Saturday

Packing in Foil Pouches

Avoid spoilage by packing goods for long term storage.

When a bulk order arrives, some co-ops offer a packing date so that those interested can store their goods (less than 10% moisture or oil content) in foil pouches for the long term.

On these packing dates you're very welcome to bring other items that you need to pack i.e. items that were on special from the supermarket - rice, pasta, sugar or old food storage that has been stored in buckets.

You will be taught and encouraged to seal your own (we all help measure and fill the bags). In foil pouches with oxygen absorbers. This allows items like grain, pasta and rolled oats to last up to 30years. PLUS the bonus that any weevils, moths or other insects will not be able to survive.


FOIL POUCHES and OXYGEN ABSORBERS are available by mail order at cost price from the LDS church. You do NOT have to be a member to order these products or use the sealing machine. Contact us if you are interested in using this facility would like a paid instruction class on this co.opstopaustralia@gmail.com.

In most areas, one or more people have shared the price of the foil pouches so others purchase the amount they need on the day. However, I would encourage everyone to buy their own pack of oxygen absorbers for future use (or if you need to re-do a couple the next time).

Once sealed, lie the packets on the floor and flatten them as much as possible. They'll suck in slightly as they're left over night as the oxygen absorber works and then they'll be easier to store flat or upright in storage containers.

Storage boxes are necessary as the foil pouches are not rodent proof.

This pic has 9 pouches of flour in each tub to go in the garage or under our bed. That's almost 50kilos of flour just in these two tubs (which is 9 months flour storage for two adults in total)
















The 'under the bed' tubs below are all full of wheat, wheat is so much heavier so only store a few pouches in smaller tubs so you can move them without getting a hernia!
It's a lot easier to move house when they're already in boxes.










Items not suitable for foil pouch storage are those with over 10% moisture (scroll down the page to find it).


Co-op Bulk Buy

My family have been following a church self reliance programme since the 70's that outlined the importance of exercise, health, education, finance, growing food (plants and animals) and stockpiling for hard times, now and in the future.

When I met a lady ordering for herself and her family from an organic mill, this seemed a no brainer for me! So I asked for the name of her supplier, and thus started the  "LDS Women's Co-op".

It quickly became open to the community as I realized how many other people wanted excellent quality health food without the extortionate retail prices - which was so hard to get.  Regardless of their reasons, back ground, beliefs or family size, I wanted EVERYONE to benefit from these bulk buys. So we became Co-op Stop Australia.

Our Mission
  •  To allow everyone in the community to have easier access to nutrient dense, high quality food.  
  • To close the affordability gap of high quality, high end/niche organic retail prices and budget friendly food.
  • To help educate and empower others to improve their own quality of life, to not get fooled by "health" fads, shops or hype, by providing transparent processes and honest research.
  • To teach short and long term food storage methods.
     * We do not offer health advice, please consult your own discretion before using recommended foods/products. Always seek medical advice  before using any conventional or complimentary medicines.

SO! If you're interested in soft prepping or sensible stockpiling and buying goods at wholesale prices for your family - get on board!

Co-op Stop is a group bulk buying scheme, we welcome other community groups. Please note the conditions at the bottom of this blog. Failure to comply with these conditions may terminate your membership.

Suppliers and products differ as to which Co-op area you're in. We endeavor to support Australian growers and local businesses where possible and reduce delivery costs etc.
Here's an example of some items we order:

Suppliers:
*From a health food wholesaler, we order things like nuts, dried fruit, milk alternatives, natural sweetners, rolled oats, lentils, chickpeas, popping corn, kidney beans, cous cous, milk alternatives, coconut sugar, teas etc.

*Hand made soaps
*Water tubs (220 litre/44 gallon)
*Organic raw bush honey (seasonal)
*Natural and safe skin /personal care products
*Who Gives a Crap - loo roll
*Toys at below retail
*Organic/pesticide free meat



Orders:
Emails are sent out to the co-op members notifying of the next purchase and payment close date, plus any special offers etc.
When you send your order in an email, we'll reply with the total cost and bank details for you to transfer or direct deposit the amount into before the specified close date.

You will be emailed again when the goods are ready to pick up and you must collect within 2 days unless other arrangements have been made with the person accepting the delivery.


JOINING FEE: There isn't one! As areas get bigger, more co-ops open and managers assigned.
Handling, or a 10% percent fee may be charged to cover the manager's own costs of administration, picking and packing.

From YOU: There isn't really much expected, other than to be courteous, abide by the conditions of membership and you may be asked to pick up a friend's order if you're able.  If you are able to lend a hand at some point, please let us know.

EMAIL me at co.opstopaustralia@gmail.com to join your local co-op distribution list.

* By joining the co-op you agree to the info and conditions given at the bottom of the blog. Breaching of these conditions will cancel your membership.