charge of the cannery. Brother Gogan said that I was indeed welcome to use the cannery. Each Thursday and Saturday has two appointment times. 0900 and 1300.
The Brother told me that very often people make appointments and don't show up. So what they did was install a second smaller consumer grade can lid sealer. Then began double booking. Hoping that at least one person will show up. If you end up being the second canner, it won't be a problem. Although, the main canner is really set up well with plenty of counter space.
Full disclosure...my appointment was delayed because the storehouse had a bug problem. A bad shipment of oats contaminated much of the stock. As of yesterday the stock was disposed of and the vermin fumigated.
Location: Plug the address into your GPS and the location is a breeze to find. I was looking around and wondering to myself if I could find my way back to I495 (My main route) without the GPS. Probably but there are several main highway convergence nearby. Many with those lovely Mass half mile long exit ramps. The building is block construction no windows. With a six foot fence around it. The cannery parking is in back to the right. The Store is out front.
I had a two hour ride so after I found the building. Not wanting to annihilate the LDS mens room, I went looking for a rest room. Across the street next to an electric motor company is a side street that leads to a supermarket. The bathroom is to the left front of the building. There is no Dunkin Donuts nearby.
I arrived on time at 9am. An 18 wheel truck was unloading product. Brother Gogan was late. So for an hour, I helped move and break down pallets. Several volunteers were working, I just joined them. Eventually each would ask which Parrish I belonged to. And I told them I was there to use the cannery, and not a member. I was asked several times why I was working? To break the tension I said "Your not going to beat me up are you?" These guys are really nice!
While packing hamburger in the freezer, I noticed huge piles of frozen wheat. I wondered if this was connected to the bug infestation. I'm sure its fine, but IMHO grains should never be frozen to kill bugs. The only time it should be done is inside vacuum (freeze-dry). Condensation can cause mold that won't be found until you need the grain. Like I said it's my opinion.
Have a list of what you want ready. Here is a price list...
http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8133-1-4352-1,00.html
The cannery is in back within the warehouse. Nobody sees you and only a couple of times someone came in. Brother Gogan will be very helpful. He really is a good guy. The canning is easy. You will be an expert in 15 minutes. Filling cans to the proper weight, is the hardest part. I suggest while packing the onions. Fill the can to overflowing then hold a lid on he top and shake it to condense the product. Regardless of what you buy. When you open a bulk package of product. It all has to be canned. If you want just one can of something. You could be lucky and find it already done for you. Otherwise, have fun!
In the bottom left box of the price list above. Are bulk prepackaged cans. These are packed in Utah and cost the same as if you did it yourself. The storehouse is really big into rotation so expect them to ask you to take those before opening new stock. I got six cases of quick oats which were packed in Utah.
My trip today was not totally a success. When I made my appointment I called Sorbant Systems and ordered a bag of fifty 400cc Oxygen absorbers. They were shipped out the next day. Unfortunately, Fed-Ex screwed me. So far they are two days late. The cannery does provide absorbers. I didn't know how well the cannery people understand how oxygen absorbers work, so I ordered my own to add to the product for added insurance. As I expected, the cannery absorbers were in a large bulk pack and were previously opened. Brother Gogan did have a good bag seal but I was none the less disappointed.
Suggestions: I was way overdressed when I went. I looked like I as going to a church pick nick. Wear clean newer jeans, a simple collared shirt and decent sneakers.
If you go, and you buy a lot. Bring the correct amount of cash with big FRN's it's easier at check out. They also take paper checks. NO plastic.
When you call ask to be connected to the cannery. The person who answers the phone may be a volunteer, and not know you are welcome.
If you don't get the cannery. Call this super top secret number 508-595-9319 ask for Brother Gogan
If you can. Go to the early appointment the clean up at the end of the day is much more intensive.
If you make an appointment keep it.
Consider bringing your own supplementary O2 Absorbers.
Kids are not allowed in the cannery.
What's the point of this report. Not knowing what to expect or entering unfamiliar surroundings may keep many preppers from taking advantage of this fantastic resource. I've spelled out everything that happened today. Now you know what to expect, so get your butt on the phone. I'm not LDS and I made it.
Here is what $329FRN worth of dry pack looks like. Keep in mind that I bought lots of the more pricey items like apples, milk, onions, and carrots. You can go there with much less money and come home with much more food.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/SniperBait/Storehouse001.jpg
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Footnote: On my second visit. They were out of stock on bulk sacks of beans. When you call for an appointment ask if they have in stock items you want. It's usually just a matter of putting off your appointment a week until the resupply truck arrives.
Best Wishes SB
