LDS Grocery Shopping: Myths Debunked and Insights Revealed

Introduction

Often, there is a perception that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) do not shop in grocery stores frequently. This belief is largely due to the church's emphasis on self-reliance and preparedness, which includes food storage. However, this does not mean that LDS individuals do not engage in regular grocery shopping. In fact, many members, including missionaries, do shop at grocery stores regularly. Let's delve into the realities of LDS grocery shopping and clarify common misconceptions.

LDS Self-Reliance and Food Storage

The LDS community strongly emphasizes self-reliance and preparedness, which involves building food storage for emergencies. The Church operates its own network of food production and distribution facilities, including canneries, farms, and food storage centers. These resources are not only for church members but also for those in need through the church's welfare program, which includes food distribution.

Canning Operations

Members of the church often participate in food canning operations conducted at the canneries and packaging houses. For instance, during my time volunteering at one of their canneries, we canned food for various area food pantries, not just the Bishops Storehouses. The food items used were typically purchased in bulk from nationally known suppliers, such as Hunt-Wesson for tomato sauces.

Imposing government regulations ensure that these canned goods meet the highest standards. A government inspector is present during canning to monitor the production process, including the sealing of the cans, to ensure the safety and quality of the products. Items like green beans are even cooked inside the cans using autoclaves to preserve their quality.

Economic Considerations in Canning Operations

While many items are canned as part of these programs, it has become more cost-effective to buy goods already canned from processing plants, without labels, and then package them. This has led to a shift where only dry-packaging in cans is primarily done at the canneries, typically for personal orders.

Identifying LDS Members

Another common myth is that LDS members can be easily identified by a special glow or distinctive attire. In reality, apart from missionaries who wear name badges, many LDS members do not wear any special identifiers while shopping. Both my wife and I are members and we look like any other shoppers when not on duty. We dress modestly, but this is not unique to the LDS community.

The Question of Missionary Grocery Shopping

some people wonder if missionaries avoid grocery stores. While it's true that missionaries usually shop on Mondays before 6:00 pm, this does not mean they don't shop at all. Given that there are only one to six pairs of missionaries in most cities, the chances of encountering them in the store are relatively small. Moreover, missionaries, like everyone else, need to purchase items for personal use and conduct other community activities.

It's important to note that many missionaries live in different towns, further reducing the likelihood of seeing them in local grocery stores. Additionally, the perception that they don't shop frequently is a misconception fueled by the church's emphasis on self-reliance and preparedness. Missionaries, like all members, need to maintain a balanced personal and spiritual life, and shopping is an essential part of that.

Conclusion

In summary, despite the church's emphasis on self-reliance and food storage, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do shop at grocery stores. This activity is an integral part of their daily lives and community support. The church's focus on self-sufficiency and community support does not equate to a lack of grocery shopping. Recognizing and understanding the realities of LDS grocery shopping can help dispel common misconceptions and foster better understanding and inclusion.