Columbia Bulk Food Co-Op
(sponsored by Christian Life Church)
Mission:
The mission of the Columbia Bulk Food Co-op is to help families obtain bulk food that can be stored long-term in order to be prepared for financial, natural, or other large disasters.
What Is It?
Columbia Bulk Food Co-Op offers dried grains, flours, baking products, and sweeteners along with dehydrated fruits and vegetables. These items are packaged in #10 cans or 6 gallon buckets with oxygen absorbers. Products packaged and stored this way will last for 3 – 20 years. The following chart will give you an idea of the storage life for product categories.
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Dehydrated and oxygen packed foods should be stored in dark containers in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature is between 40°F - 60°F. If you are able to keep the temperature around 70°, you should be okay. The shelf life will be cut down a little but not by much. If you store food in temperatures that are higher than 75°F or in a place where temperatures fluctuate, the food’s shelf life will be half of what’s listed here.
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Dried Food
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Approximate Shelf Life
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Dehydrated fruits and vegetables
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5-7 years
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Beans & Legumes
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10 years
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Wheat & Grains
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10-20 years
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Dehydrated dairy and baking products
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3-5 years
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We also have bulk items available for immediate consumption. Many people prefer to purchase whole grains, bulk flours and organic items in bulk. We offer these items at a discounted price. We also offer mylar bags and oxygen absorbers so that you can package items at home if you wish.
What Do I Do?
Ø Download an order form or pick-up one in the church office, sanctuary kiosk, or emergency food pantry.
Ø Submit order with payment by the listed due date to the church office, emergency food pantry office, or Angel Food drop box located under the gym awning. Payments may be made by money order, cash, or check. (Returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 returned check fee.)
Ø If you place your order in the church office or food pantry office, you may receive a receipt upon placement of order. Receipts will be delivered via email for payments placed in the Angel Food drop box.
When Do I Pick Up My Order?
Orders will be placed after the payment due date. Delivery takes approximately 12-15 weeks. You will be notified via phone and/or email when your order is ready for pick-up.
Helpful Links
Order Form Note: order deadline May 9th link
Long-Emergency Planner (link)
Food Calculator (link)
Recommendations for Fruits, Vegetables, Oil and Yeast (link)
How Can I Help?
Volunteers will be needed to help package food orders. Sign-up through Life-Link or call the church office (803) 798-4488 for more information.
