Trip to the LDS cannery today. Not that I really needed anything, mind you, but rather to introduce someone to the place. As usual it was a pleasant experience although this time the guy running the place was polite but once he found out I was not one of the flock there was a noticeable-but-not-offensive coolness that presented itself. And…that’s fine. The Mormon church ain’t in business to gear up slobs like me, they spend that money to protect their own…and that’s as it should be. It’s just that this is the first time I’ve caught a whiff of…disdain?…distaste?…for me when they ask me what ward I am from and I tell them, sorry, I’m not a member. (Which I always say politely, almost apologetically, and never mention that I’m about as unbeliever as you can get…atheist-ish and all that, y’know.)
But, to get #10 cans of foodstuffs at cost I will happily put up with a barely discernible smidgen of condescension. And, as I said, out of a couple dozen trips to that place this is the first time I’ve ever had someone generate a negative vibe about me not being part of their tribe.
Anyway……
I expected it to be busier up there, what with all of us destined to come down with the ChinaFlu, but it was quiet and virtually deserted. I suppose the faithful already have their stockpile and the infidels like me are, mostly, oblivious that the place even exists.
Still, I always like going up there because every single person in that building thinks as I do about the benefits of being prepared and it’s always nice to be around people who don’t think you’re weird.
So, believer or unwashed heathen infidel, if you’re looking to stock up on the basics, your local LDS cannery is pretty much a perfect resource to take advantage of. Yes, you can go there as a non-member….no, you don’t need to go with a member…no, they don’t try to convert you. Really, no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity.
There’s one 3.5 hours away. Are the obligated to sell or can they run me off? Are the savings worth the $100 or so I’ll spend on fuel? thanks in advance!
Call’em. Ask.
As for the savings, wouldn’t that depend on how much you’re buying?
Point taken. I’ll call first and if I go, I’m sure I’ll buy enough to make it worthwhile. Thanks
On a side note, Costco is sold out of all emergency foods except on bucket offering of 29 plus days and I’m sure that will be gone soon. They have been scaling back over the last few years but before the enhanced flue hit, they still had a list of goodies that are now gone.
The Plebes have awakened. All the other guys still have stuff available but surprisingly, I remember the prices were lower. lol
I have never had a bad experience in probably a hundred+ trips to the cannery over the last dozen years. Mind you, I do volunteer at their welfare (well, workfare) system that shares the building but i’ve universally had nothing but good vibes from them all even before I started helping out there.
There were initial invitations to visit their church, the same as a Baptist or whoever would do, then they respected my choice. One guy on the first day even offered me the use of his heavy equipment and he barely knew me!
I ALWAYS leave that place in a better mood than when I arrived. As you say CZ, its so nice to be among so many like minded people.
Wish there some here, I’ve got several hundred miles to go, wish they’d take online orders.
They do
I’ve been wanting to go to a cannery but life and bills often dictate what comes next. I know there is one in Houston somewhere and after reading this article and comments, I think it is time ro make the short trip.
I was just thinking at stopping in at the Missoula LDS this week but wasnt sure if I needed a member. Did you need to make an appointment cz or just show up?
Appointment is a good idea. Call and ask when the best time to go by is.
As an LDS reader of your blog, I wish I could apologize for that guy’s coolness. Your blog has helped me out a bunch, often with inspiration or tips. I hope your future visits are more pleasant!
Not a big deal. In fact I only mentioned it because it’s the first time I’ve encountered even the smallest hint of disfavor. But, thanks for thought. I kinda sorta ‘give back’ to the church by picking up lunch for the missionaries if I see them wherever I’m eating.
As a former missionary, I’ve had that happen a number of times, and it was always a big help.
The first time was when I arrived in country and hadn’t been able to set up a bank account yet. I used the exchanged cash I had for a blanket. Four days with no food besides what was in our cupboards from the previous missionaries. My trainer and I were working and decided to split some rice and curry, mostly rice. Somebody took pity and bought us an entree. Boy was I grateful.
Fast forward two years, I was flooded out of my apartment the week before my flight home. We had an hour to pack up and move everything to the second floor, then find a road not blocked by the flood. In the rush, I left my (meager) cash. The eventual travel home would take 22 hours and by the time I arrived in Atlanta (not my last leg), I was out of food and hadn’t slept. A nice, younger couple on their way to BYU stopped me and bought me lunch. Talk about angels. Yes, I’m a little more careful than in my youth.
I reckon your “giving back” is heartily appreciated, even if the young men won’t show it.
Do not forget they have some the best Mylar pouches and o/2 absorbents. https://store.churchofjesuschrist.org/usa/en/food-storage-3074457345616678849-1?pageView=grid&fromPage=catalogEntryList&beginIndex=20 I really miss the days of dry pack canning my own at the LDS cannery. went form you how, yup, great. to we got watch you now. then you cant do it anymore…..anyone know of a #10 can seamer that is not 1000 bucks let me know. it is the only way to store long term. better than mylar, buckets, etc.
I found a number 10# seamer under a house in St Regis mt while running new cable for a customer. I asked her about it. She said is must have been from the last people and said I could have it. If your around missoula I’d be glad to loan it.
yes in the area, I will take you up on that. where can i email you?
You should become a Catholic Commander Z! We spread our disdain to everyone equally (hey – we’s all sinners!). LOL!
That’s cool they will let anyone use the resource though. Buying in bulk is always beneficial – even if you share with non-members.
Still prayin for ya!
You know better than that….
You need to cmon by and pick up some PSA carbines for the remaining minions in your household.
I have been to LDS canneries perhaps a dozen times. While I don’t recall any of them slapping me on the back and crying out, “Hail, fellow, well met!” I never received anything but polite and courteous treatment.
As a non-Mormon, I consider the Mormons I have met to be much above average in character and mores when compared to the rest of the population.
It’s a shame that so many people who are tempted to get better prepared aren’t aware of the LDS cannery offerings.
Yeah…I’ve often wondered if maybe they had some sort of ‘affiliate membership’ or something where you can be a part of the larger organization without having to do any of the religious belief stuff. I’m guessing not…most religions are kinda funny about requiring people to actually, yknow, believe.
CZ,
Probably not busy at the cannery right now because there’s no foodstuff to can. It’s still winter, not even spring yet. Wheat, oats, fruit, tomatoes, not until summer & fall.
In some places they may be doing cheese and soaps, but that’s all I can think of for the moment.
Toxic Deplorable Racist SAH B Woodman
Well, today, at the Spokane Valley LDS Cannery we were met by a very friendly couple and a mostly depleted selection. All they had left was hot cocoa mix, peanut butter, and hard white or red wheat. We were told replenishment around 3/13. Yes, Friday the 13th. I made a Knight’s Templar joke they didn’t get. It seemed fitting anyway. I didn’t buy anything. My friend got about $200 worth of wheat and peanut butter. I wonder how many peanut butter sandwiches he’ll be able to make?
About 15-20 years ago I drove about an hour and a half north and worked twice at the LDS cannery on the northern edge of Indianapolis. Went solo the first time and my girlfriend joined me on the second trip. I can’t remember if we got any discount for working, but it was easy and interesting to actually learn how to can for long-term storage. As I recall those who worked turned in an order with what they wanted to buy and we worked all that up first. Just by the way things worked, we produced excess and it went on the shelves for others. Since then, the FDA (or some agency) made them eliminate the volunteer work parties. You can still buy long-term stores at the cannery, but the variety seems more limited. I’m not LDS, but the staff at the cannery were totally welcoming. Very much worthwhile if you have one within driving range.